Coppery emerald

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Somatochlora georgiana

Type: invertebrate

Status: special_concern

Species Guide

Coppery emerald

Somatochlora georgiana

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status: special_concern

IDENTIFICATION

Approximately 1.9”, the coppery emerald is distinctive among its group since it lacks the usual metallic coloration and green eyes. Its eyes are reddish-brown and the body is a light orange with two pale thoracic side stripes.

Distribution & Habitat

The coppery emerald has been documented in only two Coastal Plain counties, Atlantic and Burlington. They breed in small forest streams on the coastal plain. Its full range is north to Massachusetts and south to Louisiana.

Diet

Nymphs feed on aquatic invertebrates and adults feed on flying insects.

Life Cycle

In New Jersey, only a small number of records exist from early to mid-July. Further survey efforts are needed.

Current Threats, Status, and Conservation

The coppery emerald is considered a species of Special Concern in New Jersey.

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. georgiana