docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

The most common dragonfly I saw while surveying in the Austin area was the Anax junius or "Ajs" as we sometimes refer to them. Anax is a genus of Green Darners. They are a rather large species coming in at about 3 inches and the wingspan just slightly greater. The name Common Green Darner is quite apropos. It's range is lower Canada the US down to Panama. They are one of the migrating species. What is different about it is there are also local species that hatch, spend a few years as a naiad, emerge mate, live out their life and die in an area close to their emergence. Others emerge and migrate northward in early spring and can be seen as one of the earliest species of the season. During bird migrations large swarms of these darners can be seen in the flyway.
The coloration you see in my pics is common of mature adults of the species.

Common Green Darner (Anax junius) M by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

Common Green Darner (Anax junius) F by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

Another Draginfly in the family Aeshnidae (Darners) is the Comet Darner. I was very fortunate to find this one perched high up in a tree. I have seen them patrolling but never perched. The Comet Darner is considered a tropical species and the center of its North American distribution lies in southern Kentucky. It ranges north to New Brunswick, south to Cuba and west to Texas and Wisconsin. Sometimes in different stages of maturity they can be difficult to distinguish from the Common Green Darners. But if you look very closely at the frons (forehead) of the Ajs you can see what is called the "bullseye." In the following picture of the male Comet Darner (Anax longipes) you can see it is not present.

Comet Darner (Anax obscurus) M by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

The long thin abdomen is the reason for the name darner as it resembles a darning needle.
Enjoy. More to come.
>i< Doc

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Gorgeous set, Doc! You used your time in Texas well.

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks so much Mike. Glad you enjoyed them and yes my time was used well as it mainly involved seeing my beautiful G-kids and spending time with them.
>i< Doc

Vector

WOW!!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Awesome, Doc. Some of your best.

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks Vector. I really appreciate you taking the time to look in and comment.
>i< Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks so much Ken. Maybe the southern dragons are just more photogenic!
>i< Doc

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Very nice shots!

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thank you Dan. It was a good trip. More to come.
>i< Doc

Sylvias Loc: North Yorkshire England

Whatever beauties and great shots Doc. Thank you very much for the information too.

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

You're welcome Sylvia. I enjoy helping people learn what they're looking at. I appreciate the fine comment. So glad that you enjoyed them. Locally, the season is basically over here in Delaware. I did an hour walk yesterday and only saw four dragons.
>i< Doc

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

Nice captures

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks so much for the wonderful comment. I appreciate you taking the time to look in. >i< Doc