A common emerald damselfly on Cors Ian Ceredigion.
Cors Ian is an upland valley mire with an interesting mosaic of habitats, hiding a wide array of marsh plants. Amongst the Molinia tufts and rushes a small population of Water Voles is thriving, nesting above ground with their territory extending some way from the central overgrown streambed. Resident birds on the mire include breeding Grasshopper Warblers and Reed Buntings, with Stonechats, Whinchats and Meadow Pipits on the drier heath. The old hedgerows provide nest sites for Redstarts, Tits and Wrens whilst around the old stables are nesting Spotted and Pied Flycatchers, Swallows and Garden Warblers in the scrub area. Birds of prey that can be seen include Buzzard, Red Kite and occasional Hen Harrier, with corvids including Raven. Dragonflies, notably the Keeled Skimmer, thrive wherever there is surface water but the most dramatic Golden Ringed Dragonfly can be found hunting amongst the gorse. There are many commoner species of butterflies but also the Marsh Violets support a small population of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries. Lestes sponsa, is a damselfly, with a wide Palaearctic distribution. It is known commonly as the emerald damselfly or common spreadwing. Both males and females have a metallic green colour and when resting its wings are usually half opened. One of the larger damselflies, this species is most common in July and August. It is often found by ponds and lakes, and is very rarely seen along flowing water. Emerald Damselflies like to perch among reeds, their colour providing good camouflage. They are not as strong fliers when compared to other common damselflies such as the common blue or large red damselflies, but they are more likely to be seen on misty, rainy days then those species. When disturbed they usually do not fly very far away, landing on another perch a few yards away. Their habit of perching with their wings half open is characteristic of the family Lestidae and gives rise to their other common name of spreadwings.
Size: 2432px × 3648px
Location: Cors Ian Ceredigion Wales UK Europe
Photo credit: © Philip Jones / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: animals, ceredigion, common, cors, damsel, damselfly, emerald, europe, flies, fly, ian, insect, insects, lestes, mid, pt, reserve, sponsa, summer, uk, vertical, wales, wild, wildlife
