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The
Hine's emerald dragonfly is an endangered species. Endangered
species are animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct.
Threatened species are animals and plants that are likely
to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Identifying, protecting,
and restoring endangered and threatened species is the primary objective
of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's endangered species program.
What Is The Hine's
Emerald Dragonfly?
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Appearance - This dragonfly has bright emerald-green
eyes and a metallic green body, with yellow stripes on its sides.
Its body is about 2.5 inches long; its wingspan reaches about
3.3 inches.
•
Range - Historically, the Hine’s emerald dragonfly
was found in Alabama,Indiana, and Ohio and probably has been extirpated
in those states. Today the dragonfly can only be found in Illinois,
Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin.
•
Habitat - The Hine's emerald dragonfly lives
in calcareous (high in calcium carbonate) spring-fed marshes and
sedge meadows overlaying dolomite bedrock.
•
Reproduction - Adults males defend small breeding
territories, pursuing and mating with females who enter. The female
lays eggs by repeatedly plunging the tip of her body into shallow
water. Later in the season or the following spring, immature dragonflies,
called nymphs, hatch from the eggs. The nymph lives in the water
for 2 to 4 years, eating smaller aquatic insects and shedding
its skin many times. The nymph then crawls out of the water and
sheds its skin a final time, emerging as a flying adult. The adults
may live only 4 to 5 weeks.
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Why
Save a Dragonfly?
Dragonflies
play an important role in nature. they catch and eat smaller
flying insects, including mosquitoes, biting flies, and
gnats. In its immature stage (nymph), a dragonfly is an
important food source for larger aquatic animals such as
fish. They serve as excellent water quality watchdogs, are
part of our nation's natural heritage, and add beauty to
our world.
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Why Is The Hine's Emerald
Dragonfly Endangered?
•
Habitat Loss or Degradation - The greatest threat to the
Hine's emerald dragonfly is habitat destruction. Most of the wetland
habitat that this dragonfly depends on for survival has been drained
and filled to make way for urban and industrial development.
•
Pesticides
and Other Pollutants - Contamination of wetlands by pesticides
or other pollutants also poses a threat. The dragonfly depends
on pristine wetland or stream areas, with good water quality,
for growth and development.
•
Changes
in Ground Water - Development that decreases the amount or
quality of ground water flowing to the dragonfly’s habitat
threatens its
survival because it depends on spring-fed shallow water to breed.
What Is Being Done To Prevent Extinction
Of The Hine's Emerald Dragonfly?
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Listing - The Hine’s emerald dragonfly was added to
the U.S. List of
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants on January 26, 1995.
It
is illegal to harm, harass, collect, or kill the dragonfly without
a permit
from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
•
Recovery
Plan - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prepared a recovery
plan that describes and prioritizes actions needed to help the
dragonfly
survive. The Recovery Plan is available on the website below or
by
writing to the address below.
•
Research
- Researchers are studying the Hine’s emerald dragonfly to
find the best way to manage for this species and its habitat.
• Habitat Protection - Where possible, the dragonfly’s habitat
is being
protected and improved.
•
Public
Education - Public education programs will be developed to
raise
awareness of the dragonfly’s plight. Residents living near
prime
dragonfly habitat may be contacted by an “ambassador”
and provided
with information about the dragonfly.
What Can I Do To Help Prevent The
Extinction Of Species?
•
Learn - Learn more about the Hine's emerald dragonfly
and other endangered and threatened species. Understand how the
destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and threatened
species and our nation's plant and animal diversity. Tell others
about what you have learned.
•
Join
- Join a conservation group; many have local chapters. Or volunteer
at a local nature center, zoo, or wildlife refuge.
•
Protect
- Protect water quality by minimizing use of lawn chemicals (i.e.,
fertilizers, hervices, and insecticides), recycling used car oil,
and properly disposing of paint and other toxic household products.
March 2006
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