Dark metallic green Damselfly with pale wing spots.
Male: very long abdomen with pale anal appendages with black tips.
Female: dark ovipositor.
Egg laying sites: females oviposit in the bark of tree branches near the water edge; appear as paired dimples in the bark surface.
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| Species Group | Damselflies |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chalcolestes viridis |
| Status & Distribution | Recent colonist; first recorded in significant numbers in East Anglia in 2009. Since then it has rapidly expanded its range and can now be found as far north as North Yorkshire and as far west as Warwickshire. |
| Habitat | Usually near ponds, canals or other still water with overhanging trees. Willow Emerald Damselfly has a characteristic habit of spending much time up in the trees. The eggs are laid into the bark of willow or alder. |
| Flight Period |  |
| Adult Identification |
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| Larval Information | Lestes larvae have a long abdomen and large caudal lamellae. Mask is not long and racket shaped like in other Lestes species.
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| Similar Species | May be confused with other emerald damselfly species. Willow Emerald Damselflies can be distinguished by:
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