Hudsonian Emerald (Somatochlora hudsonica, Hagen) in Boulder County

Dragonfly conservation in parks serves the dual purpose of protecting iconic species of aesthetic value to park visitors as well as preserving aquatic ecosystem function. The Hudsonian emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hudsonica, Hagen). S. hudsonica is the only Colorado dragonfly listed as sensitive by the US Forest Service. Little is known about S. hudsonica’s habitat associations, distribution, and life history, all essential for future management of the species. We began answering those basic questions with literature-based habitat suitability models followed by a ground-truthing survey of adults across Boulder County Parks and Open Space (BCPOS) properties that span the suitability gradient to determine the local habitat variables that influence probability of occurrence. To determine breeding habitat, we also conducted an exuvial survey, and set the groundwork for captive rearing. The information collected as part of this project will provide critical baseline data necessary for BCPOS to draft habitat management and monitoring plans for the Hudsonian emerald.