live for 2–4 years. Reproduction Before reproduction can occur, a male must first establish a territory. These territories range from 2–4 meters in area and sit close to bodies of water. Male dragonflies patrol these areas and defend them from dragonflies of both their own and other species. Females initiate mating by flying into a male’s territory. A male responds to this behavior by chasing after the female. Once the male reaches the female, he latches onto her body. The two then fly to nearby shrubs, and copulation begins. Post-copulation, the female repeatedly dips her abdomen into shallow water. In doing so, she deposits her fertilized eggs. Hine’s emeralds reproduce once and die shortly thereafter. Hine's emeralds reproduce during the months of June, July, and August. Diet and feeding behaviors Hine's emeralds are carnivorous during both the larval and adult stages of their lives. Adult Hine's emeralds feed upon small flying insects such as mosquitoes and gnats. Adults usually forage for their prey while in-flight and appear to favor foraging along forest edges. These forest edges typically run alongside roads. During the pre-reproductive stage, these flights last 1–3 minutes. During the reproductive stage, these flights last up to 15 minutes. Reproductive adults may fly up to 1.2 miles during these flights. At times, reproductive adults also forage in large swarms. Hunting in these swarms may protect dragonflies from predators. Nymphs are nocturnal feeders and prey upon other aquatic larvae, such as those belonging to mosquitoes or mayflies Researchers suspect that nymphs prey upon different species throughout their development. While hunting, nymphs remain still and wait for prey to approach them. Distribution and habitat Hine's emeralds occupy wetland, pond and pool, wet meadow, forest, and marsh habitats. A few important characteristics are common to typical Hine's emerald habitats. First, Hine's emerald habitats include slow-moving, mineralized streams. Second, they have both open and wooded areas. Open areas provide space for foraging. Wooded areas provide space for resting. Third, they include crayfish burrows, which nymphs use for shelter. Fourth, typical habitats possess exposed or lightly covered bedrock. Finally, they provide pathways for Hine's emerald dispersal. Roadways, forest clearings, streams, and railroads all serve as dispersal pathways. Other characteristics of Hine's emerald habitats, such as vegetation, vary between regions. The Hine's emerald's current range includes parts of the United States and Canada. Within the United States, the Hine's emerald's range includes Illinois, Michigan, Missouri