United States and Canada
This common eastern species has been seen rarely as far west as Arkansas and Oklahoma. It is distinct, among the species in the region, in having a single large circular pale spot laterally on abdominal segment 2. It has an orange-yellow face and the top of the head is deep metallic blue or black. The thorax is brown and metallic green with well-developed pale stripes laterally. The wings are clear, but occasionally becoming tinted with amber. The legs are black. The abdomen is brown with metallic reflections. Segment 2 is as above. Segment 3 has a short dorsolateral spot and a larger ventral spot. The large angulate cerci of the male are distinctive. The female has a long, compressed ventrally projecting ovipositor.
Size: Total length: 48-65 mm; abdomen: 33-46 mm; hindwing: 33-42 mm.
Similar Species (south-central US): No other Emerald in our region has a single large circular spot laterally on the second abdominal segment and the male's cerci are unique.
Habitat: Small forested streams with intermittent riffles and pools.
Natural History: This species is typical of the genus, flying in the early morning or late afternoon and evening. It is known to have a preference for shade. Wilson (1912 ) observed this species "...patrolling back and forth just after sunset in one corner of an old pasture near a small brook at the foot of the mountains. They were strong and rapid fliers..." Males will often hover over the creeks and streams they patrol.
Distribution: Widespread throughout eastern U.S. and Canada.
Source: Abbott, J.C. 2006-2010. OdonataCentral: An online resource for the distribution and identification of Odonata. Available at OdonataCentral.
Edited by Drew Weber (9/24/2015).
