Neurocordulia
Selys, 1871
shadowdragons
Neurocordulia is a of in the , commonly known as shadowdragons. The genus comprises seven distributed across eastern North America, from Canada to the eastern United States. These dragonflies are , flying primarily at dusk. are -sized, measuring 40–55 mm in length, with light bodies and orange or yellowish markings.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neurocordulia: /nɛʊɹoʊkɔɹˈdjuːliə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
distinguished from other by combination of activity, size, and light coloration with orange or yellowish markings. -level identification requires examination of mesotibial keel length and abdominal width. identified by ; N. michaeli has the lowest dorsal spines in the genus.
Images
Appearance
-sized , 40–55 mm in length. Body light with orange or yellowish markings. Specific -level morphological traits include variable abdominal width and mesotibial keel length.
Habitat
Clean forest streams and lakes. inhabit fast-flowing river sections where they cling to the underside of rocks in rapids.
Distribution
Eastern North America, including eastern Canada and the eastern United States. Specific records include Maine, New Brunswick, Vermont, and Ontario.
Life Cycle
Aquatic larval stage with clinging to undersides of stones in rapids. stage aerial.
Behavior
, flying mainly at dusk. can be locally abundant at riverine .
Similar Taxa
- Other Corduliidae generaNeurocordulia distinguished by activity pattern, which is uncommon among ; most related are .
More Details
Phylogenetic research
First comprehensive phylogenetic assessment of the completed in 2025 using targeted enrichment sequencing ~1000 loci for all seven .
Population genetics
Whole resequencing used to estimate structure for N. yamaskanensis in Ontario, Canada.