Tuesday 10 August 2010

Damselflies (2): Emerald Green Mystery

Green seemed to be the colour for Damselflies at WWT Llanelli the weekend. A kind photographer pointed out the one below [1], and we soon spotted the rather pale and muted green form of specimen [2].

1] Emerald Damselfly


Can you spot the camouflaged creature
in David's photograph above?
I think it may be the Emerald Damselfly, Lestes sponsa.

I am wondering if [1] is a female, since male Emeralds have blue eyes.

I note that Welsh.lensman had spotted this species in the same location:
his link will take you to the Wild about Britain forum.



Above: Detail of abdominal markings


Above: details of head and thorax ...
and 'hairy legs'!


Above: close-up of the whole


2] Green Damselfly


Above: it was almost like a Lacewing in that the wings
were pale and delicate.


I have not been able to identify this Damselfly to date.
Any clues would be appreciated!


Above: head


Above: tip of abdomen


Above: details of wing

Perhaps this could be the female of the Emerald species above?
It seems that Emerald Damselflies usually perch
with their clear unpigmented wings half-open,
so I have my doubts.

Having said that, this link leads to an image
of an example with closed wings.

It is possible that [2] is a female White-Legged Damselfly:
what do you think?
There is an enlarged view here.

Unfortunately my photograph does not show
the Pterostigmata on the wings,
which should be light brown.

It does not seem a very likely identification
if you look at the distribution map.

Who can solve the mystery?

4 comments:

Crafty Green Poet said...

they are both very beautiful insects, Caroline, specially in close up. I can't help with id though, I'm not very knowledgeable about damsels and dragons unortunately

Anonymous said...

It is lovely to meet you; thanks for your visit today! These are incredible pictures. I am no help at identifying but they are magnificent to see.

Anonymous said...

I came back to give you the blog address of my friend Kanak in India. She loves damselflies etc. and has some wonderful photos also.
http://kanak7.wordpress.com/

Mistlethrush said...

Some excellent ID images here Caroline. Love them.