Brilliant Emerald
VU

Brilliant Emerald

Somatochlora metallica

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brilliant_emerald

Overview

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.

Threat summary

Habitat

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.

Other threatened species in Corduliidae

Eurasian BaskettailVU

Eurasian Baskettail

Epitheca bimaculata

Unknown
Yellow-spotted EmeraldVU

Yellow-spotted Emerald

Somatochlora flavomaculata

Unknown
Downy EmeraldVU

Downy Emerald

Cordulia aenea

Unknown
Northern EmeraldCR

Northern Emerald

Somatochlora arctica

Unknown

Threatened in Åland Islands

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Syndyas nigripes

Unknown
Chrysotus cupreusCR

Chrysotus cupreus

Unknown
VU

narulukkokiiluri

Syntormon filiger

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Brilliant Emerald classified as Vulnerable?
Brilliant Emerald is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. 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.
Where does Brilliant Emerald live?
Brilliant Emerald occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Bulgaria (plus 27 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Brilliant Emerald?
The main threats to Brilliant Emerald are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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