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.
The incurvate emerald is similar to the forcipate emerald and Kennedy's emerald but larger and more elongated. The body varies from 1.9 to 2.3 inches in the length. The thorax has blurred pale markings. The abdomen has dull yellow spots on most segments. The juvenile females may have orange wingtips.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Ranging throughout northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, this species prefer bog pools and open wet sedge meadows. Little is known about its life history. In Wisconsin, it is known from scattered open sedge meadow bogs and fens throughout the state.
Flight Season:
In Wisconsin, adults have been documented from mid-June to mid-September. The flight season, throughout its range, is from mid-June to early October.