Dragonfly, Sub-Artic Darner

This lady came flying in my basement yesterday.  She was 3 inches long and had a wingspan of almost four inches.  

Her Latin name is Aeshna subartica.  Her family name is Aeshnidae and includes some of the largest and most powerful of the world's dragonflies.  They are robust insects and usually dark colored with striking blue or green markings.  The eyes are large and touch each other on top of the head.  

I cupped her carefully in my hands and helped her to find her way out of the basement.  Before releasing her, unharmed, I had a chance to show her to two of my grandchildren.   NM  6-22-03
  

Sub-Artic Darner
3" x 4"