Willow Emerald Damselfly

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.

Recent colonist. A very few twentieth century records, but recorded in numbers from southeast Suffolk during 2009, with outlying sites in southeast Norfolk and north Essex. In 2010 again present in these areas, with additional records from south Essex and north Kent.

May be confused with other emerald Damselflies.

Willow Emerald Damselflies can be distinguished by its:

• Pale pterostigma (wing spots)
• Green spur on the side of the thorax.
• No blue coloration.

• Length: Male: 42-47mm; Female: 39-44mm
• Metallic green
• Pale pterostigma (wing spots) outlined in black.
• Green spur on the side of the thorax.
• Male: very long abdomen with pale anal appendages with black tips.
• Female: dark ovipositor.

Lestes larvae have a long abdomen and large caudal lamellae.

Mask is not long and racket shaped like in other Lestes species.