Harlequin Darner
Gomphaeschna furcillata
This record describes Gomphaeschna furcillata (species). Recorded family: Aeshnidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
A very small darner. See print and Internet references.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Bogs, swamps, esp. cypress, alder, cedar swamps.
Geographic Range
Eastern United States and adjacent Canada.
Seasonal Activity
January-August in much of United States. May-July in southern Canada.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predatory.
Life History
Females lay eggs in wet wood about 15 cm. above water level.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Gomphaeschna furcillata. 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 Harlequin Darner (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Joshua Stuart Rose
Frequently Asked Questions About Harlequin Darner
What is Harlequin Darner?
Harlequin Darner (Gomphaeschna furcillata) is a species in the family Aeshnidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Harlequin Darner?
Length 55 mm
How do you identify Harlequin Darner?
A very small darner. See print and Internet references.
Where is Harlequin Darner found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Bogs, swamps, esp. cypress, alder, cedar swamps. |
| Range | Eastern United States and adjacent Canada. |
What does Harlequin Darner eat?
The diet of the Harlequin Darner includes Predatory..
When is Harlequin Darner active?
Harlequin Darner: seasonal activity - January-August in much of United States. May-July in southern Canada..
What is the life cycle of a Harlequin Darner?
Females lay eggs in wet wood about 15 cm. above water level.