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Green Darner Dragonfly

Green Darner Dragonfly line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

Green Darner Dragonfly full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The Green Darner Dragonfly illustration was completed 1.28.2011. I had been meaning to draw one of these handsome insect for some time, after I watched them patrol a pond in the hills near Berkeley. Their agility is amazing, and on hot days it seems they hardly come to rest for more than a moment. The intricacy of their wings is difficult but fun to render. It's based on a photo by Skip Vetter.

Information about the Green Darner Dragonfly:

The Green Darner gets it's unique name due to it's resemblance to a darning needle. These are a species of dragonfly native to much of the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean and Tahiti. They are one of the largest dragonflies, with a wingspan of over 4.5 inches and a body length of 4 inches. The adults are formidable predators, feeing on many different insects such as mosquitoes, wasps, butterflies, bees and other dragonflies. Green Darners mate in mid-air, on the ground or hanging from vegetation. They are the official insect of the state of Washington.