Somatochlora margarita

Donnelly, 1962

Texas emerald

Somatochlora margarita, the Texas emerald, is a to the United States with a highly restricted range in eastern Texas and western Louisiana. It inhabits river systems and is rarely observed due to its habit of perching in forest . The was described by Donnelly in 1962 and is considered one of the more poorly known North emeralds.

Somatochlora margarita judygva 40872758 by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Somatochlora margarita 62650209 by nmoorhatch. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Somatochlora margarita 62649876 by nmoorhatch. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Somatochlora margarita: /sɔmətoʊˈklɔrə mɑrgəˈrita/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Somatochlora by its restricted geographic distribution in the Texas-Louisiana region. Separation from the more widespread Somatochlora tenebrosa (mocha emerald) and other emeralds requires examination of genitalic structures and detailed color pattern analysis. The combination of small size relative to some and specific preference for forested river systems may aid field identification where ranges overlap.

Images

Appearance

-sized with total length 50–54 mm, length 32–41 mm, and length 32–37 mm. Like other Somatochlora , it has a metallic green body typical of the emerald dragonflies. Detailed color pattern descriptions are limited in available literature.

Habitat

Rivers, particularly those flowing through forested landscapes. Associated with riparian where perch in tree .

Distribution

to the United States. Known from 12 counties in eastern Texas and western and central Louisiana parishes. Current known range extends from northwest of Houston eastward to Alexandria, Louisiana. The has one of the most restricted ranges of any North Somatochlora.

Behavior

are rarely seen by observers due to a pronounced tendency to up and perch in or on forest vegetation rather than remaining at accessible heights.

Human Relevance

Of interest to odonatologists and biologists due to its restricted range and status. Listed as a of greatest conservation need in state wildlife action plans.

Similar Taxa

Somatochlora tenebrosaOverlaps in general body plan and metallic green coloration; distinguished by different genitalic and broader eastern North distribution extending well beyond the Texas-Louisiana region of S. margarita.
Somatochlora provocansAnother southeastern US emerald with potential range overlap; separation requires detailed morphological examination and attention to specific and abdominal pattern differences.

More Details

Conservation status

The Texas emerald has been identified as a of greatest need in state wildlife action plans, reflecting its restricted range and limited number of known .

Research needs

The larval stage was described by Abbott and Mynhardt in 2007, but much remains unknown about biology, specific requirements, and needs.