Male. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on August 10th 2025. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R7+RF100-400, f/11, 1/500th, ISO500, 270mm. Click image for larger version)
Male. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on September 18th 2024. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R7+RF100-400, f/11, 1/1000th sec, ISO3200, 189mm. Click image for larger version)
Female. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on September 5th 2023. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R7+RF100-400, f/10, 1/640th, ISO2500, 400mm. Click image for larger version)
Female. Taken at Farmoor, Oxon., on September 13th 2023. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R7+RF100-400, f/11, 1/1000th, ISO1000, 400mm. Click image for larger version)
Male and female. Taken at Cholsey, Oxon., on September 18th 2021. (© David Hastings)
(Canon 7DII+Sigma 180, f/13, 1/500th, ISO640, 180mm. Click image for larger version)

Description

Wingspan: 46 - 56mm Body length: 39 - 48mm

Both sexes of this species are mainly metallic green like other spreadwings, but are larger, darker and without blue eyes or pruinescence. The wing spots are large, pale and outlined in black. The male's abdomen is very long.

In the UK it is found in Kent, Sussex, East Anglia, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. In 2019 a pair was found in Oxfordshire. It is common in most of central, western and southern Europe.

Breeding habitat is standing and slow-flowing waters with overhanging trees.

This species lays eggs directly into living wood, usually willows, but Alder and other species are also used. Adults emerge later than other damselflies, mainly in September and October.

Males often hang vertically from waterside trees.

Earliest UK sighting: 25th June ; Latest UK sighting: 5th October

Sightings