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Williamsonia fletcheri
Ebony Boghaunter

Williamson, 1923
Corduliidae, Emerald Family
photo of Male ebony boghaunter
Male ebony boghaunter — Dan Jackson
The boghaunters are the smallest emeralds in the family with little metallic coloration. Their bodies are thinly haired. The abdomens in males are constricted just below the bases. The boghaunters are rare inhabitants of northeastern bogs, with two species in North America.
Status-Global/State:
Global: G4 Wisconsin: S3S4
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This small black dragonfly is one of the rarer emeralds. The body varies from 1.1 to 1.4 inches in the length. The abdomen has white rings near the base of the abdomen. The face is dark brown with bright green eyes for males and gray eyes for females. The ebony boghaunter is similar to the ringed boghaunter. However, the ringed boghaunter has orange rings on most of its abdomen and an orange-brown face.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Not common throughout northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, it prefers forested sphagnum bog pools and fens, often the same places as the ringed boghaunter.
Flight Season:
Early May to early July in Wisconsin. The flight season tends to be short, depending on its locations.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male ebony boghaunter
Male ebony boghaunter — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature male ebony boghaunter
Immature male ebony boghaunter — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male ebony boghaunter cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male ebony boghaunter cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female ebony boghaunter
Female ebony boghaunter — Dan Jackson
photo of Female ebony boghaunter
Female ebony boghaunter — Dan Jackson
photo of Female ebony boghaunter
Female ebony boghaunter — Dan Jackson
photo of Ebony boghaunter pair
Ebony boghaunter pair — Dan Jackson
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