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Credit Tabs Taberham 2/4
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Credit Elaine Rice 4/4

Willow emerald damselfly Chalcolestes viridis

A recent colonist to the UK, the metallic-green willow emerald damselfly spends much of its time in willow and alder trees overhanging water bodies such as dykes and ponds.

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, dykes 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.

Conservation status

Common.

Related questions & advice

What is the difference between dragonflies and damselflies?

Details

Did you know? A recent colonist, the willow emerald damselfly was first recorded in the UK in East Anglia in 2007. First sightings in Norfolk were recorded in 2009 at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, where the species can still be found.

 
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