The Common Green Darner is one of the most common and most recognized dragonflies in North America. They are one of a few species of dragonfly in North America that migrates. They are one of the earliest species of dragonflies spotted in the north each year with first sighting in April or earlier
One of the few species in North America that migrate south. Many emerge in late summer and begin to migrate south in large groups. When they arrive at their southern destination they mate and lay eggs. Their offspring grow as nymphs and when they emerge they fly north, arriving and laying eggs before most other species emerge. The offspring of these darners start the process over again. Common Green Darners that do not emerge in time to migrate will mate and lay eggs in their northern territory. Their offspring will over winter as nymphs similar to other species of dragonflies that do not migrate.
Still waters such as lakes, ponds, marshes and slow moving streams
Pairs lay eggs in water logged wood or aquatic vegetation while in tandem
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Range maps and checklists courtesy of Odonata Central. Copyright © 2016 OdonataCentral. All Rights Reserved. Abbott, J.C. 2006-2018. OdonataCentral: An online resource for the distribution and identification of Odonata. Available at www.odonatacentral.org.
Note: Migratory green darners can be seen as early as March in Minnesota depending on the weather.