Dragonfly ID: The Emeralds

Emeralds are dragonflies in the Corduliidae family.

Dragonfly Resources The Aeshnoidea Aeshnidae - Darners Cordulegastridae - Spiketails Gomphidae - Clubtails Petaluridae - Petaltails The Libelluloidea Libellulidae - Skimmers and more Macromiidae - Cruisers More Dragonfly Facts Dragonfly Pictures

These are approximately 55 different species of Coruliidae, better known as the emerald dragonflies or green eyed skimmers.

They are called emeralds because of their green eyes.

They also commonly have a dark metallic color with a constricted waist.

The picture on the left is an emerald, however, it is an emerald spreadwing damselfly.

Mistaking emerald dragonflies for emerald damselflies can be easy. The body is an emerald color and the eyes are small and spread out. The eyes of emerald dragonfly species touch at the front of the face.

The article on the Beaverpond Baskettail provides an example of emerald dragonflies.

The Hine's Emerald Dragonfly is an endangered species found in some Midwestern states.

© 2007. Patricia A. Michaels