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Dorocordulia libera
Racket-tailed Emerald

(Selys, 1871)
Corduliidae, Emerald Family
photo of Male racket-tailed emerald
Male racket-tailed emerald — Dan Jackson
Status-Global/State:
Global: G5 Wisconsin: S5
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The racket-tailed emerald is more slender and fragile-looking than most other emeralds. The length of the body averages about 1.1 inches. They have a metallic green thorax with brown hairs, black legs, and clear wings. The eyes are metallic green, seemly luminous. The abdomen is thinly haired bronze-green. Its black abdomen is almost shaped like a spatula with a narrow tip.
Description of Habitat/Range:
It is commonly found throughout northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. It prefers ponds, lake coves, bogs, and bog-edged slow streams. In Wisconsin, it is fairly common throughout most of the states.
Flight Season:
Late May to late August in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male racket-tailed emerald
Male racket-tailed emerald — Dan Jackson
photo of Male racket-tailed emerald
Male racket-tailed emerald — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male racket-tailed emerald thorax
Close-up of male racket-tailed emerald thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male racket-tailed emerald cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male racket-tailed emerald cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female racket-tailed emerald
Female racket-tailed emerald — Dan Jackson
photo of Female racket-tailed emerald
Female racket-tailed emerald — Jim Lind
photo of Immature female racket-tailed emerald
Immature female racket-tailed emerald — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature female racket-tailed emerald
Immature female racket-tailed emerald — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of female racket-tailed emerald thorax
Close-up of female racket-tailed emerald thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Abdomen tip of female racket-tailed emerald
Abdomen tip of female racket-tailed emerald — Dan Jackson
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