Thursday 30 August 2018

Willow Emerald Damselfly, Sevenoaks KWT Reserve, 30 Aug 2018

Found a male Lestes spp damselfly at Sevenoaks KWT whilst walking the kids this afternoon. Managed to rattle off a few pictures before remembering Dad duties... The pale pterostigma first alerted me to something different from other Lestes spp I've seen in the UK (Common, Scarce and Southern) though I couldn't think what were the key features of Willow Emerald - so assumed a good picture of the side of the thorax would do it. Met a reserve warden, who's name was memorable but I've forgotten it..., who confirmed Willow Emerald ID based on spur projection marking on the thorax.
Initial view on dried Buddleia flower head
Spur on thorax marking is key ID feature 
Willow Emerald Damselfly
It's a boy!
Willow Emerald Damselfly (still)

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