E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Wildlife of British Columbia

Aeshna subarctica
Muskeg Darner; Subarctic Darner
Family: Aeshnidae

Species account author: Robert Cannings.
Extracted from Introducing the Dragonflies of British Columbia and the Yukon (2002)

Introduction to the Odonata of BC
The Families of Odonata of BC

Distribution of Aeshna subarctica in British Columbia

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Species Information

Description

Similar to the Sedge Darner, but can be distinguished by the thorax stripes, which are shaped differently and lack a black border. Male’s upper appendages simple. Length: ♂ 68 mm, ♀ 66 mm.

Flight Period

B.C., mid June to early October; Yukon, late June to mid September.

Genus Description

Mosaic Darners are common in B.C. and the Yukon; they fly everywhere dragonflies are found. All 11 B.C. species are large and can usually be distinguished by their variations on a basic colour pattern. Generally, the body is brown, and each side of the thorax has a pair of blue, green or yellow stripes – their shape is important in identification. Look also for the colour of the face and the line across its middle. Viewed from above, the forehead bears a distinctive T-shaped mark, called the “T-spot”. The abdominal spots on males are usually blue, and on females green, yellow or blue. Male upper appendages come in three types.

Biology

Family Description

Large, swift-flying dragonflies, usually marked with blue, green or yellow. Adults hunt tirelessly for insects over ponds, lakes and streams, and wander widely in search of prey. Most species rest in a vertical position, but a few sit flat on the ground. Females have a prominent ovipositor and lay eggs in water plants or floating wood above or below the water line. Larvae are slender and sleek, with flat labia lacking bristles; they are rapacious hunters among water plants. Recently, A. californica and A. multicolor have been transferred from Aeshna to Rhionaeschna.

Field Notes

Lives in peatland habitats – bogs and deep fens that are dominated by aquatic mosses.

Distribution

Northern; also across northern Eurasia. Widespread throughout B.C. and the Yukon.

Status Information

Origin Status	Provincial Status	BC List (Red Blue List)	COSEWIC
Native	S5	Yellow	Not Listed

BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Links

Taxonomic details from OdonataCentral

Additional Photo Sources

Photos from OdonataCentral
Flickr Image Search
Google Image Search
Images from Calphoto

General References

Searchable Dragonfly & Damselfly Bibliography, 1773 - present
Google Scholar Search

Recommended citation: Author, Date. Page title. In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Editor) 2021. E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Fauna of British Columbia [efauna.bc.ca]. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. [Accessed: 2023-09-23 3:36:26 AM]

Disclaimer: The information contained in an E-Fauna BC atlas pages is derived from expert sources as cited (with permission) in each section. This information is scientifically based. E-Fauna BC also acts as a portal to other sites via deep links. As always, users should refer to the original sources for complete information. E-Fauna BC is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the original information.