I was checking a private pool near Habberley yesterday and was very surprised to see this male Willow Emerald Damselfly. Apologies for the photos, but you can see the length of abdomen which was really noticeable when it flew in, and also the light pterostigma. This is only the 3rd Shropshire location for this species, but now is definitely the time to be on the look out for this newcomer. An Emerald Damselfly is pictured (2nd below left) illustrating the difference with a shorter abdomen, dark pterostigma and much blue pruinescens which is absent in the male Willow Emerald. The Emerald was photographed by Geoff Hall at The Bog along with this beautiful Black Darter illustrating the distinctive waisted abdomen. The last photos show Migrant Hawker captured by Harry Beaman in Ellesmere. These great inflight photos show 2 stripes on the thorax side, a brown costa and reduced antehumeral stripes. The last 2 points help distinguish it from Common Hawker with a bright yellow costa and narrow but complete antehumeral stripes.
