Macromia illinoiensis illinoiensis
Walsh, 1862
Swift River Cruiser (Illinois River Cruiser ssp.)
Status-Global/State:
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.
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Flight seasons begin earlier in the southern part of the state, often by a week or more. Also, flight charts may not be accurate for rare species because of few data available.
Male swift river cruiser. © Dan Jackson
Male swift river cruiser. © Dan Jackson
Immature male swift river cruiser. © Dan Jackson
Female swift river cruiser. © Dan Jackson
Swift river cruiser pair. © Dennis Paulson