Wisconsin Odonata Survey title graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic

Somatochlora walshii
Brush-tipped Emerald

(Scudder, 1866)
Corduliidae, Emerald Family
photo of Male brush-tipped emerald
Male brush-tipped emerald — Dan Jackson
The medium-sized, dark brown striped emeralds have some pale markings on the thorax and abdomen, black legs, clear wings and brilliant green eyes. The thorax has a metallic bronze-green sheen and the abdomen is dark metallic black-green. Most species are uncommonly seen, but this may be largely due to their secretive nature. When flying, most species look alike which is why in-hand identifications of their anatomical features are often needed.
Status-Global/State:
Global: G5 Wisconsin: S4
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This small, stocky, dark dragonfly has a few yellow markings on the side of the throax and the abdomen. The face is yellow. The brush-tipped emerald has a short abdomen, especially in the males. The length of the body varies from 1.6 to 2.0 inches. Juvenile females have orange-tinted wings, amber-tinted wing bases, and tan ovipositors.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Common throughout southern Canada and northern United States, it prefers lake outlets, pond outlets, and small streams that go through bogs, fens, or marshes. In Wisconsin, it has been found in scattered areas, mostly in northern counties.
Flight Season:
Mid-June to mid August in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male brush-tipped emerald
Male brush-tipped emerald — Dan Jackson
photo of Male brush-tipped emerald
Male brush-tipped emerald — David Hanson
photo of Close-up of male brush-tipped emerald thorax
Close-up of male brush-tipped emerald thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male brush-tipped emerald cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male brush-tipped emerald cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female brush-tipped emerald
Female brush-tipped emerald — Ryan Brady
photo of Teneral female brush-tipped emerald
Teneral female brush-tipped emerald — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of female brush-tipped emerald thorax
Close-up of female brush-tipped emerald thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Side view of female brush-tipped emerald abdomen tip
Side view of female brush-tipped emerald abdomen tip — Dan Jackson
This site is produced in conjunction with the Wisconsin Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Inventory and sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The information presented on this site is subject to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Legal Notices, Disclaimers, and Terms of Use.