Ozark Emerald Somatochlora ozarkensis

Without question, the most impressive dragonfly I have ever held in my hand. This female was doing a baskettail-like spinning flight over an Ozark creek for small insects. Just looked dark in flight. Note the paddle-shaped ovipositor at the rear. Distinctly different from the Mocha Emerald. And the Mocha has no white markings on the thorax. Arkansas currently has four true Emerald species. There are an impressive number north of us. All but the Mocha are rare finds. This is the only Ozark I have ever seen.

Compare the handheld side shot of the male from David Arbour in OK. Note the circle of the cerci is almost oval. The Clamp-tipped is much more open. (See below.)

This is the male Clamp-tipped, Somatochlora tenebrosa. Showing the open circular male cerci. Note also the much reduced striping on the thorax. Almost as dull as the Mocha for side stripes. Also shot in Oklahoma. Females have a long ovipositor and a ventral spike.