Aquatic Insects of Michigan

by Ethan Bright, Museum of Zoology Insect Division and School of Natural Resources and Environment
University of Michigan

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Cordulia Leach (Corduliidae) - American Emerald

The one species of the genus found in North America - Cordulia shurtleffi - is widespread in our area.

Nymphs are fairly hairy and robust, distinguished by their distinct brown lateral thoracic stripe and lack of mid-dorsal abdominal hooks. Walker and Corbet (1975) indicate that this fairly common species prefers sphagnum bogs and ponds, and larvae appears to be able to tolerate poorly oxygenated, stagnant waters. Emergence in Michigan is fairly early, from the beginning of May into June.

References

Walker EM, Corbet JS. 1975. The Odonata of Canada and Alaska, Vol. 3. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. xvi + 308.

Page last updated: May 14, 2016 (EB)