Most 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., NC
30 July 2006
At different angles with the camera flash, the eyes showed different colors and patterns.
Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC
30 July 2006
Males 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., NC
30 July 2006
Orange Co., NC
30 July 2006
This female was found about 20 meters from the creek where all the males were patrolling.
Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC
30 July 2006
The wings develop a yellowish-brown tint with age.
Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC
30 July 2006
Females have a short, perpendicular ovipositor.
Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC
30 July 2006
Male
Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC
30 July 2006
Male
Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis)Orange Co., NC
30 July 2006