Nebraska Dragonflies and Damselflies

Paddle-tailed Darner

Aeshna palmata

Hagen, 1856

The Paddle-tailed Darner is a western species with paddle shaped appendages and a black cross line on the face. It has straight thoracic stripes which are usually yellow below and blue or green above. The males have large blue abdominal spots. Females may be blue or greenish-yellow. May patrol until late evening.

Uncommon. This is a western species just reaching western Nebraska. It has only been recorded from five counties, but there are numerous specimens. Abundance is difficult to estimate, since darners are usually difficult to catch and, when Paddle-tailed Darners are mixed in with Blue-eyed Darners, difficult to separate.

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