Somatochlora brevicincta

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Quebec Emerald
Quebec emerald jul 2 2017.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Infraorder: Anisoptera
Family: Corduliidae
Genus: Somatochlora
Species:
S. brevicincta
Binomial name
Somatochlora brevicincta
Robert, 1954

The Quebec Emerald or Robert's Emerald (Somatochlora brevicincta) is a species of dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is one of 42 species in the genus Somatochlora found in the Northern Hemisphere. [2] It is one of the rarest members of the Odonata to be found in Canada and one of the most recently described. [3] Adrien Robert, a Canadian entomologist, Cleric of Saint Viator, and professor at the University of Montreal, first described S. brevicincta in 1954. [4] [5]

Contents

Physical description

Somatochlora brevicincta is a dark northern emerald dragonfly, with no prominent field marks other than its distinct rings which place it within the ringed group. [6] These dragonflies are moderately sized and robust; their body length is typically around 5 cm and a wingspan around 6 cm, with some variation between the sexes. [7] [8] Females are distinctly smaller in British Columbia compared to Eastern North America. [6]

Colouration

The colouration of these Emeralds is quite notable, and they express sexual dimorphism. Both males and females exhibit a black face with yellow on the sides and a dorsal black abdomen. [6] While the male’s thorax is shiny green-black with vertically elongate faint yellow spot on the side of the mesothorax, the thorax of females is brown and green with reddish hairs on the hind margin of its head. [6] [8] Faint whitish rings are noticeable along the shiny black abdomen between terminal segments in both sexes. [6]

Structures

The cerci of S. brevicinta have a tiny lateral tooth at the base, with the tips angled inward and then curved upward in a long, slender point. [6] The eyes are metallic brown with bright green. [8]

Larvae

Quebec Emerald larvae possess triangular heads and seven-segmented antennae. [9] The epiproct – a singular lower appendage – is triangular in shape and slightly larger than the cerci. [8] Together, these two structures form the claspers. [10] The hind legs of the aquatic larvae are longer than both the mid and fore legs. [9] Additionally, the larvae’s head, thorax, and abdomen are covered in hair of varying length, with the longest hairs found on the sixth to ninth abdominal segments. [8]

Intrageneric Differentiation

There are several characters that allow for intrageneric differentiation of the Quebec Emerald. Although adult males look like Somatochlora albicincta , S. brevicincta males have a curved rather than bent hamule. [8] Adult female S. brevicincta have a subgenital plate that is equally as long as the ninth abdominal segment and is not notched as in adult female S. albicinta. [8] Unlike the Delicate, Muskeg, and Whitehouse’s Emeralds, there is no brown colouration at the wing base of the Quebec Emerald. [6] Among the Hudsonian and Ringed Emeralds, the Quebec Emeralds have less distinct abdominal rings. [6]

Geographic range

The Quebec Emerald is a North American, trans-continental dragonfly found in Canada and the United States. [8] The type specimen was found in the Lake Mistassini region of Quebec around 50.5°N, 74°W. [3] Prior to 1995, it had only been observed in a few isolated peatlands in Quebec. [11] A resident of British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland, it is within a group of subarctic species that are rarely found below 45 degrees N. [12] It has been observed as far northwest as Willison Lake, BC, and southeast as Piscataquis County, Maine. [13] It must also exist at scattered sites across Canada between these two locales. [14] There are a scarce number of breeding populations in the United States, but it was discovered relatively recently in Minnesota. [8] [15] The fact that observations have been few and far between could indicate inadequate surveying. [12] An interactive map, pictures, and catalogue of specimens and where they were observed is available at the Global Biodiversity Information Facility website. [16]

Being a rare but so broadly distributed across North America, and with little to no evidence of an intermediary between the western and eastern populations, S. brevicincta could potentially encompass more than one species, although no plausible arguments have been made in favour of this theory yet.

