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Neurocordulia molesta
Smoky Shadowdragon

(Walsh, 1863)
Corduliidae, Emerald Family
photo of Male smoky shadowdragon
Male smoky shadowdragon — Dan Jackson
The shadowdragons are medium-sized, orange to brown dragonflies that hang in dense shaded vegetation by day and become active and feed only for brief periods at dawn and dusk. Therefore, the adults are rarely seen unless a person specifically looks for them.
Status-Global/State:
Global: G4 Wisconsin: S3
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This brown-bodied dragonfly varies from 1.8 to 2.1 inches in length. Each smoky gray wing has a short row of small dark brown dots at base of the wing. With little pattern on the body, there are some yellow "blotches" on side of the thorax near the dorsal edge. The face is greenish with olive-green eyes. The legs are pale. The smoky shadowdragon tends to fly over water during last hour before the darkness, most intensely in the last half hour. Populations of Neurocordulia are therefore most easily found by searching appropriate habitats for exuviae during June and July.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Ranging in eastern and southern United States, from Louisiana to Ohio, this species can be found at clean large rivers and sometimes large streams. In Wisconsin, it is known from southwestern and west-central counties.
Flight Season:
Throughout its range, the typical flight season is from early June to early August
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male smoky shadowdragon
Male smoky shadowdragon — Dan Jackson
photo of Male smoky shadowdragon
Male smoky shadowdragon — Dan Jackson
photo of Female smoky shadowdragon
Female smoky shadowdragon — Dennis Paulson
photo of Smoky shadowdragon exuvia
Smoky shadowdragon exuvia — Dan Jackson
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