Hudsonian Emerald
ExploreInsects
Hudsonian Emerald
somatochlora hudsonica
The Hudsonian Emerald is a stunning dragonfly with bright green and golden colors! It flits around wetlands, adding a touch of magic to the air as it hunts for tiny insects.
Habitat: Freshwater wetlands, lakes, and ponds.
Appearance
The Hudsonian Emerald has striking emerald-green eyes that meet in the middle and a dark, metallic green body that can appear bronze in certain light. Its wings are clear, sometimes with a faint brownish tinge near the base, and its abdomen is slender, marked with subtle yellow spots.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyCorduliidaeGenusSomatochlora
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Dragonflies catch prey mid-air with their legs, often eating it while still flying without landing!
Its larva lives underwater for up to three years before transforming into a flying adult!
The 'emerald' in their name refers to their dazzling green eyes, not just their body color!
Underwater, young emeralds breathe through gills located inside their rectum, often expelling water for propulsion!
Special abilities
Ability
Aerial Acrobat
Hudsonian Emeralds can hover, fly backward, and change direction instantly because of their two pairs of powerful, independently moving wings.
Ability
Sharp-Eyed Hunter
Hudsonian Emeralds have massive compound eyes that give them nearly 360-degree vision, helping them spot tiny prey in mid-flight.
Ability
Insect Net Legs
Hudsonian Emeralds have spiky legs that form a basket to scoop flying insects right out of the air while hunting.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 60-80 mm
- Size
- 45-55 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-90 days
- Flight Speed
- 30 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
A fierce hunter, it snacks on small flying insects from mosquitoes to midges!
Age differences: Larvae are aquatic predators, eating tiny invertebrates; adults hunt flying insects in the air.
Primary Foods
- mosquitoes
- midges
- gnats
- flies
- mayflies
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eats
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
Fish eat larval Hudsonian Emeralds living underwater.
hunts
Common House Mosquito
Culex pipiens
Adult emeralds are important predators of mosquitoes.
eaten by
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Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus
Birds like kingbirds snatch adult dragonflies from the air.
Traits
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Emerald DragonflyHudsonian Emerald Dragonfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hudsonian Emerald's wingspan?
60-80 mm
How big is Hudsonian Emerald?
45-55 mm
How long does Hudsonian Emerald live?
30-90 days
How fast can Hudsonian Emerald fly?
30 km/h
What does Hudsonian Emerald eat?
A fierce hunter, it snacks on small flying insects from mosquitoes to midges!
Where is Hudsonian Emerald usually found?
Freshwater wetlands, lakes, and ponds.
How does Hudsonian Emerald hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Hudsonian Emerald have?
6
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