Common Name:
Canada Darner Dragonfly
Scientific Name:
Aeshna Canadensis
Unique Qualities:
Darner Dragonflies are known for the beautiful stripes along their thorax and spots on their abdomen that are blue, green or yellow. Dragonflies begin their life as a larva, living in the water. When winter is over, the larva changes into an adult by climbing out of the water onto a plant and shedding its skin. Adults only live for about two months and spend most of this time mating.
Can be Seen:
The Canada Darner Dragonfly can be found in British Columbia, mainly on the southern coast and southern interior. They may be found in the Yukon as well.
Likes to hang out:
The Darner Dragonfly’s favourite habitat is in ponds, lakes, and wetlands such as bogs, where vegetation is floating. You may find them near beaver dams where there are lots of logs in the water.
Likes to Eat:
The Darner Dragonfly eats mosquitoes and other flying insects. It uses its legs to form a little basket for snaring its prey. These aerial acrobats are amazing hunters, since 80% of their brains are used for vision. Each of their enormous eyes can see in every direction, and contains 30,000 tiny eyes that make them super-sensitive to movement.
Status:
Although Canada Darner populations are stable, the biggest threat to this species is habitat loss. Wetlands, where Darners like to hang out, are being filled in at an alarming rate.
Extra Info:
They can see in every single direction.
