[2][3][4][5] The California darner prefers habitats like lakes, ponds, marshes and stream pools with edge vegetation including many with alkaline water conditions [6] Larvae sustain themselves on a diet of aquatic insects,very small fish and tadpoles.

[6] The IUCN conservation status of Rhionaeschna californica is "LC", least concern, with no immediate threat to the species' survival.

[4][7][8] As an adult, the California darner is described as a medium-sized dragonfly, typically measuring between 5.7 to 6.4 centimeters (2 ¼ to 2 ½ inches) in length.

[10] Once they reach adulthood, the California darner typically preys on soft-bodied insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and butterflies.

[14] Males fly along the shore, right above open water next to riparian zones, in search of female partners to mate with.

Female California darners will then lay their eggs on top of vegetation at water level, such as vertical stems or even floating leaves.