πŸͺ» Dragonflies & Damselflies

Northern Emerald Dragonfly

Somatochlora arctica

Near Threatened

About Northern Emerald Dragonfly

A rare dragonfly of northern bogs and moorland pools. Has brilliant emerald-green eyes and a bronzy-green body. One of the most northerly-ranging dragonfly species.

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Did You Know?

One of the few dragonfly species adapted to breed in acidic bog pools with very low nutrient levels.

How to Identify Northern Emerald Dragonfly

Northern Emerald Dragonfly (Somatochlora arctica) belongs to the order Odonata, family Corduliidae. Adults typically measure 48-55 mm body length.

Northern Emerald Dragonfly Habitat

Northern Emerald Dragonfly is found in heathland habitats, particularly across Northern Europe, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Northern Emerald Dragonfly Diet and Feeding

Northern Emerald Dragonfly is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.

Where Is Northern Emerald Dragonfly Found?

Northern Emerald Dragonfly can be found in Northern Europe, Asia, where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Northern Emerald Dragonfly can be found

Is Northern Emerald Dragonfly Dangerous?

Northern Emerald Dragonfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Northern Emerald Dragonfly Role in Nature

Northern Emerald Dragonfly serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
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Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Emerald Dragonfly

What does Northern Emerald Dragonfly look like?

The Northern Emerald Dragonfly typically measures 48-55 mm body length.

Where is Northern Emerald Dragonfly found?

The Northern Emerald Dragonfly is found in Northern Europe, Asia and typically inhabits heathland environments.

What does Northern Emerald Dragonfly eat?

The Northern Emerald Dragonfly is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.

Is Northern Emerald Dragonfly dangerous to humans?

The Northern Emerald Dragonfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

Is Northern Emerald Dragonfly endangered?

The Northern Emerald Dragonfly is currently classified as Near Threatened by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.

What is an interesting fact about Northern Emerald Dragonfly?

One of the few dragonfly species adapted to breed in acidic bog pools with very low nutrient levels.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Northern Emerald Dragonfly (Somatochlora arctica). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/northern-emerald-dragonfly

MLA:
"Northern Emerald Dragonfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/northern-emerald-dragonfly.