Clamp-tipped Emerald (Somatochlora tenebrosa)

Identification: Male- note the two yellow to white lateral thoracic stripes (visible on young male) with deep green irredescent highlights principally on the posterior side. A yellow to white spot will be noted on S2 and at S2/S3 a yellow to white ring exist. The abdomen is dark with very unique cerci and epiprocts which form a broad circular enclosure.

Female: Note the two yellow to white lateral thoracic striped (disappear with age), the yellowish-white spot laterally on S2 and the yellowish-white coloration ventrally on S3. The ovipositor is conspicuous (about 60-75 degrees angled from abdomen) but narrow and slightly longer than S9. The cerci are narrow, leaflike and longer than S9/S10.

 

The two (2) photographs above are from Henrico County, Virginia in early August, 2008.

 

The above three (3) photographs are of a young male caught in Stafford County, Virginia in early June, 2008. Note how the eyes are still gray/brown and haven't turned the emerald green of an adult.

 

The three (3) images below are of a female from Stafford County, Virginia on August 11, 2008.

 

The two (2) images below are from Augusta County, Virginia during mid-August. The female apparently prepared to lay eggs in wet seep.