Family: Aeschnidae, Darners view all from this family

Description The Comet Darner is a member of the family Aeschnidae. Darners are among the largest and fastest-flying North American dragonflies, 2 1/4-4 3/4" (57-120 mm) long. These brilliant blue, green, or brown insects have large, clear wings spanning up to 5 7/8" (150 mm). Their hemispherical compound eyes meet on top of the head. The female hovers above water and, using a well-developed ovipositor, thrusts eggs one at a time through the surface film of ponds and streams. Naiads, to 2 1/2" (65 mm) long, have a very flat lower lip, with no grasping bristles on the side, and relatively short legs.