Lestes (Chalcolestes) viridis - Willow Emerald Damselfly
Male
Female
Female
Detail of diagnostic “spur” marking
In mating wheel
Exuvia (female, side view)
Description
Length: Male: 42-47mm; Female: 39-44mm
This damselfly is metallic green, with no blue pruinescence on the male.
At rest, the Emerald damselflies all spread their wings at an angle to the body, unlike other damselflies.
The pterostigma is pale brown with a black border.
The male upper appendages are distinctively pale cream with dark tips.
Habitat
Usually near ponds, canals or other still water. The eggs are laid into the bark of willow or alder.
Status and Distribution
Vagrant, has bred [possible future colonist(?)]. Widespread on Jersey.
Recorded from Sussex, ca. 1980, and an exuvia discovered in Kent during 1992.
Distribution map from the National Biodiversity Network Gateway (opens in new window).
Similar species
Other members of the Lestes genus are quite similar but L. sponsa is by far the most likely to be found in the UK.