A federally endangered dragonfly restricted to spring-fed dolomite prairie wetlands. Down to a few sites in the Midwest. Among the most habitat-restricted invertebrates in North America.

Also called: Hine's Emerald

Native status: Native; federally endangered

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 6 cm (2.4 in); wingspan 9 cm
Weight~0.5 g
LifespanAdults 4–5 weeks; aquatic larvae 2–4 years
OrderOdonata
FamilyCorduliidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Hine's emerald is an endangered dragonfly species found in the United States and Canada. Populations exist in Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Ontario, and Wisconsin. Larvae are found in shallow, flowing water in fens and marshes, and often use crayfish burrows. Major threats to the species include habitat loss and alteration, and the species is legally protected in both the United States and Canada.

Source: Wikipedia — Hine's emerald Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium dragonfly with bright emerald-green eyes and metallic green-bronze thorax; clear wings; yellow stripes on side of thorax.

Similar species. Other Somatochlora emerald species (different ranges/habitats). American Emerald (different thorax pattern).

Voice. N/A (wing buzz only).

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Adults: small flying insects (mosquitoes, midges) caught in flight. Larvae: aquatic invertebrates in calcareous spring-fed wetlands.

Behavior. Restricted to specific calcareous fens (alkaline groundwater-fed wetlands) in IL, MO, MI, WI. Critically endangered; habitat is naturally rare and shrinking. Larvae live in shallow burrows in fen channels for 2+ years before emerging.

§ Range

IL, MI, MO, WI

§ Habitat

Spring-fed wetlands, dolomite prairie

§ Threats

Wetland drainage, water table changes, pollution.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the hine's emerald dragonfly is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Support dolomite wetland conservation. Donate to The Nature Conservancy.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS Hine's Emerald Recovery
  • The Field Museum
  • IUCN Red List 2007