Uncommon in the piedmont and coastal plain in NC, this is the most common of the emeralds in NC.
10 photographs
Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC30 July 2006Most emeralds are recognized by having bright emerald green eyes and brown bodies. This and the photo below were taken in flight. We watched the dragonfly hover in place for a couple of seconds about 1-2 feet above the creek, then fly forward a couple of feet, hover, fly forward, hover, etc.Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC30 July 2006At different angles with the camera flash, the eyes showed different colors and patterns.Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC30 July 2006Males perched vertically or obliquely on thin twigs overhanging the creek. Note the relatively narrow waist compared to the female (see below).Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC30 July 2006Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC30 July 2006This female was found about 20 meters from the creek where all the males were patrolling.Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC30 July 2006The wings develop a yellowish-brown tint with age.Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC30 July 2006Females have a short, perpendicular ovipositor.Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC30 July 2006MaleMocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC30 July 2006Male
