Emerald Damselfly
Lestes sponsa
This record describes Lestes sponsa (species). Recorded family: Lestidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
A medium-sized damselfly which characteristically holds wings open at 45 degrees when perched, unlike other damselflies. Males are metallic green with powder blue eyes, thorax sides and bands across first and last two abdominal segments. The females are similar but lack any blue colouring. This species favours shallow water sites with dense stands of emergent vegetation. This species has a one year life cycle which entails their larvae feeding more and growing more quickly than other species. The active hunting behaviour of the larvae makes it vulnerable to predation from fish, so it does best in waters that are fish free or where there is dense vegetation to hide them. The species is widespread but not common throughout Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Lestes sponsa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lestes_sponsa.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species favours shallow water sites with dense stands of emergent vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
Mid June to late September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species has a one year life cycle which entails their larvae feeding more and growing more quickly than other species. The active hunting behaviour of the larvae makes it vulnerable to predation from fish, so it does best in waters that are fish free or where there is dense vegetation to hide them.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widespread but not common throughout Britain.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Lestes sponsa. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Emerald Damselfly (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Emerald Damselfly
What is Emerald Damselfly?
Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa) is a species in the family Lestidae, within the order Odonata.
Where is Emerald Damselfly found?
Habitat: This species favours shallow water sites with dense stands of emergent vegetation.
When is Emerald Damselfly active?
Emerald Damselfly: seasonal activity - Mid June to late September..
What is the life cycle of a Emerald Damselfly?
This species has a one year life cycle which entails their larvae feeding more and growing more quickly than other species. The active hunting behaviour of the larvae makes it vulnerable to predation from fish, so it does best in waters that are fish free or where there is dense vegetation to hide them.