Montana Field Guide

Somatochlora whitehousei is a small, dark species with a dark-brown triangular patch at the base of the hindwing, and a black face with yellow on the sides (Bryan 2008), distributed across Canada and known from only two sites in the US (Washington and Montana). Although generally uncommon, it is found in small to moderate-sized ponds and bogs with abundant vegetation (mosses, sedges, buckbean, and algae). Like other members of its genus, habitat disturbance and alteration are the greatest immediate threats to this species. Specific activities that alter fen habitat include peat mining, wetland grazing, manipulation of water levels, and recreation. Continued protection and management of bog/fen habitat is essential to the preservation of this ecologically unique species.

Like others in the family Corduliidae, eyes are contiguous and emerald green, anal loop of the hindwing is distinctive (somewhat foot-shaped, but with little development of the toe). Somatochlora is distinguished from the other genera in this family by the metallic, dark-green abdomen and the pointed (as opposed to forked) inferior anal appendage at the tip of the male abdomen. Somatochlora whitehousei is a small, dark species with a dark-brown triangular patch at the base of the hindwing, and a black face with yellow on the sides. The brassy green thorax has a single pale lateral stripe (Bryan 2008).

The Whitehouse's Emerald prefers sedge fens, small boggy pools and open ponds with abundant sedge vegetation having clear water and soft muddy bottom as breeding habitat (Dunkle 2000, Paulson 2009).

Larvae feed on a wide variety of aquatic insects, such as mosquito larvae, other aquatic fly larvae, mayfly larvae, and freshwater shrimp. They will also eat very small fish and tadpoles.
Adult- The dragonfly will eat almost any soft-bodied flying insect including mosquitoes, flies, small moths, mayflies, and flying ants or termites.

Male Whitehouse's Emeralds patrol seemingly at random over the open water then drop to the surface of the water looking for femeles. Females oviposit in slow flight through dense vegetation tapping the open water or small moss patches at edge of pools with their abdomens (Dunkle 2000, Paulson 2009).