Williamsonia fletcheri
Williamson, 1923
Ebony Boghaunter
Williamsonia fletcheri, commonly known as the ebony boghaunter, is a small in the emerald . It is one of North America's earliest-flying dragonflies, active in May and June. The is strongly associated with acidic bog and has a restricted range in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. It is considered rare across most of its range and is classified as endangered in Massachusetts.
Identification
distinguished from other emerald () by combination of small size, very dark (nearly black) body coloration, abdominal rings, and orange-tinted bases. Early season (May–June) also aids identification. cannot be reliably distinguished from Williamsonia lintneri without molecular methods or rearing to adulthood.
Habitat
Acidic bogs with small pools, typically surrounded by woodland and with abundant mosses. Breeding occurs in small, acidic pools within these bog systems.
Distribution
Narrow range in North America: from Manitoba, eastern Minnesota, and northern Wisconsin eastward through Michigan, northern New York, and central Ontario to New England and southern portions of the Canadian Maritimes (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia).
Seasonality
very early in the season, typically in May and June. This is among the earliest periods for North .
Life Cycle
develop in acidic bog pools. emerge in spring. Males may be found at breeding pools, though individuals and mating pairs are often observed at some distance from water.
Behavior
Unlike most other emerald , frequently perch flat on the ground or on tree trunks rather than on vegetation. This is shared with the closely related Williamsonia lintneri.
Human Relevance
Considered rare across most of its range and classified as endangered in Massachusetts. Subject of taxonomic dispute in early 20th century regarding proper .
Similar Taxa
- Williamsonia lintneri are nearly identical in appearance; differ in body coloration and distribution. W. lintneri shares the distinctive ground-perching .
- Other Corduliidae (emerald dragonflies)W. fletcheri distinguished by small size, very dark body, abdominal rings, orange bases, and exceptionally early season.
More Details
Taxonomic history
described by Edward Bruce Williamson in 1923 based on specimens from Mer Bleue Bog, Ottawa. Name honors Canadian James Fletcher. Description involved nomenclatural dispute with R. Heber Howe Jr. regarding priority of an earlier unpublished name given by Hermann August Hagen in 1867. Williamson prevailed, establishing the current name and authorship.
Larval collection
Despite repeated efforts, were not first collected until 1985, more than 60 years after the description.