Blue-Spotted Comet
Anax concolor
This record describes Anax concolor (species). Recorded family: Aeshnidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
First US record photographed at Santa Ana NWR in June 2005. Subsequent records documented at Bentsen-RGV and Resaca de la Palma State Parks.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Reportedly breeds in ponds. Adults in the LRGV generally found hanging in forest, relatively high.
Geographic Range
Hidalgo & Cameron Co., Texas - Map / south through Argentina / Bahamas and Greater and some of the Lesser Antilles.
Seasonal Activity
US records to date (less than a dozen, I think) all seem to range between late May and November.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anax concolor Brauer, 1865
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Anax concolor. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Blue-Spotted Comet (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue-Spotted Comet
What is Blue-Spotted Comet?
Blue-Spotted Comet (Anax concolor) is a species in the family Aeshnidae, within the order Odonata.
Where is Blue-Spotted Comet found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Reportedly breeds in ponds. Adults in the LRGV generally found hanging in forest, relatively high. |
| Range | Hidalgo & Cameron Co., Texas - Map / south through Argentina / Bahamas and Greater and some of the Lesser Antilles. |
When is Blue-Spotted Comet active?
Blue-Spotted Comet: seasonal activity - US records to date (less than a dozen, I think) all seem to range between late May and November..