Kennedy's emerald

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Somatochlora kennedyi

Type: invertebrate

Status:

Species Guide

Kennedy's emerald

Somatochlora kennedyi

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status:

IDENTIFICATION

This large, dark dragonfly can reach up to 2.2” with males being smaller than females. Bright green eyes in adults are more muted in less mature individuals. Their green thorax is accented by 2 wide pale stripes, the black abdomen has a green iridescence, and their transparent wings are black veined. Females can be identified by yellow coloration on the first two segments of their abdomen.

Distribution & Habitat

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

Kennedy’s emerald has a very limited distribution in New Jersey. Currently, the only known population is in Sussex County but other populations may exist in the northern region. New Jersey is the southern limit for this species.

Diet

DIET

Nymphs feed on aquatic invertebrates while adults catch soft-bodied flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, and moths.

Life Cycle

LIFE CYCLE

The short flight season of the Kennedy’s emerald begins in late May and ends by early July. After mating, females will deposit eggs directly into the substrate of more shaded sections of the stream.

Scientific Classification

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