The northern emerald (Somatochlora arctica) is a species of emerald dragonfly found in northern and middle Eurasia. The species was first described in 1840 from Scandinavia. It is a relatively small dragonfly, just 4 to 5 centimetres (1.6 to 2.0 in) long, and is recognizable by its hairy thorax, dark abdomen, and bright green eyes. The males have narrowly waisted abdomens, while the females have straight ones; the females are also recognizable by the two lateral yellow spots behind the thorax. Northern emeralds pass two years as larvae in sphagnum-rich bog pools before emerging as adults which hunt above peat bogs, wet meadows, and open woodlands.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Northern Emerald being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Somatochlora alpestris
- Somatochlora exuberata
- Somatochlora semicircularis
- Somatochlora sahlbergi
- Somatochlora flavomaculata
- Somatochlora graeseri
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata
- Family
- Corduliidae
- Genus
- Somatochlora
- Species
- Somatochlora arctica
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