Downy Emerald
Cordulia aenea
Length 48mm

Attractive dragonfly with green head and thorax and bronze-green abdomen with metallic sheen. Thorax coated with hairs and base of wings yellowish. Front of abdomen constricted in male. Very locally common in SE England and has scattered colonies elsewhere in C and S England. Flies fast and low over water but perches high in overhanging tree or bush. Very alert to danger and will not allow a close approach. Favours ponds, lakes and canals, and flies in June and July.