Emerald Damselfly

Description

The most common Emerald Damselfly species.

Male: Metallic green with blue colouration.

Female: Metallic green with pale green/brown underparts.

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Species GroupDamselflies
Scientific NameLestes sponsa
Status & Distribution

Locally common throughout Britain but has been declining since the 1990s, particularly in England.

Habitat

Still waters with tall waterside vegetation, especially rushes and sedges.

 

Flight PeriodEmerald Damselfly
Adult Identification
  • Length: 38mm
  • Metallic green body.
  • The elongated pterostigma (wing spots) are dark brown to black.
  • Male: blue colouration at the top and bottom of the abdomen (segments 1-2 and 9-10).
  • Female: thicker body than the male and no blue colouration.
  • Rests with wings half spread.
Larval Information

Lestes larvae have a long abdomen and large caudal lamellae.

Distinctive long tennis racket shaped mask.

Caudal lamellae are rounded at the end.

 

Similar Species

Can be distinguished from other Emerald species by its:

  • Dark narrow pterostigma (wing spots).
  • Males: Segment 2 all blue. Small, narrow inferior appendages.
  • Females: Isolate metallic spot above middle leg on thorax. Short ovipositor that does not extend past the end of the abdomen.

Similar Species

Willow Emerald Damselfly
Southern Emerald Damselfly
Scarce Emerald Damselfly