Green-striped Darner

The Green-striped Darner is a North American dragonfly species most easily distinguished by the vibrant, green lateral stripes decorating the sides of its thorax. Its large size and predominantly blue or green spotting also help separate it from other similar darners.

This dragonfly species is native to North America, frequently found near ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. They prefer habitats with abundant emergent vegetation, which provides necessary cover for them to hunt and breed.

Green-striped Darners are most active during the warmer months, typically flying from late spring through early autumn. You will often spot them patrolling rapidly over bodies of water or resting on low shrubs during the summer.

Like other dragonfly species, the Green-striped Darner begins its life as an aquatic nymph that is a highly aggressive predator. The nymphs feed on aquatic insects, mosquito larvae, and sometimes even small tadpoles or fish fry.