The Willow Emerald Damselfly is spreading rapidly. Ian Merrill describes how you can look for it in winter. More...

The Willow Emerald Damselfly, Chalcolestes viridis, was first recorded in Britain in 2007 and the first record for VC55 came in 2019. Since then it has spread rapidly. This species is unique amongst UK Odonata by laying its eggs directly into the outer layers of bark of trees and shrubs overhanging water. The eggs remain in diapause over the winter, then hatch in spring and the larvae drop into the water below. This make it possible to search for signs of eggs in winter, when all other dragonflies and damselflies can only be found as aquatic larvae. Ian Merrill, Dragonfly Recorder for Leicestershire and Rutland, tells you all you need to know in this beautifully illustrated article.