American Emerald (Cordulia shurtleffii)

Identification: Males thorax is metallic green but turns bronze with age, initially hairy but appears to shed these with age, note the white ring on the abdomen between S2/S3, the tapered addomen adjacent to the thorax and then broadening at S7-10. The female is very similar in pattern with the added addition of a white "crescent" on the S3. The cerci are about as long as S9,10. Note the beautiful green eyes.

I have found them in Virginia in Augusta and Highland Counties at the higher elevations usually at small woodland ponds.

American Emerald female below was observed with another female in wooded pond ovipositing.