Thursday 25 August 2016

Willow Emerald Damselfly at Peterborough

I had a phone call from Trisha Thompson with a query about a potential Willow Emerald Damselfly at Boardwalks Nature Reserve in Peterborough. Trisha thought it was a Willow Emerald, and I agreed. I sent Trishas's photos to Adrian Parr who confirmed the ID. Trisha returned today and saw it again - her photo is below. I hope to visit the site soon as this is a great westerly record for thisspecies and it may appear at other sites with Willow trees around pools and ponds. Anyone in the area, please keep an eye out. Willow Emeralds don't tend to show the blue pruinesence of the common Emerald, and more characteristically have large pale pterostigma compared to dark pterostigma in the common species. It may appear elsewhere in the area.

For myself, I have just returned from Devon and a quick visit to Ditchford showed 150+ Migrant Hawkers, 20 Brown Hawkers and a couple of Emperors including an ovipositing female. I hope to get out more soon. 

Male Willow Emerald Damselfly