Fawn Darner
Boyeria vinosa
This record describes Boyeria vinosa (species). Recorded family: Aeshnidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Adult :Large, brown spots at base of each wing. Yellow spots on side of thorax. Typically flies in the evening. see to differentiate from grafiana Nymph : see to differentiate from grafiana Famous for approaching humans if they are wading in a stream.
Wikipedia reference for Boyeria vinosa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boyeria_vinosa.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Forested streams
Geographic Range
Eastern North America
Seasonal Activity
March to December in Florida, June-September in northern part of range
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predatory on flying insects
Life History
Females oviposit singly in or above wet wood or algae, or on aquatic plants. Males patrol stream edges, often just before dark.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Boyeria vinosa. 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 Fawn Darner (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Fawn Darner
What is Fawn Darner?
Fawn Darner (Boyeria vinosa) is a species in the family Aeshnidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Fawn Darner?
Length 60-70 mm
How do you identify Fawn Darner?
Adult :Large, brown spots at base of each wing. Yellow spots on side of thorax. Typically flies in the evening. see to differentiate from grafiana Nymph : see to differentiate from grafiana
Where is Fawn Darner found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Forested streams |
| Range | Eastern North America |
What does Fawn Darner eat?
The diet of the Fawn Darner includes Predatory on flying insects.
When is Fawn Darner active?
Fawn Darner: seasonal activity - March to December in Florida, June-September in northern part of range.
What is the life cycle of a Fawn Darner?
Females oviposit singly in or above wet wood or algae, or on aquatic plants. Males patrol stream edges, often just before dark.