Hine's Emerald

The Hine's emerald's appearance varies across its lifetime. During the larval stage, nymphs possess no features that distinguish them from those of other dragonfly species. A mature nymph measures roughly 0.9 inches (2.3 cm) in length. Several characteristics distinguish adult Hine's emeralds from other dragonfly species. An adult Hine's emerald has a distinctive dark-green thorax with two yellow lateral stripes. Hine's emeralds also have uniquely shaped male and female reproductive structures. A Hine's emerald's eyes are brown during the first 1–3 days of adulthood. After the third day, the eyes take on an emerald green color. Their wings remain clear with amber coloring at the base until the ends of their lives, at which point they become smoky in color. The average mature Hine's emerald measures 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) in length and has a wingspan of 3.5 inches (8.9 cm). On average, female dragonflies are slightly longer than males.

Hine's emeralds occupy wetland, pond and pool, wet meadow, forest, and marsh habitats. A few important characteristics are common to typical Hine's emerald habitats. First, Hine's emerald habitats include slow-moving, mineralized streams. Second, they have both open and wooded areas. Open areas provide space for foraging. Wooded areas provide space for resting. Third, they include crayfish burrows, which nymphs use for shelter. Fourth, typical habitats possess exposed or lightly covered bedrock. Finally, they provide pathways for Hine's emerald dispersal. Roadways, forest clearings, streams, and railroads all serve as dispersal pathways. Other characteristics of Hine's emerald habitats, such as vegetation, vary between regions. The Hine's emerald's current range includes parts of the United States and Canada. Within the United States, the Hine's emerald's range includes Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin. Within Canada, the Hine's emerald's range includes parts of Ontario. The Hine's emerald historically also occupied parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Alabama. Due to habitat modification, the Hine's emerald likely no longer live in these states. Whether the Hine's emerald once lived in parts of other states is currently unknown. Hine's emerald dragonflies were first described in 1931 near Indian Lake in Logan County, Ohio. …

Before reproduction can occur, a male must first establish a territory. These territories range from 2–4 metres (6.6–13.1 ft) in area and sit close to bodies of water. Male dragonflies patrol these areas and defend them from dragonflies of both their own and other species. Females initiate mating by flying into a male's territory. A male responds to this behavior by chasing after the female. Once the male reaches the female, he latches onto her body. The two then fly to nearby shrubs, and copulation begins. Post-copulation, the female repeatedly dips her abdomen into shallow water to deposit her fertilized eggs. Hine's emeralds reproduce once and die shortly thereafter. Hine's emeralds reproduce during the months of June, July, and August.

During their lifespans, Hine's emeralds progress through the egg stage, larval stage, and adult stage. Both the egg and larval stages are aquatic. Hine's emeralds spend the majority of this lifespan in the larval stage, which lasts 2–4 years. The specific length of this stage varies with food supply, water depth, and temperature. While in this stage, Hine's emerald nymphs live within streamlets and mature by undergoing a series of molts. A mature larvae transitions into the adult stage by climbing up onto a cattail and completing a final molt. During this molt, the nymph's skin splits longitudinally along its body. The adult then sheds this dead skin and emerges into the wild. Nymphs typically emerge into the wild during June and July. Male and female nymphs appear to progress into the adult stage in equal proportions. The following 4-to-6-week-long adult stage consists of three sub-stages. These stages are the pre-reproductive stage, reproductive stage, and post-reproductive stage. Adults spend these stages hunting for prey, establishing territories, and reproducing. Overall, Hine's emerald dragonflies live for 2–4 years.

Reproduction. Before reproduction can occur, a male must first establish a territory. These territories range from 2–4 metres (6.6–13.1 ft) in area and sit close to bodies of water. …