Ski-tailed emerald

Somatochlora elongata

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status: special concern

IDENTIFICATION

The ski-tailed emerald ranges between 2.2”-2.4”. The brown thorax has lateral yellow markings, an anterior stripe and posterior spot. The abdomen is narrow and mostly black. The female is similar to the male in appearance but has a wide triangular ovipositor.

Distribution & Habitat

The ski-tailed emerald is rare in New Jersey and is found in only two known locations in Morris and Sussex counties. It prefers the habitat found along vegetated lake and pond outlet streams and breeds in slow-moving streams found in bogs and swamps.

Diet

Larvae are predatory and adults feed on other invertebrates.

Life Cycle

It is believed that the ski-tailed emerald is active from mid-June to mid-July in New Jersey. More information is needed on this species in New Jersey.

Current Threats, Status, and Conservation

The ski-tailed emerald is considered a species of Special Concern in New Jersey due to its rarity.

References

Text derived from the book, Field Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies of New Jersey. 2009. By Allen E. Barlow and Jim Bangma.

Edited and updated by Larissa Smith in 2011.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Corduliidae
Genus: Somatochlora
Species: S. elongata