Habitat

Odonata are for the most part warm-adapted, and as such their abundance and diversity decreases with increasing latitude and altitude. [17] S. brevicincta prefers lentic bodies of water, such as fens and heaths, favouring these areas found within and bordering bogs rather than the secondary ponds of those bogs which are open and firm-edged. [15] [7] Their microhabitat is characterized by water-suspended or water-saturated sphagnum and graminaceous emergents, indicating a weakly minerotrophic environment. [15] They breed in small water-filled hollows called flarks that are home to sedges, rushes, and mosses. [18] [19] The larvae of Corduliids live in shallower water with leaf litter, and thus are subject to habitat destruction by removal of detritus and riparian trees. [17]

Development

Parental roles

Reproduction

With S. brevicincta being so rarely observed, their mating system and reproductive strategy remains largely unexplored. As a genus, Somatochlora are known to mate in tree tops for prolonged periods, sometimes up to an hour in length. [20] Most species of Odonata are promiscuous; both sexes mate on several occasions within their lifetime. [21] Corduliidae females are inseminated with free sperm, and sometimes exhibit delayed oviposition. [17] The manner in which dragonflies oviposit is dependent on many factors such as, for example, the type of substrate. [17] Quebec Emeralds lay eggs epiphytically; the eggs are stuck to vegetation (e.g. moss) at or above the water surface. [17] The females will oviposit unaccompanied by her partner, skimming the water’s surface and rapidly tapping it with the tip of her abdomen. [17]

Lifespan

Behaviour

Senses and Communication

Dragonflies are the most, if not one of the most, skilled hunters on the planet; their high success rate which can be attributed to body dynamics and neurological processes used in directing their interception steering. [22]

Food habits

Quebec Emeralds are predators as both nymphs and adults. [23] The nymphs prey on other insect larvae, but also can feed on tadpoles and small fish. [23] Adults are indiscriminate feeders of flying insects such as mosquitoes, midges, and smaller dragonflies. [19]

Predation

The identity of known predators of the Quebec Emerald are unknown.

Conservation status

NatureServe classifies S. brevicincta as Vulnerable (S3) in British Columbia and Minnesota; Imperiled (S2) in Ontario, Maine, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland; Apparently Secured (S4) in Quebec; and Critically Imperiled (S1) in Nova Scotia. [8] These rankings are based on existing information and expertise on a province/state-wide level, accounting for the number of occurrences, distribution, population size, abundance trends, and threats posed to the Quebec Emerald. [8] To find out more about the definitions of the rankings, you can visit the NatureServe Explorer website. In the Species At Risk Assessment of 2005 conducted by the Canadian government, S. brevicincta underwent a status modification from "Sensitive" to "Undetermined" due to procedural changes. [11]

As of February 27, 2022, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has designated S. brevicincta as a species of special concern. [24] In Minnesota, the populations are entirely reliant on patterned peatlands, which is quite rare in the state. [25] Renewed interest in peat mining has put the species in a precarious position, as alteration of the habitat’s hydrology is extremely disruptive, and protection of such conditions needs to be maintained. [25]

Taxonomic structure

Somatochlora brevicincta is an accepted species among entomologists, with a nomenclature stauts of "potentially valid", and has met standards for record credibility rating. [26] [27]

According to Canadensys, the Ouellet-Robert Entomological Collection, the René Martin Insectarium, and the Laval University Entomology Collection all contain Quebec Emerald specimens. [28]

Genetic data

Very little information on the genetic data of the Quebec Emerald exists. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank has documented two sequences of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene, but nothing on a complete genome is available. [29] However, there are significant number of records on the genus. [29] S. brevicincta is described in the Biodiversity of Life Database (BOLD Systems) with the assigned Barcode Index Number (BIN) of 250259. [13] Although this website provides some public data on the specimen depositories, sequencing labs, and specimen collection sites, it is still a data deficient species. [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corduliidae</span> Family of insects

Corduliidae, also knowns as the emeralds, emerald dragonflies, or green-eyed skimmers, is a family of dragonflies. These dragonflies are usually black or dark brown with areas of metallic green or yellow, and most of them have large, emerald-green eyes. The larvae are black, hairy-looking, and usually semiaquatic. This family include species called "baskettails", "emeralds", "sundragons", "shadowdragons", and "boghaunters". They are not uncommon and are found nearly worldwide, but some individual species are quite rare. Hine's emerald dragonfly, for example, is an endangered species in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hine's emerald</span> Species of dragonfly

The Hine's emerald is an endangered dragonfly species found in the United States and Canada. Populations exist in Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Ontario, and Wisconsin. Larvae are found in shallow, flowing water in fens and marshes, and often use crayfish burrows. Major threats to the species include habitat loss and alteration, and the species is legally protected in both the United States and Canada.

