Dragonfly

[Dave Mac]

Could somebody help by identifying this dragon for me. It was captured in Windsor park yesterday

[naturevhl]

Hi,

I cant really tell if the yellow on the side of the face is a reflection or actual colour, but I think its a brilliant emerald. Although, the Downy emerald could be possible as it usually flies with its tail up as seen in this photo.

Cheers

[Chris]

I'd say Downy Emerald... the Brilliant Emerald usually displays less bronze on the tale and more yellow towards the thorax.

Cheers, Chris

[Dave Mac]

Thanks for the speedy reply. I have another pic taken from a different angle that might help.

[Padfield]

Tricky! But that second picture does appear to show actual yellow, rather than just reflection, on the side of the face, and the thorax shows shiny green. Also, the abdomen doesn't look quite club-shaped enough to me for aenea. My vote is for metallica.

Guy

[Chris]

doesn't look quite club-shaped enough to me for aenea. My vote is for metallica

Ignore him , if it's not a male aenea, I'll eat my hat... any sharper photos?

[eccles]

Downy Emerald gets my vote.

[Padfield]

doesn't look quite club-shaped enough to me for aenea. My vote is for metallica

Ignore him , if it's not a male aenea, I'll eat my hat... any sharper photos?

Yes - do ignore me! I only dabble in dragonflies.

Guy

[Dave Mac]

Sorry no more pics. I spent half an hour chasing it along the edge of a pond before they disappeared and the first pic I posted was my best shot. The other pic was the second best so you can imagine what the rest looked like. Most of the time I completely failed to get it in the frame. There were a couple of them and they never settled at all So is the consensus Downy?

[hammer]

Its a downy emerald. I have very similar photos. they tend to hover for short periods enabling you to capture a photo .

Colin Pumfrett.