Green Eyed Skimmers, Emerald Dragonflies

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Subphylum: Hexapoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Odonata

Family: Corduliidae

The dragonflies in this family are large, usually between 1.5 and 3 inches in length. They have bright green eyes, and many species are black with metallic green or yellow markings.

Green-eyed skimmers and emerald dragonflies are found near wooded ponds and streams.

The ringed boghaunter (Williamsonia lintneri ) is one of the species in this family. It is a rare dragonfly found only in Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Wisconsin and New Hampshire. It is an endangered species in New Hampshire and Maine.

The ringed boghaunter is a little over an inch in length. It is black with yellow or orange rings on its abdomen. It has a yellow face and mouth and bright bluish-green eyes. The ringed boghaunter is found in acidic bogs, fens, and wetlands with sphagnum ( peat moss). It is one of the first dragonflies to appear in the spring. It is usually seen from late April to June.