Shropshire Birder
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Shropshire
Sample menu:
Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa)
On the wing from June to September, this is one of the latest species to emerge, and for a damselfly - unusual in that it rests with the wings well spread! Found near acidic ditches and shallow water, it is the only likely 'emerald' type likely in Shropshire. Identification is therefore reduced to splitting males from females. Both sexes have an emerald green abdomen, much stockier in the female. The slender male has blue segments at extreme ends of the abdomen. ......
Ladies first - note the two diagnostic dark spots on segment 1 just below the wing base.
The upperparts of an immature female with bronze coloured abdomen......
Immature female seen from the side.
The male is marked blue on the underparts of the thorax plus the first two and last two segments.
Wings are frequently held outstretched when at rest
But not always!
Typical male seen from above
The metallic sheen to the uper abdomen seen in close up
All images are strictly copyright and may not be used for any use without my permission. Images are available for publication. I am also able to supply prints on request (ideal for gifts or framing) in a range of sizes. Please email me for further details.