After adults emerge, usually males later establish breeding territories and mate with females. Females lay eggs in suitable aquatic habitat. Most larvae have been found in shallow water of narrow channels, as well as along edges of channels. After adults emerge they spend a few days feeding before they return to breeding areas. As females approach, males pursue and mate with them.
Metamorphosis starts to take place as the final instar matures.
Mature larvae crawl out of the water onto nearby plant stems or anything providing support. The skin splits on the back of the head and thorax, and the adult emerges , leaving the exuviae behind. After a few hours, the adult is ready to feed. 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.