Williamson's emerald

Somatochlora williamsoni

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status: special concern

IDENTIFICATION

Ranging from 2.3”-2.5” in length, this is a medium-sized striped emerald. The thorax has an alternating pattern of metallic green and bronze with inconspicuous yellow lateral markings. The abdomen is longer than the wings. The female is similar but has obscure yellow spots on the abdomen.

Distribution & Habitat

The preferred habitat for the Williamson’s emerald is slow streams and lakes where it can be found at slow moving boggy outlets. There are only a few records of this species scattered through three northern New Jersey counties. The full range is from New Brunswick, Canada in the north to Georgia in the south and west to Minnesota.

Diet

Larvae are predatory and adults feed on other flying invertebrates.

Life Cycle

This species has been recorded in New Jersey from late May to Late July.

Current Threats, Status, and Conservation

The Williamson’s 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. williamsoni