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Willow Emerald Damselfly

©Margaret Holland

Willow emerald damselfly

A recent colonist to South East England, the metallic-green Willow emerald damselfly spends much of its time in the willow and alder trees that overhang ponds, lakes and canals.

Scientific name

Chalcolestes viridis

When to see

May to August

Species information

Category

Statistics

Length: 3.9-4.7cm
Common.

About

The Willow emerald damselfly is a recent colonist, with numbers recorded increasing since 2009. It spends much of its time in the trees, laying its eggs into the bark of willow or alder. It can be found near ponds, canals and other still waterbodies that have overhanging trees. As with other damselflies, when Willow emeralds mate they form a 'mating wheel' in which the male clasps the female by the neck and she bends her body around to his reproductive organs. It is on the wing during August and September.

How to identify

The Willow emerald damselfly is metallic green. The upper appendages of the males are distinctively pale cream with dark tips. Unlike other damselflies, emerald damselflies, including the Willow emerald, spread their wings at an angle to their body when at rest.

Distribution

Found in south-east Suffolk, south-east Norfolk, Essex and Kent.

Did you know?

A recent colonist, the Willow emerald damselfly was first recorded in the UK in East Anglia in 2007.