Brilliant Emerald

• Habitats occupied by S. metallica in Scotland and in southeast England are only broadly similar: sheltered, standing or slow-flowing waters usually, but not always, edged with good tree cover.
• Larvae need a place to hide underwater and ideally need the dark – i.e. shade provided by trees, overhanging banks, etc.
• Water bodies ideally but not exclusively need to have a soft peaty or muddy substrate, often overlaid with leaf litter.

The main threats to this species come from over-management or lack of appropriate management, deforestation, reduction in water levels, pollution and the introduction of fish.

The Brilliant Emerald is considered to be a nationally rare species. Using the IUCN categories, the Brilliant Emerald is considered to be endangered in the UK.

The Downy Emerald and Northern Emerald are somewhat similar in appearance.

General management principles include maintaining water levels and targeting survey work to map emergence sites. There are also best practice guidelines for managing inhabited sites including sensitive cutting of emergent vegetation, dredging and pruning. 

• Apple green eyes and the abdomen and thorax are dark metallic emerald green with a bright bronze sheen. The wings are suffused by saffron, particularly in the female. The male abdomen is slightly club-shaped.
• Habitats usually sheltered, standing or slow-flowing waters usually often edged with good tree cover.
• The Brilliant Emerald is considered to be a nationally rare species.
• Length: 53mm
• June – August