Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
A medium-sized damselfly which characteristically holds wings open at 45 degrees when perched, unlike other damselflies.
Males are metallic green with powder blue eyes, thorax sides, and bands across first and last two abdominal segments.
The females are similar but lack any blue colouring.
Status of Emerald Damselfly in Leicestershire & Rutland
Number of occupied 2km grid squares in Leicestershire & Rutland, up to the end of 2004: 85/720
Such a specific habitat preference means that the Emerald Damselfly has a rather local and scattered distribution within Leicestershire & Rutland.
Historic records suggest that it has always been local in Leicestershire (Longfield, 1937). |
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Distribution Map

Emerald Damselfly 2004 |
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Emerald Damselfly Habitat
This species favours shallow water sites with dense stands of emergent vegetation.
Flight period of Emerald Damselfly

Emerald Damselfly Photo Gallery
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