Quick Common Green Darner facts
1. Common green darners are among the largest and fastest dragonflies in North AmericaCommon green darners are among the largest and fastest dragonflies in North America.
2. Adults have a bright green thorax and long blue or brown abdomen depending on sexAdults have a bright green thorax and long blue or brown abdomen depending on sex.
3. Some populations migrate hundreds of kilometers southward during late summer…Some populations migrate hundreds of kilometers southward during late summer and autumn.
4. The full round-trip migration is completed by multiple generations rather…The full round-trip migration is completed by multiple generations rather than individual insects.
5. Aquatic nymphs are fierce predators of insect larvaeAquatic nymphs are fierce predators of insect larvae, tadpoles and tiny fish.
6. Adults catch mosquitoesAdults catch mosquitoes, flies and other flying insects using their legs as a basket.
7. Large compound eyes provide nearly panoramic vision during aerial huntingLarge compound eyes provide nearly panoramic vision during aerial hunting.
8. Scientists use tiny radio transmitters and stable-isotope chemistry to track…Scientists use tiny radio transmitters and stable-isotope chemistry to track long-distance dragonfly migration.
9. Common Green Darner is an insect and therefore has six jointed legs as an adultCommon Green Darner is an insect and therefore has six jointed legs as an adult.
10. Its body follows the insect plan of headIts body follows the insect plan of head, thorax and abdomen.
11. Common Green Darner has a hard external skeleton made largely…Common Green Darner has a hard external skeleton made largely from chitin rather than an internal bony skeleton.
12. A pair of antennae provides important chemical and mechanical information…A pair of antennae provides important chemical and mechanical information about the surroundings.
13. Like other insects, Common Green Darner grows by molting because…Like other insects, Common Green Darner grows by molting because the rigid exoskeleton cannot expand continuously.
14. Oxygen reaches tissues through a branching tracheal system rather than…Oxygen reaches tissues through a branching tracheal system rather than being carried mainly by blood from lungs.
15. Compound eyes divide the visual field into many small units…Compound eyes divide the visual field into many small units and are especially effective at detecting movement.
16. As an ectotherm, Common Green Darner's activity level is strongly…As an ectotherm, Common Green Darner's activity level is strongly influenced by environmental temperature.
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Why common green darner are fascinating
Common green darners are large migratory dragonflies that cross continents in multi-generation movements. Looking at these traits together reveals how the animal solves the everyday challenges of feeding, movement, communication, reproduction and survival.
Frequently asked questions
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