Our insect of the week for March 23, 2026 is Anax junius, the green darner. [ODONATA: Aeshnidae] It was described by Dru Drury (an English entomologist) in 1773.

This species is commonly found throughout the continental United States and southern Canada. It has been reported as far south as Panama; populations are also known form Hawaii and the Caribbean.

Adults are large dragonfllies recognized by their unmarked green thorax. Wings are usually clear. Adults and nymphs are predators. Adults typically eat other winged insects (including many flies and mosquitos, butterflies, wasps); nymphs feed on aquatic insects, tadpoles, small fish.

Adults are usually found near lakes and streams; but they are strong fliers and can be observed quite some distance from water sources. For example, I have seen a number of adults hunting above corn fields in central Illinois.

This is one of a number of Odonata which migrate. It appears the first generation emerges as adults in the southern part of its range and migrates northward. The second generation emerges in northern regions and migrates southwards at the end of the summer. The third generation overwinters in the south and does not migrate. When migrating, some individuals have ben tracked moving at an average speed of 10 miles per hour.

Adults are often observed in central Illinois from April through September.

The specimen shown in the photo was collected by Gordon Adams in Peoria County, Illinois.