Willow Emerald Damselfly - Chalcolestes viridis

Length: 39 to 48 mm. Hindwing span: 23 to 48 mm. A dark metallic green damselfly with pale brown wing markings (pterostigma). 

Similar in appearance to the more common Emerald Damselfly.  Willow Emerald Damselfly is longer than Emerald Damselfly, appears thinner and lacks the blue pruinescense. The dark bordered pale brown pterostigma is a key identification feature of Willow Emerald Damselfly.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Favoured habitat is shrub or tree-lined water bodies including ponds, lakes, canals and slow-flowing sections of rivers. Adults are often encountered perched on branch tips, with wings held at a characteristic 45 degree angle. Ovipositing scars on the tips of young willow shoots usually overhanging water indicate the presence and local breeding of this species

Flying August and September and on into October.

First British record came from Felixstowe in 2007 and it has spread rapidly. 

First record for VC55 came from willows beside the Eye Brook inlet to Eyebrook Reservoir on 8th September 2019. This species is increasing in our area.