Mocha Emeralds at Cornwell Rd, Brant

[Bill Lamond]

Hi,

Today (31 August) I encountered five Mocha Emeralds flying over Cornwell Rd at a small stream culvert, S of the 403 in Brant County. This location is only 2.5 kilometres away from where this species has been seen before in Cainsville in Brant County and 5.5 kilometres away from a location in Hamilton-Wentworth east of Harrisburg. 

The emeralds were generally flying fairly high over the road but would often come down close to ground level for an attempted swing. I caught two of them, both males (both photographed). With the one individual, one forewing came off upon capture. This is an unfortunate aspect of netting these creatures. Doesn't happen often, but it does happen. I think it occurs more so with older specimens with brittle wings. The individual did fly away afterwards although laboured.

I suspect this species is much more common in this area of Brant County than the few records indicate. Checking sluggish streams in this area will likely reveal more locations for this species.

Bill