Brilliant Emerald
Somatochlora metallica
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.
33
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brilliant_emerald
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Odonata
Family
Corduliidae
Genus
Somatochlora
Brilliant Emerald belongs to the family Corduliidae, order Odonata, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
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.
The Brilliant Emerald faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss of suitable breeding sites. Pollution of freshwater systems, drainage of wetlands, and climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems are reducing the availability of clean, well-oxygenated waters essential for larval development.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits acidic bog pools, moorland ponds, small lakes, and slow-flowing streams with abundant emergent vegetation, typically in upland and northern regions. Adults require nearby woodland edges and clearings for foraging and maturation.
Threats
Water pollution and eutrophication
Wetland drainage and habitat loss
Climate change affecting aquatic ecosystems
Degradation of riparian vegetation
Hydrological modifications
Found in 33 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Brilliant Emerald (Somatochlora metallica). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/brilliant-emerald