Whilst at Oare Marshes last week looking for the Dainty Damselflies, It was quite obvious that there were quite a few Scarce Emerald Damselfly in the long grasses. I had a few walks around the area where I found up to 25 Scarce Emerald Damselfly. Most were immature males and females but a search did reveal a smart male which prompted me to take a few pleasing images of this scarce damselfly. Hopefully the images show some of the key features, that being half of S2 being blue and the incurved anal appendages. The males do tend to show brighter blue eyes but this male has yet to acquire them. More good news when today, Dave Brown visited the site and had 62 'Emerald' Damselflies. I would imagine that all of these are Scarce emerald Damselfly. It is only possible at Oare to survey a few small areas but again, I would imagine that there are plenty more in the nearby ditches. It would be nice if the rare Southern Emerald Damselfly colonised the area as it looks really good. They were found nearby last year a stones throw away at Seasalter so you never know.
Scarce Emerald Damselfly (Lestes dryas) - male
Another excellent set showing the key features of half S2 being blue and the incurved anal appendages well Marc*
ReplyDelete* And they are as good as your last!
Kind Regards from the North of England...Pete.
Many thanks Pete. I'm hoping to get back there soon to photograph the males when they have properly coloured up. Take care.
Delete