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Dragonfly (Hemicordulia)

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Taxonomic group

Corduliidae: Hemicordulia

Diagnostic features

Hemicordulia dragonfly larvae have a wide abdomen that appears to end abruptly (rather than gradually tapering to a point). There are no obvious spines along the midline of the dorsal (top) surface. The labial palps (jaw-like structures used to grab prey) cover much of the “face” and have distinct “teeth”.

[Hemicordulia]. Abdomen appears shortened, not tapered. Image: Stephen Moore Image
Hemicordulia. Abdomen appears shortened, not tapered. Image: Stephen Moore
[Hemicordulia]. Labial palps with distinct “teeth”. Image: Stephen Moore Image
Hemicordulia. Labial palps with distinct “teeth”. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Hemicordulia larvae are most common in the North Island. They are found in ponds, lakes and slow flowing streams.

Feeding

They are predators, feeding on other stream invertebrates.

Indicator value

  • Hard bottom: 5
  • Soft bottom: 0.4

The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species

Hemicordulia can be found in streams and ponds with a wide range of water quality, and therefore they probably have little value as water quality indicators. They have medium to low tolerance values of 5 (hard bottom sites) and 0.4 (soft bottom sites).