Kennedy's emerald

Somatochlora kennedyi

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status: threatened

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

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

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

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.

Current Threats, Status, and Conservation

Due to its rarity and the sensitivity of habitat, the Kennedy’s emerald is considered Threatened 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 Karena Di Leo in 2011.

Scientific Classification

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