Hine’s emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana)
Somatochlora hineana is remarkable. Not only is it famous (in certain circles) for its enormous green eyes, metallic body, 3-inch wingspan, and aerial abilities, but its evolutionary back-story is one for the ages: When the dinosaurs ruled the earth, dragonflies and damselflies had already arrived on the scene many millions of years earlier. The first known dragonfly fossil had a wingspan of 29 inches.
For a lifeform that predates dinosaurs, its story today is perhaps the most extraordinary. One of the most endangered dragonflies in North America, Hine’s emerald dragonfly is now found only in scattered locations throughout Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed S. hineana as an endangered species in 1995, it wasn’t until 2010 when 26,500 acres of habitat was designated and protected as part of the recovery plan.
To do, if you’re up for a river trip: Visit this month’s “Let’s Map It” location, the Meramec River Basin, among the critical habitats known to support remaining populations of S. hineana. Even if you don’t encounter the rare species, you’ll likely find other equally impressive dragonflies doing their thing – expertly catching biting flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and other small flying insects. Thank them for us!
To do, if you find yourself in a place shared by S. hineana: Slow down. One study found that reducing driving speed to 35 mph or lower in areas where dragonflies are known to be present can reduce mortality significantly.
To do, everyday: Be mindful of where the by-products of your daily life end up. Keeping contaminants out of our rivers, creeks, and streams helps dragonflies and so many other extraordinary life forms survive and thrive.