Ozark Emerald
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Somatochlora ozarkensis
Bird, 1933
Order Odonata
Suborder Anisoptera
Superfamily Libelluloidea
Family Corduliidae
Genus Somatochlora
Species ozarkensis Bird, 1933 [Somatochlora]
Identification
This species is apparently endemic to the Interior Highlands of Arkansas Oklahoma and Missouri. Its face is pale with the top of the head metallic greenish-blue. Its eyes become iridescent green in older individuals. The thorax is brown with metallic reflections and two well-developed pale stripes laterally. The posterior stripe is slightly wider than the anterior one. The wings are clear, occasionally becoming amber. The legs are largely black and the abdomen is dark brown. The basal segments of the abdomen are marked with pale yellow, including a subtriangular spot,
dorsolaterally on segment 3. There are no basal spots present on segments 4-8.
Size
Total length: 50-56 mm; abdomen: 37-44 mm; hindwing: 33-40 mm.
Similar Species
Texas Emerald (S. margarita
) has basal spots on abdominal segments 4-8. Fine-lined Emerald (S. filosa
) has narrower lateral thoracic stripes.
Habitat
Forest streams with moderate riffles.
Discussion
This species was described from Cunneotubby Creek near Wilburton in Latimer County, Oklahoma. The flight of Ozark Emerald has been referred to as irregular. It flies from just after daybreak to early morning or during the late evening, but is rarely seen during the day.
Distribution
Ozark region of Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.
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