Plains Emerald

Like other species in the genus Somatochlora, S. ensigera is a dark metallic green dragonfly with clear wings. There are bold yellow spots on the side of the thorax. The male cerci are distinctively shaped when compared to related species. Individuals measure about 50 mm (2.0 in) in length.

Somatochlora ensigera is found across the northern Great Plains of southern Canada and the northern United States west to Saskatchewan, Wyoming, and Colorado, with rare occurrences in the eastern Midwest and Southern Ontario.

Somatochlora ensigera breeds in slow-flowing streams and small rivers that have pools and riffles. These habitats are typically wooded in the east, and in open areas but lined with a band of riparian shrubs and trees in the west. Males fly low along streams with occasional hovering. Females lay eggs in clay or gravel near or in water, beginning in the early morning. Both sexes will perch on vegetation along the streamside. Adults fly from June to September.