Somatochlora, or the striped emeralds,[2] is a genus of dragonflies in the family Corduliidae with 42 described species found across the Northern Hemisphere.

[3] Members of this genus are medium-sized dragonflies with dark bodies and a metallic green lustre.

The eyes are brilliant green, and many species have dull to bright yellow markings on the thorax and/or abdomen.

In some species, the subgenital plate is large and projecting, and is used as a "pseudo-ovipositor" for inserting eggs into a substrate.

[4] Somatochlora larvae typically live in bogs, fens, and/or forest streams, with some species found in lakes.