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

Williamsonia lintneri
Ringed Boghaunter

(Hagen in Selys, 1878)
Corduliidae, Emerald Family
"Most Wanted" Species
photo of Male ringed boghaunter
Male ringed 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: G3 Wisconsin: S3
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This small brownish dragonfly is one of the rarest emeralds. The length of the body averages about 1.3 inches. It has orange rings on its abdomen. The face is orange-brown with eyes gray-blue to aqua. It is similar to the ebony boghaunter. However, the ebony boghaunter has white rings only near the base of the abdomen.
Description of Habitat/Range:
In Wisconsin, shallow bog pools and acid fens, often with wiry or three-way sedge and few bushes, are preferred. But in coastal New England, the bog type preference varies from white cedar, black spruce, larch, to other forests with bogs. It is known in Wisconsin only from a few central counties.
Flight Season:
Throughout its range, the flight season is from late April to early July. In Wisconsin, the adults have been documented from early May to early June.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male ringed boghaunter
Male ringed boghaunter — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature male ringed boghaunter
Immature male ringed boghaunter — Mike Reese
photo of Close-up of male ringed boghaunter thorax
Close-up of male ringed boghaunter thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male ringed boghaunter cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male ringed boghaunter cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female ringed boghaunter
Female ringed boghaunter — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature female ringed boghaunter
Immature female ringed boghaunter — 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.