Hine's emerald exuviae have been found along the edges of channels and as far as 3 meters into adjacent marsh. Exuviae have also been found in seepage sedge meadow. Larval habitat also includes sheet flow through spring-fed seepage marsh. The larval stage may extend from two to four years depending on local weather conditions. Larvae and possibly some eggs may overwinter.
Adults usually fly over open areas of herbaceous vegetation and sometimes roads.
Meadows and fields with scattered groups of shrubs near breeding habitat seem particularly attractive to feeding adults. Depending on weather conditions, the flight season extends from late May to early October in Illinois and from early July through August in Wisconsin. Adults may live from 5 to 6 weeks. Potentially, there are many natural enemies of dragonflies during all stages of the life history. Early instars may be eaten by larger predatory insects, fish, and turtles in their aquatic habitat.