Chalcolestes viridis - Willow Emerald Damselfly
Phylum: Arthropoda - Class: Insecta - Order: Odonata - Family: Coenagriidae
Originating in central and southern mainland Europe, Willow Emerald Damselflies are recent arrivals in Britain. First recorded in 2007, by 2009 significant numbers of these colonists were being reported from East Anglia. Since then these metallic green damselflies have been spreading steadily northwards and westwards.
Description
The large pale pterostiga (wing spots) and an absence of blue colouring help distinguish this damselfly from other 'emerald' species. Males have very long abdomens relative to their wingspan. Significantly larger and more robust that the common Emerald Damselfly, the Willow Emerald males are 42 to 47 mm long, while females are noticeably smaller at 39 to 44 mm body length. As with other 'emeralds', these damselflies rest with their wings partly open rather than aligned together along their bodies.
Habitat
The Willow Emerald Damselfly is found mainly near ponds, canals and other stillwaters where willow trees or alder trees line the margins.
Life cycle
Willow Emerald damselflies can be seen between late May and September. They lay their eggs just below the water surface on the bark of waterside willow trees and alder trees.
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