Male Emerald Damselfly ©David Martin
Female Emerald Damselfly ©Rachel Scopes
Emerald damselfly
The metallic-green Emerald damselfly can be seen from June to September around ponds, lakes, ditches and canals. Unlike other damselflies, it holds its wings half-open when perched.
Scientific name
Lestes sponsaWhen to see
June to SeptemberSpecies information
About
The Emerald damselfly is a medium-sized damselfly that lives among lush vegetation around the edges of ponds, lakes, ditches and canals. When perched, Emerald damselflies have a habit of holding their wings half-open, rather than closed along the length of their body like other damselflies. The last species of damselfly to emerge in the UK each year, they are on the wing from the end of June to September.How to identify
Male Emerald damselflies are metallic green, with pale powder-blue eyes. The tip of the abdomen is also blue, as is the thorax. Females are metallic green with pale beige stripes on the thorax. The similar Scarce emerald damselfly is a much rarer species that is confined to the south and east of the country.Distribution
Widespread.In our area
Emerald Damselfly is a widespread species in Montgomeryshire, but they are easy to overlook and under-recorded. Do let us know if you see one.
Did you know?
The Emerald damselfly is also known as the 'Common spreadwing' due to its habit of resting with its wings half-open. It is found across Central Europe and Asia.Emerald Damselfly is a widespread species in Montgomeryshire, but they are easy to overlook and under-recorded. Do let us know if you see one.