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Dragonfly (Procordulia)

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Taxonomic group

Corduliidae: Procordulia

Diagnostic features

Procordulia dragonfly larvae have a longer abdomen than Hemicordulia as the abdomen tapers more gradually towards the end. The abdomen has 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”.

[Procordulia]. Abdomen more tapered than in [Hemicordulia]. Image: Stephen Moore Image
Procordulia. Abdomen more tapered than in Hemicordulia. Image: Stephen Moore
[Procordulia]. Labial palps with distinct “teeth”. Image: Stephen Moore Image
Procordulia. Labial palps with distinct “teeth”. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Procordulia larvae are more common than Hemicordulia south of the Waikato. They are found in ponds, lakes and slow flowing streams.

Feeding

They are predators, feeding on other stream invertebrates.

Indicator value

  • Hard bottom: 6
  • Soft bottom: 3.8

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

Procordulia 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 6 (hard bottom sites) and 3.8 (soft bottom sites).