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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#1125768
large dragonfly on thistle - Aeshna umbrosa
Copyright © 2015 Martha O'Kennon

large dragonfly on thistle - Aeshna umbrosa
Albion, Calhoun County, Michigan, USA
August 20, 2015
This dragonfly was hanging from a thistle which is the site of a large treehopper (possibly Entylia) colony about an hour before dusk. The leaves of this thistle are dry and droopy, and the dragonfly blended right in. Is this a shadow darner? I've only seen the large dragonflies flying at dusk picking off mosquitoes, and wonder if they feast on the treehoppers in the daytime. I'd appreciate if someone can do an ID on this beauty. Thanks in advance!
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Contributed by Martha O'Kennon on 21 August, 2015 - 8:39am
Last updated 8 September, 2015 - 6:02pm

Moved
Moved from Dragonflies.
… Ben Coulter, 8 September, 2015 - 6:02pm login or register to post comments

Moved
Moved from ID Request.
… v belov, 6 September, 2015 - 9:19pm login or register to post comments

looks like Shadow darner
As for feeding on mosquitoes - mosquitoes stay close to places they can find a host - mammals, birds, etc. which means generally below tree top height. Dragonfly swarms in open areas will be feeding on something else. Some dragonflies and especially damselflies are gleaners, ie picking prey off surfaces, but most dragonflies are aerial hunters.
… Larry de March, 21 August, 2015 - 9:15am login or register to post comments

 
dragonfly feeding habits
Thanks for the quick turn-around on my questions. Last year I had a chance to watch another large dragonfly flying around my small pond. It seemed to have found a good feeding source in the air there. You're right, I find damselflies resting on a plant and when I zoom in on the photo find that they have prey in their mouths and hands, if you don't mind anthropomorphisms. I went inside after seeing this big guy or doll and didn't get a chance to watch for pond-centered action. I was curious because that thistle is just loaded with treehoppers of all instars. Thanks again,

Martha
… Martha O'Kennon, 21 August, 2015 - 12:31pm login or register to post comments

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