Key to Aeshnidae Nymph Genera

Modified from Counts, 2002

Posterolateral margins of head decidedly angulate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

            Posterolateral margins of head rounded (sometimes bluntly angular in Aeshna). . . 8

Dorsum of abdomen broadly rounded. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 3

            Dorsum of abdomen with a low median ridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Palpal lobes of labium squarely truncated at distal ends; paraprocts about as long as             abdominal segments 9 + 10; epiproct tapering to apex that may be pointed or cleft;             usually with conspicuous pale spot on dorsum of abdominal segment 8. . . Boyeria

            Palpal lobes of labium tapering to a point; paraprocts longer than abdominal             segments 9 + 10; epiproct parallel-sided in distal half, ending in a cleft tip; no             conspicuous pale spot on dorsum of abdominial segment 8. . Basiaeschna janata

Median ridge of abdomen with blunt dorsal hooks on segments 7-9. . . . . . . . . . . .             . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nasiaeschna pentacantha

            Median ridge of abdomen without dorsal hooks. . . . . . . . . . . . Epiaeschna heros

Compound eyes as long as their greatest width; lateral spines only on abdominal             segments 7-9; paraprocts about as long as abdominal segments 8 + 9. . . . . Anax

            Compound eyes much shorter than their greatest width; lateral spines usually on             abdominal segments 6-9 (rarely on 5-9 or 7-9 only); paraprocts shorter than             abdominal segments 8 and 9 (usually equal to 9 + 10). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aeshna

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