Downy Emerald (Cordulia aenea)

Quick ID Guide

The Downy Emerald

This is the more common of the two emerald dragonflies that can be found in the southern half of the United Kingdom. It is also the first to emerge at the end of May. It can be seen on the wing until the end of July.

This species prefers lakes and pools that are partially wooded but with some open areas where they can bask in the sunshine.

As its name suggests the Downy Emerald's body is covered in fine hairs that are bronze in colour. The Brilliant Emerald lacks these hairs and is an overall brighter green. Although very similar in appearance when seen together at the same site the two are easily told apart.

The Downy Emerald has vibrant bright green eyes when they are fully mature, whilst the immature specimens have brown ones.

Both sexes are very similar to each other in appearance. The male has a club end to its abdomen, whilst the females' swells into a bulge at segment two and is then mainly regular in thickness to its tip.

Otherwise the anal appendages will need close examination to be able to identify the individual sexes from one another.

Photographic Overview - The Downy Emerald

All of my images are taken in handheld mode without the use of any camera support and this overview is written with that in mind.

This is another difficult species to photograph, mainly due to the fact that they rarely seem settle on low lying vegetation. They prefer fairly wooded sites and spend a lot of their time on the wing; however with patience some good images are possible.

In cloudier moments the Downy Emerald is fond of settling on bracken leaves or similar vegetation. If you are lucky enough to find one, set up your shot and await for the sun's return, but be quick as they will soon take to the air as they warm up.

Although fond of bracken I find it a photographers nightmare beacuse it is shiny and very green indeed. this tends to take over your image and detracts from the subject.

This is an easily disturbed dragonfly and if you miss your chance you are unlikely to get a second one, as they tend to fly into the tree tops or resume their endless patrol of the lake margins.

If you want to know more about this species, then follow this link - To Narrative

Like to see further images of this dragonfly, then follow this link - To Further Images

If you want to see the best of these images, then follow this link - To Slide Show

These images were obtained by stealth and patience alone, no other non photographic techniques were used. I hope you have enjoyed browsing my websiteand that you'll return again soon.

All of these photographs were taken by and remain the property of Chris Brooks

Page Updated 11/09

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