Common Emerald Damselfly Males

e6filmuser

Another species new to me, Lestes sponsa. It prefers permanent lakes and ponds, which I have not visited much. These were at the Decoy Heath reserve.

It is also known as the Common Spreadwing. The Spreadwings are a group of damselflies which, when at rest, spread their wings more like dragonflies than the typical vertically folded over the abdomen position.

The dorsal side of the thorax is supposed to be metallic green (3rd to 5th images) but some of these seem to be one side gold or both sides gold. I don't know if this is due to reflections of the sunlight. I have seen no mention of this in descriptions of the species. Perhaps it is a sign of immaturity?

I saw no females.

The stereos are crosseye.

Olympus EM-1 (aperture priority), Panasonic 100 - 400mm Leica DG Vario-Elmar at 400mm at f10, f11 or f13.

Harold

Lord Vetinari

Lovely captures Harold.
Brian V.

e6filmuser

Thanks, Brian.

Plenty more to come from my two visits and I am planning a third.

Harold

e6filmuser

I have just been informed (British Dragonfly Society) that the bronze colour of the thorax is a sign of old age.

Harold