Lance-tipped Darner
Search For More Images
Aeshna constricta
Say, 1839
Order Odonata
Suborder Anisoptera
Superfamily Aeshnoidea
Family Aeshnidae
Genus Aeshna
Species constricta Say, 1839 [Aeshna]
Identification
This is a robust widely distributed northern species. The thorax is reddish-brown with yellowish stripes. The second lateral stripe is distinctly broader than the first. The wings are clear and there are generally six paranal cells in the hindwing, including three within the anal loop. The abdomen is brown with bluish-green spots. The male ce
rci have a prominent posteroventrally projecting spine.
Size
Total length: 65-72 mm; abdomen: 45-57 mm; hindwing: 42-47 mm.
Similar Species
Lance-tipped Darner is most similar to Shadow Darner (A. umbrosa
) when comparing the male caudal appendages, but the two can be distinguished in the hand by the color of the back of the head, which is pale in the Shadow and black in Lance-tipped Darner.
Habitat
Open sunlit ponds, slow streams and marshes with emergent vegetation.
Discussion
This species has only been reported from Arkansas once. It is a common northern species that is active during sunny days, but like most Mosaic Darners it is also active at dusk. Egg laying requires a relatively longer period of time than in other species and takes place in aquatic plants, up to 1 m above the waterline.
Distribution
Northern North America from southern Canada southward to northern Arkansas and New Mexico.
View a Full Map in the Distribution Viewer
