The Emerald Damselfly is an attractive, if rather delicate, insect whose metallic green body is not dissimilar to the larger demoiselles. This is one of the later damselflies to be on the wing with numbers peaking in Argyll during late Summer (August).

 

Unlike other damselflies, e.g. Large Red, that arrange their wings along the length of their abdomens, the Emerald Damselfly habitually spreads its wings while at rest and is a good aid to identification.

 

The male often develops a 'frosted' appearance called pruinescence on its thorax and certain abdominal segments that gives it a distinctive appearance that adds to its attractiveness.

 

Most damsel and dragonflies after hatching spend the next 1 – 5 years underwater as nymphs. The female Emerald Damselfly (in keeping with the breeding biology of other emeralds) lays eggs that do not hatch until the following Spring. The larvae then develop very quickly and usually emerge as little as 2 – 3 months after hatching.