Identification

Field Marks

• Average adult size is from approximately 2.3 to 2.5 inches
• Emerald eyes
• Yellow face that is black on the top of the frons
• Brown and green thorax with 2 yellow stripes
• Front stripe longer and thinner than rear stripe
• Dark abdomen with interrupted ring dividing segments 2 and 3
• Yellow side spot on abdominal segment 2
• Large clamp style claspers
• Female subgenital plate is longer than segment 9 and hangs down at a 45° angle
• ( Female specimen netted and held by Paul Burton )

Behavior

The Hines Emerald is most active in the late morning, although on warm days they can be out around sunrise. Hunting usually takes place in open clearings away from the breeding habitat. Hines Emeralds will also join in mixed Emerald feeding swarms, typically in the afternoon or evening

Habitat

Spring-fed seepages over limestone or dolomite, seasonally dry marshes and fens

Reproduction

Males patrol their territory, flying slowly below head height, stopping to hover often and chasing away any competing males. Females lay eggs by tapping abdomen into shallow water or wet muddy clay. Females abdomen may turn white from clay residue left from ovipositing