Shadow Darner - Aeshna umbrosa

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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata) » Dragonflies (Anisoptera) » Darners (Aeshnidae) » Mosaic Darners (Aeshna) » Shadow Darner (Aeshna umbrosa)

Photo#462482

Copyright © 2010 Kelly Fiegle

Shadow Darner - Aeshna umbrosa -

Kokomo, Howard County, Indiana, USA
October 6, 2010
Size: 3"

I'm pretty sure that this is a shadow darner, but I'm curious whether it's male or female. Also wondering what the appendage dangling from the tail might be, and what the brown spot on the right eye is about. In any case, I'd love a confirmation of the i.d. Thanks!

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Contributed by Kelly Fiegle on 7 October, 2010 - 8:38am
Last updated 27 December, 2012 - 6:47am

Moved

Moved from ID Request.

… Kelly Fiegle, 8 October, 2010 - 8:13am

"Business end"

Well, you did ask. That's fecal matter. It likely has been perched there for some time, as this usually falls away almost immediately.

… Ben Coulter, 7 October, 2010 - 8:19pm

Thanks for identifying the "appendage"

I watched him fly up, take a dip in the pool, then land on the pool gate. I assumed the "appendage" must be a sexual organ, but fecal matter makes much more sense. I gave it a gentle tug, but it didn't fall away. Maybe he's constipated :) Thanks for the info.

… Kelly Fiegle, 8 October, 2010 - 7:57am

Male Shadow Darner

… Dan Jackson, 7 October, 2010 - 10:08am

Male Shadow Darner

Thanks for confirming species and identifying him as a male!

… Kelly Fiegle, 8 October, 2010 - 7:52am

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