Darners
What are they?
Darners are the 'brutes' of the dragonfly world, being the largest - and therefore usually most obvious - species. Some species are migrants from the south, often appearing in great numbers in later summer. Others can be surprisingly elusive denizens of dark, forested streambanks.
Identification
Though most species can be readily identified by the pattern and colors on the abdomen and thorax, identification can sometimes be made difficult by the fact that these insects often spend long periods of time hunting, thus making observation difficult. Many are also unapproachable so binoculars can be useful.
Green Darner Anax junius
Length: 2.7-3.3 inches. Flight time: Mid March to late December. A common species throughout much of the year, becoming remarkably abundant as an immigrant some years, when countless thousands, if not millions, swarm through Cape May, especially on southbound migration in the fall. Adult males are easy to identify with their apple green thoraxes and brilliant blue abdomens, though the blue color fades to plum purple on cold days late in the season. Females are like duller versions with abdomens usually purplish but becoming pale blue during breeding. Immature individuals can be slightly reddish, and thus tempting confusion with Comet Darner. The black spot on the top of the head in front of the eyes identifies this species from any other similar ones.
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Comet Darner Anax longipes
Length: 2.9-3.4 inches. Flight time: early March to early September. A large and colorful darner that occurs in variable numbers from year to year, probably due to occasional immigrations from the south. Usually seen on regular patrols out over open water and is generally not an easy species to get close to.
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Swamp Darner Epiaeschna heros
Length: 3.3-3.4 inches. Flight time: Late April to late October. A common to very common species that may be abundant during late summer/early fall southward migration. This is the largest dragonfly in Cape May County and size alone is often enough to identify it. Hunts actively and swiftly, flying on regular patrols for extended periods of time and often high overhead.
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Harlequin Darner Gomphaeschna furcillata
Length: 2.2-2.3 inches. Flight time: Mid April to early July. A common species in the northern half of the county where it may be found around sphagnum ponds and dirt roads in wooded areas. A bright, well-marked species with a heavily patterned abdomen.
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Taper-tailed Darner Gomphaeschna antilope
Length: 1.8-2.0 inches. Flight time: Late May to mid July. A small and dark species of darner which may occasionally be found in the northern half of the county. It is most likely to be found around sphagnum ponds and dirt roads in wooded areas where it can be quite elusive. Very similar to Harlequin Darner, especially when immature. Males can be most easily told from other similar species by their long cerci at the end of the abdomen.
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male abdomen |
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Springtime Darner Basiaeschna janata
Length: 2.4 inches. Flight time: Mid April to early July. A small species of darner which may occasionally be found in the northern third of the county, but appears to be rather elusive and hard to find and is generally found singly. Most likely to be confused with Harlequin Darner which is similar and flies at the same time. Springtime Darner is more boldly marked with blue and has much narrower stripes on the side of the thorax than is usual for other darner species.
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