Media
Status
Name
Endangered
Name
Species of Conservation Concern
Scientific Name
Somatochlora hineana
Family
Corduliidae (emeralds) in the order Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies)
Description
The Hine's emerald dragonfly is a federally endangered species. It has a dark emerald-green thorax and two yellow stripes on its sides. Newly emerged adults have dark brown eyes, but after about three days, they become brilliant iridescent emerald green.
There are more than 20 species of striped emeralds (genus Somatochlora) in North America north of Mexico. Learn more about the Hine's emerald and other dragonflies (suborder Anisoptera) in their group entry.
Where To Find
Occurs in limited localities in the southeast quarter of Missouri.
Habitat and Conservation
The Hine's emerald lives in calcareous spring-fed marshes and sedge meadows overlaying dolomite bedrock. Habitat destruction and degradation due to urban and industrial development has been the greatest problem for this dragonfly species. Habitats where it can live are few and far between, making it difficult or impossible for these dragonflies to move among them. If a population is eliminated from one locality, others will not be able to repopulate it.
Status
Hine's emerald is a Missouri species of conservation concern: it is listed as endangered on both federal and state lists.
A related species, the Ozark emerald, S. ozarkensis, is also a species of conservation concern in Missouri.
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Media Gallery
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Caption
The Hine's emerald dragonfly is endangered in Missouri and is the only dragonfly that is federally endangered.
Credit
Richard Day
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Image
Caption
The Hine's emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana) is endangered. It lives in calcareous spring-fed marshes and sedge meadows overlaying dolomite bedrock. Habitat destruction and degradation due to urban and industrial development has been its greatest problem.
Credit
Richard Day
Right to Use
Image
Caption
The Hine's emerald is a federally endangered species of dragonfly.
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Caption
Like other dragonfly larvae, Hine's emerald nymphs are aquatic, drab, with 6 legs and with small wing buds.
Credit
Jim Rathert
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Image
Caption
The Hine's emerald lives in calcareous spring-fed marshes and sedge meadows overlaying dolomite bedrock. Habitat destruction and degradation due to urban and industrial development has been the greatest problem for this dragonfly species.
Credit
Jim Rathert
Right to Use
Image
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Similar Species
Similar Species
About Land Invertebrates in Missouri
Invertebrates are animals without backbones, including earthworms, slugs, snails, and arthropods. Arthropods—invertebrates with “jointed legs” — are a group of invertebrates that includes crayfish, shrimp, millipedes, centipedes, mites, spiders, and insects. There may be as many as 10 million species of insects alive on earth today, and they probably constitute more than 90 percent all animal species.