Male. Taken at Whelford Pools, Gloucs, on May 16th 2023.
(1/640th sec at f9. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)
Male. Taken at Radley Lakes, Oxon., on May 29th 2020.
(1/500th sec at f9. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)
Female. Taken at Radley Lakes, Oxon., on May 11th 2019.
(1/100th sec at f11. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)

Description

Wingspan: 62 - 68 mm; Body length: 47 - 55 mm

This is the commonest and most widespread of the emerald dragonflies, although it is scarce and local. It has bright green eyes and bronze-green thorax. The abdomen is dark. In the male it is waisted at S3.

It is mainly found in SE England, but there are relict populations in the Midlands, Wales, Lake District and Scotland.

It is found at sheltered woodland pools, often in heathland.

Adults are on the wing from May until August.

Territorial males patrol close to the bank, frequently hovering. They rarely land by water, usually resting in trees some distance away.

Sightings

23-Jun-2023	:	Radley Lakes, Oxon	(2)
02-Jun-2023	:	Radley Lakes, Oxon	(3)
26-May-2023	:	Bucknell Wood, Northants	(1)
16-May-2023	:	Whelford Pools, Glos	(2)
29-May-2020	:	Radley Lakes, Oxon	(2)
25-May-2020	:	Radley Lakes, Oxon	(2)
02-Jun-2019	:	Abingdon, Oxon	(1m)
11-May-2019	:	Radley Lakes, Oxon	(2)
09-May-2018	:	Whelford Pools, Glos	(1)
07-Jun-2016	:	Abingdon, Oxon	(1)
24-Jun-2014	:	Mesta River fishponds, Bulgaria
06-Jul-2013	:	Paices's Wood, Berks	(7+)
06-Jul-2013	:	Decoy Heath, Berks	(2)
27-May-2012	:	Radley Lakes, Oxon	(2)
13-May-2012	:	Whelford Pools, Glos	(2)
21-May-2011	:	Bentley Wood, Wilts	(5)
30-Apr-2011	:	Otmoor, Oxon	(1)
27-Jun-2010	:	The Brenne, Loire Valley, France