Scarce Emerald Damselfly

The Scarce Emerald Damselfly (Lestes dryas) is one of the rarest damselflies in England, although it may be under-recorded. It was believed extinct at one time but is now found in Essex and the Thames estuary as well as in two locations in Norfolk.

Oddly enough, in North America, where it is known as the Emerald Spreadwing, it is very common while our Emerald is unknown.

Identification

Almost identical to the Emerald damselfly the males can only reliably be distinguished by the shape of the anal appendages. In females the two green spots on segment 2 are rectangular rather than the teardrop shape of the female emerald.

Location	Grid Reference	Status
Holt Lowes	TG0837	Rare
North Tuddenham Common	TG0314	Rare
Thompson Common	TL9396	Frequent