Broad-tailed Shadowdragon
Neurocordulia michaeli
This record describes Neurocordulia michaeli (species). Recorded family: Corduliidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
differs from other northeastern species in the genus in its short mesotibial keel and from all congeners in the great width of its abdomen. (Brunelle 2000) Maine considers this a Species of Greatest Conservation Need
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Corduliidae (Emeralds)
- Genus
- Neurocordulia (Shadowdragons)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ne NA (ON-NB) - Map (GBIF)
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Jun-Jul (BG data, GBIF)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The species is obligate crepuscular and can be locally abundant at its riverine habitat. Larvae of the species have the lowest dorsal spines in the genus and cling to the underside of rocks in rapids. (Brunelle 2000)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Neurocordulia michaeli Brunelle, 2000
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Neurocordulia michaeli. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Broad-tailed Shadowdragon (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Nick Block
Frequently Asked Questions About Broad-tailed Shadowdragon
What is Broad-tailed Shadowdragon?
Broad-tailed Shadowdragon (Neurocordulia michaeli) is a species in the family Corduliidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Broad-tailed Shadowdragon?
differs from other northeastern species in the genus in its short mesotibial keel and from all congeners in the great width of its abdomen. (Brunelle 2000)
Where is Broad-tailed Shadowdragon found?
Range: ne NA (ON-NB) - Map (GBIF)
When is Broad-tailed Shadowdragon active?
Broad-tailed Shadowdragon: seasonal activity - mostly: Jun-Jul (BG data, GBIF).
What is the life cycle of a Broad-tailed Shadowdragon?
The species is obligate crepuscular and can be locally abundant at its riverine habitat. Larvae of the species have the lowest dorsal spines in the genus and cling to the underside of rocks in rapids. (Brunelle 2000)