Male. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon on August 15th 2010. Click image for larger version.
(1/200th sec at F13. Approx 2x life size.)
Immature male. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon, on July 4th 2010. Click image for larger version.
(1/60th sec at F11. Approx 3x life size.)
Female. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon on August 15th 2010.
(1/125th sec at F13. Approx 2x life size.)

© David Hastings

Description

Wingspan: 34 - 48 mm; Body length: 35 - 39 mm
 
Also known as the Common Spreadwing, this is the commonest Lestes species in Britain. It favours almost any standing water with ample reed-like vegetation. Sites range from acidic bog pools to brackish ditches.
 
The male generally has a metallic green body and a blue 'tail-light', and pruinosity covers the whole of S2. The pterostigma is dark. Females have more chunky bodies which are all-green, and two triangular black spots on S2.
 
Eggs are laid in the stems of emergent plants. They do not hatch until the following spring. The larvae prey more on crustaceans than other damselflies. Development is rapid and most emerge after only 2 or 3 months' growth. The flight season is mid-May to mid-October, peaking in August.

Sightings

02-Jul-2011	:	Otmoor, Oxon (7)
15-Aug-2010	:	Otmoor, Oxon
04-Jul-2010	:	Otmoor, Oxon
27-Jun-2010	:	Pinail, France
25-Jun-2010	:	The Brenne, France
24-Jun-2010	:	The Brenne, France
22-Aug-2009	:	Otmoor, Oxon
05-Jul-2009	:	Otmoor, Oxon