See our new Endangered Species website!
-- Endangered Species Facts U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3 April
1994 --
Hine's Emerald Dragonfly
The Hine's emerald dragonfly is proposed to be listed as an endangered species. Endangered species are animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct. Threatened species are animals and plants that are likely to become endangered in the foresee
able future. Identifying, protecting, and restoring endangered and threatened species is the primary objective of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's endangered species program.
Why Save a Dragonfly?
Dragonflies play an important role in nature. They catch and eat
smaller flying insects, including mosquitoes, biting flies, and
gnats. In its immature stage (nymph), a dragonfly is an
important food source for larger aquatic animals such as fish.
They serve as excellent water quality watchdogs, are part of
our nation's natural heritage, and add beauty to our world.
What is the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly?
The Hine's emerald dragonfly is also known as the Ohio emerald dragonfly or Hine's bog skimmer.
- Scientific Name
- Somatochlora hineana
- Appearance
- This dragonfly has bright emerald-green eyes and a metallic green body, with yellow stripes on its sides. Its body is about 2.5 inches long; its wingspan reaches about 3.3 inches.
- Range
- Historically, the Hine's emerald dragonfly was found only in Ohio and Indiana and probably has disappeared from those states. Today, the dragonfly can only be found in small sites in Cook, DuPage, and Will counties in Illinois, and in Door County, Wis
consin.
- Habitat
- The Hine's emerald dragonfly lives in calcareous (high in calcium carbonate) marshes overlaying dolomite bedrock.
- Reproduction
- Little is known about the Hine's emerald dragonfly's 3 life stages. The eggs are probably laid in wet sand, mud, or moss at the water's edge. The next stage, the nymph stage, occurs in water. The nymph grows for several years, shedding its skin many t
imes. The nymph then crawls out of the water and sheds its skin a final time, emerging as an adult. The adults may live only 4-5 weeks.
Why is the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly Proposed to be Listed as Endangered?
- Habitat Loss or Degradation
- The greatest threat to the Hine's emerald dragonfly is habitat destruction. Most of the wetland habitat that this dragonfly depends on for survival has been drained and filled to make way for
urban and industrial development.
- Pesticides and Other Pollutants
- Contamination of wetlands by pesticides or other pollutants also poses a threat. The dragonfly depends on pristine wetland or stream areas, with good water quality, for growth and development.
What is Being Done to Prevent Extinction of the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly?
- Listing
- The Hine's emerald dragonfly was proposed to be added to the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants on October 4, 1993. After a public comment period, a decision will be made whether or not to officially add the dragonfly to the li
st. If the dragonfly is added to the list, it will be illegal to harm, harass, collect, or kill the dragonfly without a permit from the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Recovery Plan
- If the dragonfly is officially listed as an endangered species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will develop a recovery plan that describes actions needed to help the dragonfly survive.
- Research
- Researchers will study the Hine's emerald dragonfly to find the best way to manage for this species and its habitat.
- Habitat Protection
- Where possible, the dragonfly's habitat will be protected and improved. Private landowners may be asked to help protect the dragonfly's habitat.
- Public Education
- Public education programs will be developed to raise awareness of the dragonflyþs plight.
Residents living near prime dragonfly habitat may be contacted by an "ambassador" and provided with
information about the dragonfly.
What Can I Do to Help Prevent Extinction of Species?
- Learn
- Learn more about the Hine's emerald dragonfly and other endangered and threatened species. Understand how the destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and threatened species and our nation's plant and animal diversity. Tell others about what
you have learned.
- Write
- Write to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or your state fish and game agency to learn more about endangered and threatened species and to voice your support.
- Join
- Join a conservation group; many have local chapters.
How Can I Get More Information?
Call or write to:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Endangered Species
Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building
1 Federal Drive
Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111-4056
(612) 725-3276
Updated for EE-Link / 20 September 1994
eelink@eelink.net