Somatochlora
minor
(Ocellated Emerald)
Description:
Naiad-
This is a medium-sized naiad
with a length of 13/16 to 15/16 inch (20 to 22 mm). The abdomen is rounded,
giving it a short, stocky appearance known as the sprawler form. The color is
pale to dark brown, and the sides of the thorax are unmarked. It has small hooks
on the tops of abdominal segments four through nine, and a single, rear-facing
spine on each side of abdominal segments eight and nine.
Adult-
This is a medium-sized dragonfly with
a length of 1 11/16 to 2 inches (42 to 50 mm). It is a brilliant
metallic green and is marked with several golden yellow spots on the thorax.
The upper anal appendages of the males are straight and touch at the tips.
Range:
This species is found from
British Columbia east to Nova Scotia, extending south to Washington, Wyoming,
and New York. In Idaho, it occurs in the northern half of the state.
Habitat:
This dragonfly can be
found near slow, clear streams. In Idaho and eastern Washington, this dragonfly
is typically found along slow, willow-lined streams, often with sandy or muddy
bottoms.
Adult Flight Season:
Early June to
late July
Diet:
Naiad-
Naiads feed on a wide variety of aquatic insects, such as mosquito larvae, other
aquatic fly larvae, mayfly larvae, and freshwater shrimp. They will also eat
small fish and tadpoles.
Adult-
The dragonfly will eat almost any soft-bodied flying insect including mosquitoes,
flies, butterflies, moths, mayflies, and flying ants or termites.
Ecology:
The naiads live in debris
on stream bottoms. They do not actively pursue prey but wait for it to pass
by, a strategy which affords them protection from other predators. Naiads may
require several years to mature, and typically emerge as adults at night. Adults
generally fly from early June through July.
Reproduction:
After males and females
mate, the female flies singly, without the male attached, to lay her eggs by
dipping the tip of her abdomen on the surface of the water while hovering above
it.
Conservation:
Populations
are widespread, abundant, and secure.
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Global Rank: | G5 |
State Rank: | S? |
References:
Corbet, P. S. 1999.
Dragonflies: Behavior and Ecology of Odonata. Cornell University Press, Ithaca,
New York, USA, 829pp.
Logan, E. R. 1967. The Odonata of Idaho. Unpublished M. S. thesis. University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA, 105 pp.
Needham, J. G. and M. J. Westfall. 1955. Dragonflies of North America. University of California Press, Berkely, California, USA, 615 pp.
Paulson, D. R. 1999. Dragonflies of Washington. Seattle Audubon Society, Seattle, Washington, USA, 32 pp.
Walker, E. M. and P. S. Corbet. 1975. The Odonata of Canada and Alaska, Vol. III. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 307 pp.