<i>Somatochlora</i> Genus of dragonflies

Somatochlora, or the striped emeralds, is a genus of dragonflies in the family Corduliidae with 42 described species found across the Northern Hemisphere.

<i>Somatochlora incurvata</i> Species of dragonfly

The incurvate emerald is a species of dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in Canada and the United States. Its natural habitat is fens.

<i>Somatochlora margarita</i> Species of dragonfly

Somatochlora margarita, the Texas emerald, is a species of dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is endemic to the United States. Its natural habitat is rivers.

<i>Somatochlora sahlbergi</i> Species of dragonfly

Somatochlora sahlbergi, the treeline emerald, is a species of dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found at high latitudes across northern Eurasia and North America, and occurs farther north than any other dragonfly.

<i>Williamsonia lintneri</i> Species of dragonfly

Williamsonia lintneri, the ringed boghaunter, is a species of dragonfly in the emerald family (Corduliidae). It is found at acid bogs in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Band-winged meadowhawk</span> Species of dragonfly

The band-winged meadowhawk is a dragonfly of the genus Sympetrum belonging to the family Libellulidae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brilliant emerald</span> Species of dragonfly

The brilliant emerald, Somatochlora metallica, is a middle-sized species of dragonfly. It is the largest and greenest of the Somatochlora species; 50–55 millimetres (2.0–2.2 in) long.

<i>Williamsonia fletcheri</i> Species of dragonfly

Williamsonia fletcheri, the ebony boghaunter, is a species of dragonfly in the emerald family Corduliidae. It is found in southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Larvae occur in acidic bogs.

<i>Somatochlora flavomaculata</i> Species of dragonfly

Somatochlora flavomaculata, also called yellow-spotted emerald, is a common species of dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. Its distribution stretches from France to Siberia and Mongolia. It frequents wetlands in its range. The males are known to defend their territory.

<i>Somatochlora elongata</i> Species of dragonfly

Somatochlora elongata, the ski-tipped emerald or ski-tailed emerald, is a species of dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in North America.

<i>Somatochlora albicincta</i> Species of dragonfly

Somatochlora albicincta, the ringed emerald, is a species of emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in North America.

<i>Somatochlora franklini</i> Species of dragonfly

Somatochlora franklini, the delicate emerald, is a species of emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in North America.

<i>Somatochlora hudsonica</i> Species of dragonfly

Somatochlora hudsonica, the Hudsonian emerald, is a species of emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in North America.

<i>Somatochlora ensigera</i> Species of dragonfly

Somatochlora ensigera, the plains emerald, is a species of dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in central North America.

<i>Somatochlora alpestris</i> Species of dragonfly

Somatochlora alpestris, or the alpine emerald, is a species of dragonfly from the family Corduliidae. It is found in European highlands, southern Scandinavia, and east to southern Siberia in Asia.

<i>Somatochlora septentrionalis</i> Species of dragonfly

Somatochlora septentrionalis, the muskeg emerald, is a species of dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is endemic to Canada, where it is found from Yukon and British Columbia east to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Somatochlora daviesi is a species of dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It was first described in 1977 based on specimens from Meghalaya, India, and is also known from Nepal and Bhutan. It resembles the east Asian S. dido in its small size and lack of yellow markings on most of the abdomen. Like other species in the genus, S. davisi is predominantly dark metallic brown to green. The formerly recognised Somatochlora nepalensis is now considered to be a synonym of S. daviesi.

<i>Somatochlora viridiaenea</i> Species of dragonfly

Somatochlora viridiaenea is a species of dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. The species was described in 1858 by American entomologist Philip Reese Uhler based on a female specimen from Hokkaido, Japan. It has also been recorded on Honshu and in eastern Russia.

