Insects: Native Species
Scientific name: Anax strenuus
Common name(s): Pinao , Giant Hawaiian Dragonfly
Status: Endemic
Habitat: This dragonfly is found along stream and wetland areas.
Preferred Area of Stream: The larvae prefer slow-velocity pools and runs, but only in high elevation areas lacking native and introduced fish. Adults will patrol stream and wetland areas and even can sometimes be found close to sea level.
Range in Hawai‘i: Common in higher elevation areas of all Hawaiian Islands
Diet: All aquatic insects, the larvae can also eat small shrimp. This large species is the top-predator in the stream where the larvae are found
Predators: Native and introduced fish, introduced crayfish
Fact: The pinao is amazingly the largest dragonfly in the United States , and its wingspan is in fact larger than that of the giant darner (Anax walshinghami) found in the southwestern U.S. This beautiful dragonfly is distinguished from its lowland cousin the Common Green Darner (Anax junius) by its much larger size and the lack of a bright yellow markings on the front portion of its forewings. |
