Cyrano Darner - Nasiaeschna pentacantha (Rambur, 1842)

This is a species of concern. Please report any encounters to Odonata Central.

Range & Habitat:

Has been found in the northern and southern counties, but there is no reason why it could not be located elsewhere. It is quite local and the recorded distribution may reflect the observers' behavior more than the critter's.



Flies slow patrols over lazy streams and ponds in late morning, chasing off other dragonflies. May be found feeding along woodland edges and grassy parking lots.



Flight Season:
Early Date: 29 May
Late Date: 19 July

Flight season charts created from records in the official database maintained by Allen Barlow.

Male Dorsal - Photo by Jim Bangma
Click on a thumbnail to view full-size photo
Description:

A rather stocky darner with bold green thoracic stripes and blue abdominal spots. The "nose" projects forward and is pale blue. The blue eyes and "nose" can make one think of Spatterdock Darner but the green thorax separates the males readily. The patrolling is also quite distinctive.


 

Conservation Status:
State: S3S4 Apparently secure but should be watched
Global: G5 Secure globally, but possibly rare in parts of its range