Green Darner

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Green Darner
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Subphylum: Hexapoda Class: Insecta Order: Odonata Suborder: Anisoptera Family: Aeshnidae Genus: Anax Species: A. junius
Binomial name
Anax junius (Drury, 1773)

The Green Darner or Common Green Darner (Anax junius) is a dragonfly of the family Aeshnidae, native to North America. It is one of the biggest and fastest-flying dragonflies, able to reach speeds of 85 km/h (55 mph). This species has several nicknames, including "Darning Needle" for its speed, "Mosquito Hawk" for its predatory habits, and "Lord of June" for its abundance during the summer season. It is also Washington State's state insect.

[edit] External links

• Green Darner diagnostic photographs, male and female, mating wheel
• BBC story about their migration
• Green Darner on Animal Diversity Web

[edit] References

• Anax junius (TSN 101598). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 8 February 2006.