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Macromia illinoiensis illinoiensis
Swift River Cruiser (Illinois River Cruiser ssp.)

Walsh, 1862
Macromiidae, Cruiser Family
photo of Male swift river cruiser
Male swift river cruiser — Dan Jackson
Status-Global/State:
Global: G5 Wisconsin: S4
Distinguishing Characteristics:
River cruisers are generally larger and more metallic than the stream cruiser. This large dark brown dragonfly has a single lateral yellow stripe on each side of the thorax. The length of the body varies from 2.6 to 3.0 inches. The abdomen has yellow spots along its length. The end of the male's abdomen is slightly clubbed. Eyes are bright green. It is very methodical in its flight, foraging at long distances, including upland areas.
Description of Habitat/Range:
It is usually found at fast streams, large rivers and lakes with moderate wave action. Like the stream cruiser, the larvae may travel more than 40 to 50 feet before emerging. It is commonly found throughout eastern United States and southeastern Canada, and is fairly common in northern Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Early June to early September in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male swift river cruiser
Male swift river cruiser — Dan Jackson
photo of Male swift river cruiser
Male swift river cruiser — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature male swift river cruiser
Immature male swift river cruiser — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male swift river cruiser thorax
Close-up of male swift river cruiser thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male swift river cruiser face
Close-up of male swift river cruiser face — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male swift river cruiser cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male swift river cruiser cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female swift river cruiser
Female swift river cruiser — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature female swift river cruiser
Immature female swift river cruiser — Dan Jackson
photo of Swift river cruiser pair
Swift river cruiser pair — Dennis Paulson
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