Emerald Damselfly - Lestes sponsa
Photos
Some pictures of a male and female Emerald Damselflies
Male, Felmersham NR
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Female, Felmersham NR
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Female, Felmersham NR
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Main features
Larger than the blue damselfiles, but not as big as a demoiselle, characteristically rests with wings held half open at 45°
The male is predominantly metallic green, with segments 1, 2, 9 and 10 coloured blue, with the blue continuing half along the thorax. The eyes are blue, contrasting with the green head.
The female lacks the blue of the male, her thorax is half green, half pale brown. Eyes are reddish brown.
Habitat
Not generally seen over water, but found near shallow still water sites, ponds, ditches etc., sometimes around rivers close to still waters.
Where to see
One of the counties rarest species, can be locally common at clay pits and quarries, such as Felmersham NR and Coronation Pit, but not always easy to spot.
Visible between early June and early September.