Taxonomy
Somatochlora arctica | Northern Emerald | Smaragaid an Mhóintigh
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Ireland: Endangered
EU: Least Concern
The species is assessed as EN based on the criteria of restricted range and the past and future decline in the quality of habitat.
Native status
Native
Species Biology
Identification
Length: 5cm
Wingspan: 6.8cm
Both sexes have brown eyes when immature but turn to bright emerald green when mature. They also have a dark pterostigma, dark abdomen covered in fine hairs and shiny metallic green thorax. Mature males have a club shaped abdomen that tapers at the waist and distinctive calliper-shaped anal appendages.
Mature females resemble the males although the abdomen is not waisted.
Adult habitat & habits
Adults hunt amongst trees. When landing the Emeralds hang from vegetation rather than perching on it. Only flies in sunshine.
Habitat
Found in bogs and heathland, only known to breed in Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry.
Flight period
June to July (occasionally August)
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Only ever found in Co. Kerry and Co. Cork. Absent from the rest of Ireland.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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