Willow Emerald Damselfly (M) - Lestes viridis
Our local wood, Kent UK,
Unlike most damselfly species that lay their eggs beneath the surface of the water, the Willow Emerald Damselfly is quite unique in this country in that it lays its eggs in the thinner branches of a number of trees, Willow being a particular favorite as it often overhangs the water. The eggs which are laid in pairs either side of the insertion mark overwinter in the branch and begin to hatch from early April where they drop into the water and grow at an alarming rate. They also have an amazing mechanism in that if they fall on to dry land, they can spring on the surface until hopefully they reach the water.
Willow Emerald Damselfly (M) - Lestes viridis
Our local wood, Kent UK,
Unlike most damselfly species that lay their eggs beneath the surface of the water, the Willow Emerald Damselfly is quite unique in this country in that it lays its eggs in the thinner branches of a number of trees, Willow being a particular favorite as it often overhangs the water. The eggs which are laid in pairs either side of the insertion mark overwinter in the branch and begin to hatch from early April where they drop into the water and grow at an alarming rate. They also have an amazing mechanism in that if they fall on to dry land, they can spring on the surface until hopefully they reach the water.