Family: Aeshnidae
Length: typically 58-63 mm
The Springtime Darner looks like a Mosaic Darner (genus Aeshna), with its blue spots resembling fine Italian stone work. It is, though, in a different genus, Basiaeschnain fact, it is the only species in that genus. The Springtime Darner is smaller than any of West Virginias Mosaic Darners, and it flies earlier than the Mosaic Darners, hence its common name.
This species may be seen feeding along the margins of woods, and even in open woods. It also feeds over water, and like all dragonflies, is at the water for mating and egg-laying.
The male has a brown thorax with two relatively straight yellow stripes on each side of the thorax. Sometimes the upper ends of these stripes are greenish. Eyes are usually blue, and the abdomen is spotted with blue.
The female has similar coloration, but may have either blue or green spots on the abdomen.
Springtime Darners are most often encountered at ponds and lakes, bogs, slow-moving streams, and forest margins.
Right: Note the brown thorax with two relatively straight yellow stripes on each side. The eyes more typically would be blue.
