Somatochlora linearis

(Hagen, 1861)

Mocha Emerald

Somatochlora linearis, the Mocha Emerald, is a of emerald in the Corduliidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from the United States and Québec, Canada. The species has been described as rhéophilic (adapted to flowing water ). The IUCN lists it as Least Concern with a stable .

Somatochlora linearis by (c) Nick Block, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Block. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Somatochlora linearis: /so.ma.toʊˈklɔːr.ə lɪˈneɪ.rɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The specific epithet 'linearis' refers to the linear or slender form. As a member of the emerald Somatochlora, it likely displays the characteristic metallic green or bronze body coloration typical of the group. Distinguishing features from would require examination of abdominal patterning, shape, and thoracic markings, but specific diagnostic characters are not documented in available sources.

Images

Habitat

Rhéophilic —flowing water environments including streams, rivers, and spring runs. Associated with forested watersheds where clean, moving water is present.

Distribution

North America. United States (eastern and central regions). Canada: Québec, where it has been authenticated based on a historical specimen from 1877. A 2016 study reconsidered its status in Québec alongside the discovery of Somatochlora filosa in Canada.

Similar Taxa

Somatochlora filosaBoth are rhéophilic Somatochlora found in eastern North America; S. filosa was discovered in Canada in 2016 and has been confused with or discussed alongside S. linearis in regional odonate surveys.
Somatochlora tenebrosaAnother North American emerald in the same with overlapping range; requires careful examination of abdominal patterning and structure for separation.

More Details

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List status: Least Concern (). trend: stable. No immediate threats to survival have been identified.

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Cordulia linearis by Hagen in 1861, later transferred to Somatochlora. The was historically documented in Québec by Abbé Léon Provancher in 1877, but its presence in Canada was subject to reconsideration until authentication of this specimen.