This stunning Willow Emerald damselfly was spotted and photographed for the first time at Gadespring last week by our volunteer, Dave Finlayson.
These damselflies are striking, with their white wingtip spots and wings held at a slight angle. Males can be quite obliging for photographers, often perching in full view – though patience is needed to capture such a crisp image! 📸
Originally dominant in parts of Europe, the Willow Emerald only began colonising our south-east coasts in 2009. Since then, thanks to mild winters and their unusually fast life cycle, they’ve spread rapidly inland – first recorded in Hertfordshire in 2015 and now reaching as far north as Yorkshire.
🔎 Fun fact:
Unlike most dragonflies and damselflies, which spend years as nymphs underwater, Willow Emeralds can take to the skies just weeks after hatching! Females lay eggs in willow branches above the water, leaving telltale “pimples” under the bark as evidence.
While not all new insect arrivals are welcome, this species – a lover of clean water – is a beautiful and positive addition to our ponds and lakes. 💚