References

  1. ↑ Abbott, J.C.; Paulson, D.R. (2017). "Somatochlora brevicincta". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2017: e.T20340A65818068. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T20340A65818068.en . Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  2. ↑ Paulson, D; Schorr, M; Abbott, J; Bota-Sierra, C; Deliry, C; Dijkstra, K. D.; Lozano, F (10 April 2024). "World Odonata List". Odonata Central. Retrieved 14 April 2024– via University of Alabama.
  3. 1 2 Brunelle, Paul-Michelle (July 2001). "Status of Somatochlora brevicincta (Odonata: Corduliidae), the Quebec Emerald, in North America" (PDF). Newsletter of the International Dragonfly Fund. 3 (1/2): 1-8. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  4. ↑ "Influence of religious communities in the development of the Musée de la nature et des sciences - part 3: zoology: Zoology Collection" (PDF). Musée de la nature et des sciences. May 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  5. ↑ "The founders of the SBL". Université de Montréal - Faculty of Arts and Sciences Laurentides Biology Station. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Paulson, D. R. (2009). Dragonflies and damselflies of the West. Princeton University Press.
  7. 1 2 Brunelle, P. M. "Courting Corduliidae: On securing Somatochlora and navigating Neurocordulia" (PDF). The Boghaunter.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Somatochlora brevicincta Quebec Emerald". NatureServe Explorer. NatureServe.
  9. 1 2 Hutchinson, R.; Menard, B. (2000). "The larva of Somatochlora brevicincta Robert (Anisoptera: Corduliidae)". Fabreries. 25: 53-67.
  10. ↑ "Abdomen". Agriculture and Life Sciences. NC State.
  11. 1 2 "Insects: Odonates". Environment and Climate Change Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  12. 1 2 Abbott, J. C.; Paulson, D. R. "Somatochlora brevicincta". IUCN Red List. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
  13. 1 2 3 "Somatochlora brevicincta". Barcode of Life Data System. BOLD. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  14. ↑ Dunkle, S. W. (2004-07-01). "Critical species of Odonata in North America" (PDF). International Journal of Odonatology. 7 (2): 149-162. doi:10.1080/13887890.2004.9748207.
  15. 1 2 3 "Species Summary: Somatochlora brevicincta". B.C. Conservation Data Centre. B.C. Minist. of Environment. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  16. ↑ "Somatochlora brevicincta Robert, 1954". GBIF Secretariat. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Corbet, P. S.; Brooks, S. J.; Thompson, R. S. (2008). Dragonflies. HarperCollins.
  18. ↑ Schmitt, Catherine. "Creature Feature: Quebec Emerald Dragonfly". Natural Resources Council of Maine. Natural Resources Council of Maine. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  19. 1 2 Dunkle, S. W. (2000). Dragonflies through binoculars : a field guide to dragonflies of North America. Oxford University.
  20. ↑ Frazer, Deryk (1983). Reptiles and amphibians in Britain. Collins.
  21. ↑ Cordero-Rivera, A.; Rivas-Torres, A.; Encalada, A. C.; Lorenzo-Carballa, M. O. (2023-01-03). "Sexual conflict and the evolution of monandry: The case of the damselfly Ischnura hastata (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) in the Galápagos Islands". Ecological Entomology. 48 (3): 336–346.
  22. ↑ Lin, April. "Physical and Neurological Processes in the Hunting Dragonfly". SQ Online. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  23. 1 2 Pithan, Jacob. "Somatochlora brevicincta". Animal Diversity Web (ADW). University of Michigan. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  24. ↑ "Species of Special Concern". Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. Maine.gov. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  25. 1 2 "Somatochlora brevicincta". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Minnesota DNR. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  26. ↑ "Somatochlora brevicincta Robert, 1954". Catalogue of Life. Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  27. ↑ "Somatochlora brevicincta Robert, 1954". Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). Creative Commons. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  28. ↑ "Somatochlora Brevicincta". Canadensys. 2024. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  29. 1 2 "Somatochlora brevicincta". National Center for Biotechnology Information. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved 1 April 2024.


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