Common Green Darner Dragonfly On Green Bush - Anax Junius Stock Photo

The green darner or common green darner (Anax junius), after its resemblance to a darning needle, is a species of dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. One of the most common and abundant species throughout North America, it also ranges south to Panama. It is the official insect for the state of Washington in the United States. Common green darners are commonly found throughout the continental United States and southern Canada. Common green darners are large dragonflies, ranging from 6.8 to 8 centimetres (2.7 to 3.1 in) in length and a wingspan of up to 10 centimetres (3.9 in). Both sexes have an unmarked green thorax. Mature males have bluish-purple abdomens (the first few abdominal segments are the brightest) with a black dorsal stripe that broadens near the end of the abdomen.