Giant Darner
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Anax walsinghami
McLachlan, 1882
Order Odonata
Suborder Anisoptera
Superfamily Aeshnoidea
Family Aeshnidae
Genus Anax
Species walsinghami McLachlan, 1882 [Anax]
Syn Anax validus Hagen, 1875
Identification
This is the largest dragonfly in North America. It is only found in the western extremes of our region and, due to its size, it is not likely to be confused with other species. The face is green and the top of the frons is marked with a dark spot surrounded anteriorly by a semicircle o
f blue. The thorax is green with legs dark brown becoming black at 2/3 the length of the femur. The costal vein is yellow. The abdomen is largely brown, heavily marked with blue in males and green in females. The prominent caudal appendages of the male are brown. The cerci are about twice as long as the epiproct.
Size
Total length: 88-116 mm; abdomen: 67-90 mm; hindwing: 56-67 mm.
Similar Species
The large size of this species makes it nearly unmistakable. Common Green Darner is smaller and has a much quicker flight.
Habitat
Slow-flowing open, spring-fed, streams, ponds and pools
Discussion
This species may be locally abundant and, despite its size, has a slower, more lumbering flight as compared to other green darners. Males consistently patrol low over the water and fly with long beats over streams and ponds. Females are known to lay eggs in tandem, an unusual behavior among the darners in North America.
Distribution
Southwestern U.S., Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras.
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