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Somatochlora kennedyi
Kennedy's Emerald
Family: Corduliidae
Species account author: Robert Cannings.
Extracted from Introducing the Dragonflies of British Columbia and the Yukon (2002)
Introduction to the Odonata of BC
The Families of Odonata of BC


Photograph

© Robert A. Cannings     (Photo ID #1052)

Map

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Distribution of Somatochlora kennedyi in British Columbia.
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Source: (for the static map) RBCM and BCCDC 2004 ©

Species Information


Description

Lacks conspicuous markings, though it may have one faint stripe on the sides of the thorax; usually no spots on the abdomen sides after segment 3. The abdomen is long, the male’s widest at segment 6. Male’s appendages shown in figure. Female’s vulvar lamina is yellow; shape shown in figure. Length: ♂ 44 mm, ♀ 43 mm.


Flight Period

B.C. and Yukon, mid June to late August.

Genus Description


The scientific name comes from two Greek words: soma, meaning “body”, and khloros, meaning “green”. The English name refers to the yellow or white markings on the sides of the metallic green or bronzy thorax, but most of the distinctly striped species live in eastern North America; western species have spots, short bars or no marks at all. They all have brilliant green eyes. Most North American species are boreal and Appalachian; 13 of 26 occur in our region. Most live around northern or mountain lakes and peatlands.

Species can be hard to identify, especially the females. Look for pale marks on the side of the thorax and white rings between the segments of the abdomen. Hudsonian, Ringed and Lake emeralds have narrow, white abdominal rings. Examine the shapes of the male’s upper appendages and the female’s vulvar lamina. And look for a brown spot at the base of the hindwings – not the membranule, which can also be dark, but an additional spot (Delicate, Muskeg and Whitehouse’s emeralds have it).

Biology

Family Description

Medium-sized dragonflies most often seen around lakes, boggy streams and peatlands in the mountains or in the north. Of 16 species in our region, 13 have Northern or Beringian ranges. The eyes, often brilliant green, meet broadly on top of the head. The shape of the anal loop in the hindwing is distinctive. Adults seldom perch during feeding and males frequently hover when patrolling for mates; when resting, they normally hang vertically or obliquely from vegetation. In flight, a male frequently arches its abdomen, which is often narrower at the base and tip. Larvae are usually squat and rather hairy; they sprawl in the mud and detritus in the bottom of the waters where they live.
Field Notes

Uncommon in the Yukon, rare in northern B.C. Found in sedge fens and marshes where females lay eggs in shallow, open pools underlain by aquatic moss. Named for the American dragonfly researcher, Clarence Kennedy.

Distribution


Northern. From northeastern B.C. to the Porcupine River drainage in the northern Yukon.

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
NativeS3S4BlueNot Listed



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