Nebraska Dragonflies and Damselflies

Lance-tipped Darner

Aeshna constricta

Say, 1839

The Lance-tipped Darner is a widespread dragonfly with paddle or wedge type claspers. The first side stripes are somewhat bent in the middle and are often greenish yellow on top and blue below. It is very similar to the Paddle-tailed Darner, but the Lance-tipped lacks a facial cross line. The females may be blue, green or yellow and have large, pointed appendages (shaped like lances). The female Shadow Darner has appendages that are narrow and not pointed. Both sexes may be found perching (hanging) in low plants.

Fairly common. Southern Nebraska is almost the southern boundary for this northern transcontinental species. This is the commonest and most widespread of the Nebraska Aeshna. The species is difficult to identify on the wing but probably resident in many counties. This darner stays late and is probably the only one you would find in late September and certainly in October – one was caught at Liberty Cove RA, Webster County, on October 17, 2012.

Green indicates accepted county record (specimen or photograph).
Yellow indicates sight record only.