Hine's Emerald
Somatochlora hineana
This record describes Somatochlora hineana (species). Recorded family: Corduliidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
male claspers show a broad oval opening in silhouette while for the male Clamp-tipped he states male claspers are dramatic with a broad circular opening between the upper and lower components. Federally Listed Endangered Species
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Corduliidae (Emeralds)
- Genus
- Somatochlora (Striped Emeralds)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
prefer seasonally dry marshy fens, especially spring-fed seepages over limestone bedrock, usually with narrow-leaved cattails or sedges (WDNR)
Geographic Range
limited sites from MI to MO (FWS), largest breeding population known to occur is in Door County, Wisconsin (Burton 2002)
Seasonal Activity
mostly July in WI (WDNR)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Somatochlora hineana Williamson 1931
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Somatochlora hineana. 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 Hine's Emerald (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Hine's Emerald
What is Hine's Emerald?
Hine's Emerald (Somatochlora hineana) is a species in the family Corduliidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Hine's Emerald?
2.3 to 2.5 inches long (WDNR)
How do you identify Hine's Emerald?
male claspers show a broad oval opening in silhouette while for the male Clamp-tipped he states male claspers are dramatic with a broad circular opening between the upper and lower components.
Where is Hine's Emerald found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | prefer seasonally dry marshy fens, especially spring-fed seepages over limestone bedrock, usually with narrow-leaved cattails or sedges (WDNR) |
| Range | limited sites from MI to MO (FWS), largest breeding population known to occur is in Door County, Wisconsin (Burton 2002) |
When is Hine's Emerald active?
Hine's Emerald: seasonal activity - mostly July in WI (WDNR).