A new damselfly species for Foxglove Covert

At the end of September a new species for the reserve was confirmed by volunteer Alison and dragonfly county recorder Keith - the Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis). This damselfly is a beautiful metallic green colour, with pale spots on the wings. These wing spots are known as 'pterostigma' and the pale colour helps distinguish the Willow Emerald from another damselfly species found at Foxglove Covert, the Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa), which is also green, but has dark pterostigma.

Willow Emeral Damselflies are usually found near still waterbodies with overhanging trees, as they lay their eggs in the bark of willow and alder trees.

They can be seen in October, and sometimes even as late as November, so keep and eye out when you visit Foxglove Covert this month.