Darners

Darners are large dragonflies and include some of the largest. They have long, slender abdomens and large compound eyes that meet on the top of the head. They are strong, active fliers and voracious hunters that prey on flying insects. Some darners are known to migrate long distances. When they perch they hang vertically. Females have an ovipositor with blades that they use to insert eggs into plant tissue immersed in water. Known life cycles (egg to aquatic larva to adult) are usually 1 year, and up to 6 years in the north. To prevent others from mating with her, the male Green Darner flies in tandem with the female while she lays eggs. There are 39 species of Darners in North America. Another common name for these is “darning needles.” They are harmless to humans and very beneficial for the amount of insects they consume.

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