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Springtime Darner

Springtime Darner

genus: Basiaeschna

Springtime Darner

This genus contains only one species.  It is a small darner with a reddish brown thorax with two narrow straight yellow or white lateral stripes. The stripes on the dorsal thorax are rather thin and fade with age.  The abdomen of the mature male is brown and brightly spotted with pairs of drop shaped markings on all segments.  The wings are clear with small dark patches at the bases.  Eyes vary from brown to dark blue.

Females are similar, the blue form female is brown with blue spots.  The green form female has green spots.  Eye are blue, wings are hyaline with a spot at the base of each wing.

These dragonflies perch vertically or in an oblique position, usually low to the ground, but also at times atop high trees.

These Darners are one of the earliest to be seen in the Springtime, hence their name.

Springtime Darners prefer slow moving woodland rivers and streams , forested lakes and often can be seen patrolling over open fields.

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