Fairly common, throughout MN
Found on the wing from early July to the end of September
Average about 2.8 in. long
Description: Both sexes have a pale green face not bisected by a black crossline, like other darners. Front thoracic stripe has an indentation in the middle, and both stripes are wider at the top. Male abdomen is black/brown with pale-green spots running the entire length. Males also have a downward-pointing spur characteristic to this species. Distinguishing features of the female are that segment 3 is more constricted than other darners, and that segment 9 is longer than most (due to its enlarged ovipositor). Color in females is extremely variable, and ranges from blue to green to yellow. Female wings are often tinted orange-brown.
Like most darners, they hunt in swarms, often intermingling with other species.
These darners prefer sunlight, and usually land before dusk. They prefer to land on foot high grasses to tree trunks. Like other darners, this species’ mating is a violent affair. The male grasps the female behind the head, and the pair settle in low vegetation. The females then oviposit eggs individual into plant stems.
Similar to Shadow Darner, but this latter species prefers shade.