Balkan Emeralds

Somatochlora meridionalis Nielsen, 1935

DESCRIPTION

Very similar to S. metallica in size (50-55 mm), metallic green coloration and male appendage shape, it can be separated from this species by having one (rarely two) small yellow spot(s) on the thorax sides and by the blackish, not brown pterostigma.

PHENOLOGY

In flight from June to August.

HABITAT

Unlike S. metallica, it breeds predominantly in very shadowy creeks and small streams.

DISTRIBUTION

The European range is reduced to some areas in the south and south-east of the continent: it can be observed in Italy and in the Balkan peninsula until Greece. In the Cuneo region it is a rare species, localized in some sites in the “Langhe” and in the southern hills.