The hawkers (or darners in North
America) (family Aeshnidae) include the largest dragonflies
found in North America and Europe,
and are among the largest of the dragonflies on the planet. Common worldwide
or nearly worldwide genera are Aeshna and Anax. The African
Anax tristis has a wingspan of over 125-mm, making it one of the world's
largest known dragonflies. The larvae
(nymphs or naiads) are generally slender compared to those of other
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families, with long and flat extensible lower lip (labia). The adults spend
large amounts of time in the air and seem to fly tirelessly. Most are colored
blue and or green, with black and occasionally yellow. All are extremely hard
to catch because of their flying abilities and keen sight.
Bibliography
Silsby, Jill. 2001. Dragonflies of the World. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D.C.
