NC Odonate Website

Related Species in CORDULIIDAE:		Number of records for 2024 = 0
Added in 2024 from a previous year = 1 (2021-07-31)

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Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis) by John Petranka, Sally Gewalt

Compare with: Treetop Emerald Clamp-tipped Emerald Fine-lined Emerald American Emerald
Identification Tips: Move the cursor over the image, or tap the image if using a mobile device, to reveal ID Tips.
Note: these identification tips apply specifically to mature males; features may differ in immature males and females.

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Map

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Flight Charts

Distribution

Throughout the Coastal Plain (even near the coast), and the eastern and central Piedmont. Ranges west to Yadkin and Gaston counties, for certain, and with a sight report west to Burke County. Not known yet from the mountains, despite range maps in reference books that shade in the entire eastern US.

Abundance

Uncommon to locally fairly common over much of the Coastal Plain and eastern third of the Piedmont, but uncommon in the central Piedmont. Perhaps uncommon also in the southeastern part of the Coastal Plain. This is generally the most numerous emerald in the Piedmont and is the most numerous emerald in the Coastal Plain during the summer.

Flight

Summer and early fall seasons, from early June (and very late May in the Coastal Plain) into late September, and sparingly to mid-October. Not numerous after August.

Habitat

Small forested streams; Dunkle (2000) says streams about 1-3 yards wide are preferred.

Behavior

The species is most easily seen near small streams that are drying up. Away from streams, this emerald is often seen flying along wooded roads and wide trails, often at head height, back and forth, pausing to hover close to an observer. They spend most of the day perched in shady places, often hidden from an observer.

Comments

Emeralds are usually seen in flight along and over forested roads, often at treetop height, and sometimes perching on telephone wires. They seem curious and may hover close to an observer, when the adult's bright green eyes and black thorax and abdomen are noticed. However, identification can be tricky in flight, and normally identification must be made of perched or netted individuals.

State Rank

State Status

Global Rank

Federal Status

Synonym

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Species account update: LeGrand on 2023-01-16 11:47:16

The Dragonflies and Damselflies of North Carolina
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Photo Gallery for Mocha Emerald 18 photos are shown.		Other NC Galleries: Jeff Pippen Will Cook Ted Wilcox
	Photo 1 by: John Petranka Comment: Orange, 2022-06-04, NHCBS, Hollow Rock Nature Park, West of Pickett Road, New Hope Creek - Male		Photo 2 by: L. Arent Comment: Durham, 2021-08-05, Horton Grove Nature Preserve
	Photo 3 by: John Petranka Comment: Alamance, 2020-07-29, Cedarock Park along Rock Creek. - Male.		Photo 4 by: John Petranka Comment: Orange, 2020-06-28, Falls of New Hope neighborhood community garden. - Teneral Male. Photo unposed.
	Photo 5 by: John Petranka, Sally Gewalt Comment: Orange, 2019-07-26, Blackwood Farm Park. Small sandy tributary feeding the pond. - Males. Perched 2-3 feet above the ground alongside small stream.		Photo 6 by: John Petranka, Sally Gewalt Comment: Orange, 2019-07-26, Blackwood Farm Park. Small sandy tributary feeding the pond. - Males. Perched 2-3 feet above the ground alongside small stream.
	Photo 7 by: Mike Turner Comment: Randolph, 2018-06-25, Haskett Creek @ North Asheboro Park		Photo 8 by: Robert Gilson Comment: Mecklenburg, 2018-06-25
	Photo 9 by: Mark Shields Comment: Brunswick, 2017-08-27, Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve, Winnabow - female		Photo 10 by: F. Williams, S. Williams Comment: Gates, 2017-07-31, Merchants Millpond State Park
	Photo 11 by: Conrad Wernett, Alyssa Wernett Comment: Columbus, 2017-05-28, - Lake Waccamaw. One male spotted in underbrush along river below spillway.		Photo 12 by: Roger Shaw Comment: Durham, 2016-08-20, Flat River Impoundment
	Photo 13 by: John Petranka Comment: Orange, 2016-07-21, Feeding swarm in sunny residential lawn near intersection of Cedronella Dr. and Charlock Ct., Falls of New Hope neighborhood ca. 5 PM. Flight photo of male.		Photo 14 by: Robby Deans Comment: Beaufort, 2015-07-30, Blounts Creek
	Photo 15 by: Conrad Wernett Comment: Onslow, 2015-07-28, - Netted female patrolling neighbors yard.		Photo 16 by: George Andrews Comment: Mecklenburg, 2013-07-08, Beatty Park from 05:30 - 07:30 PM. Skies 60/40 clear/cloud, temp. 85 degrees
	Photo 17 by: Randy Emmitt Comment: Caswell, 2003-06-15, Caswell Game Land		Photo 18 by: George Andrews Comment: Union, 2013-07-23, Cane Creek Park - Cruising clearings in berry patch, behind prairie restoration site