Cordulia aenea - Downy Emerald
Male
Male
Exuvia (male, top view)
Animated gif of Downy Emerald in flight.
The animation was created by Steve Cham by joining a series of frames taken with a Canon Digital SLR.
Description
Length: 48mm
The Downy Emerald is one of three Emerald dragonflies found in Britain.
It is a metallic green dragonfly with a copper sheen and noticeable bright apple green eyes.
The male has a slightly club shaped abdomen and as the name suggests a downy thorax. More detail
Habitat
A pond within or close to deciduous woodland with scattered bankside trees, sparse stands of emergent vegetation and a carpet of leaf litter on the pond floor will offer the best conditions for breeding. More detail
Status and Distribution
It has a scattered distribution from Devon to the highlands of Scotland, although it has a stong hold in the South East of England More detail
Distribution map from the National Biodiversity Network Gateway (opens in new window).
Similar species
The Brilliant Emerald and Northern Emerald are somewhat similar in appearance.
Threats
Threats to this species come from habitat destruction and fragmentation, inappropriate habitat management, predation, pollution and changes in the hydrology of inhabited sites. More detail
Management
General management principles include undertaking survey and research work, careful habitat management ensuring sites are not over managed, and maintenance of water levels. There are also best practice guidelines for managing inhabited sites, including physical habitat management, management of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation and habitat restoration and recreation. More detail
Case Study
Management has been undertaken at Burnham Beeches 'Top Pond' with the aim of controlling the growth of Bogbean and expanding suitable habitat for the Downy Emerald. More detail
Management Fact File last updated 27/01/03 See the whole Management Fact File