Springtime Darner
Basiaeschna janata
This record describes Basiaeschna janata (species). Recorded family: Aeshnidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Males have brown thorax with two relatively straight yellow lateral thoracic stripes. |
| Eyes | Eyes generally blue. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen spotted with blue. Female similar but abdominal spots may be blue or green. |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lakes, ponds, bogs, slow-moving streams. Also feeds along forest margins.
Geographic Range
Eastern U.S. and southeastern Canada.
Seasonal Activity
Spring.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Flying insects.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Basiaeschna janata. 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 Springtime Darner (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV
Frequently Asked Questions About Springtime Darner
What is Springtime Darner?
Springtime Darner (Basiaeschna janata) is a species in the family Aeshnidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Springtime Darner?
Typically 60-62 mm.
How do you identify Springtime Darner?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Males have brown thorax with two relatively straight yellow lateral thoracic stripes. |
| Eyes | Eyes generally blue. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen spotted with blue. Female similar but abdominal spots may be blue or green. |
Where is Springtime Darner found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Lakes, ponds, bogs, slow-moving streams. Also feeds along forest margins. |
| Range | Eastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. |
What does Springtime Darner eat?
The diet of the Springtime Darner includes Flying insects..
When is Springtime Darner active?
Springtime Darner: seasonal activity - Spring..