Neurocordulia yamaskanensis

Description

Neurocordulia yamaskanensis, the Stygian shadowdragon, is a dragonfly common throughout the eastern United States. Dragonflies of the genus Neurocordulia share the unusual characteristic of being crepuscular in habit, meaning that they are only active for a short period of time during dawn and at dusk. This limited activity period has led to this species and other members of its family to be rarely seen by the casual observer. They may occasionally fly during very overcast days, but usually spend their days roosting in treetops and bushes near the shoreline of the streams, rivers and lakes which they patrol during their active hours. The Stygian shadowdragon's range includes much of the mid-Atlantic US states and extends northward into southern Canada and south to the Mason–Dixon line. It is one of the larger members of the Shadowdragon family, but is usually only about 2 inches long. Their fairly clear wings have a large brown spot at the bases, which can help differentiate them from other Shadowdragon species. Because of its short activity period less is known about its life cycle than other more visible dragonflies. The nymphs probably live in the stream beds which this species inhabits for a year or more before they crawl out onto rocks or trees along the stream or river where the adults emerge from their exoskeletons and take flight. This species is seen mostly during the month of June throughout its range.