Ebony Boghaunter

Williamsonia fletcheri

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Anisoptera
Family: Corduliidae
Genus: Williamsonia
Species: fletcheri

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Williamsonia fletcheri: //ˌwɪliˈæmsoʊniə ˈflɛtʃəraɪ//

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

Images

Williamsonia fletcheri genitalia illustration - E B Williamson by Williamson, Edward Bruce. Used under a Public domain license.

Williamsonia fletcheri 56575688 by Maurice Raymond. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Williamsonia fletcheri 15167084 by Susan Blayney. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Williamsonia fletcheri, known as the ebony boghaunter, is a species of dragonfly discovered in 1923 by Edward Bruce Williamson. It inhabits acidic bogs in southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States and is recognized for its distinct coloration and habitat preferences.

Physical Characteristics

The ebony boghaunter is a small emerald, measuring 29-35 mm long as an adult. The adult body is dark brown to black, with bright green eyes on males and duller eyes on females. It features several white rings at the base of the abdomen and clear wings with orange tinging at the base. Larvae are about 16 mm long, brown with a paler stripe down the back.

Identification Tips

Adult males can be identified by their bright green eyes, while females have duller eyes. The presence of white rings at the base of the abdomen and the coloration of the wings (clear with orange tinging) are key identification features, along with size differences between genders.

Habitat

Larvae are found in small pools within acidic bogs, often surrounded by woodlands and abundant mosses. Adults are typically found near breeding pools, but can be seen at some distance from water.

Distribution

Found in southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States, with a range covering Manitoba, eastern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, Michigan, northern New York, central Ontario, New England, and southern portions of the Canadian Maritimes.

Life Cycle

Adults emerge early in the season, typically around May and June. They are known to perch flat on the ground or on tree trunks, unlike other emerald species.

Conservation Status

Classified as 'endangered' in Massachusetts; considered rare in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.

Similar Taxa

Williamsonia lintneri