• 11 genera and 38 species in North America
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Family: | Aeshnidae |
Identification Tips:
Larvae
• Body length 30-60 mm
• Body is elongate and cylindrical
• Lower lip is flat, not scoop or spoon-like
• Antennae are slender with 6 or 7 similar segments
Adults
• Typically large bodied, swift fliers
• Usually with blue, green or yellow markings
• Most rest in vertical position
Life History:
Larvae
• Typically found along edges of ponds, lakes or wetlands
• Usually found on stems living or dead aquatic plants, woody debris or masses of roots
• Some live in running water usually under stones or waterlogged wood
• Stalking predators; feed on invertebrates or fish larvae
Adults
• Some species produce 1 generation per year, others have require 2, 3, or 4 years to complete the life cycle
• Hunt over ponds, wetlands and streams, wandering widely
• Females lay eggs among plants or floating wood
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
| Most | ||||
––––––
Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.
