Cordulia shurtleffii
Scudder, 1866
American Emerald
Corduliidae, Emerald Family
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The American emerald is compact and similar to the Dorocordulia and Somatochlora species, differing primarily in wing venation. The American emerald is generally metallic green with brown hairs and clear wings. The abdomen is green-black and thinly haired. There is only one species in this genus in North America. Similar to Somatochlora species, the American emerald has bright green eyes and clear wings. The thorax is black with brown hairs. The length of the body varies from 1.7 to 2.0 inches.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Common throughout Wisconsin, especially the northern half, its range includes the northern United States and Canada. It is usually found at sphagnum bog ponds, small lakes, marshes, bogs, and fens.
Flight Season:
Mid-May to mid-July in Wisconsin.
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
25%
(105)
(105)
63%
(263)
(263)
11%
(45)
(45)
1%
(6)
(6)
Shading illustrates monthly percentages of the total flight season records for the species.
Each flight season record is a unique date/location/observer combination where one or more adult or an
exuvia was recorded (excludes nymphs). The actual number of flight season records for each month is shown
in parentheses.
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.
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.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Male American emerald. © Dan Jackson
Transitional male American emerald. © Dan Jackson
Transitional male American emerald. © Dan Jackson
Immature male American emerald. © Dan Jackson
Side (top image) and top view of cercus for male American emerald. © Dan Jackson
Female American emerald. © Dan Jackson
Female American emerald. © Dan Jackson
Immature female American emerald. © Dan Jackson
Immature female American emerald. © Dan Jackson