Insect
Downy Emerald
Cordulia aeneaAlso known as Downy Emerald Dragonfly
Downy Emeralds patrol woodland ponds and nutrient-poor waters with swift, low-level flights along shaded margins. Males aggressively defend sunny clearings, perching vertically on overhanging foliage between territorial loops. Females deposit eggs by dipping their abdomens into floating vegetation or moss-lined banks.
DragonflyMetallicFlight
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMidges, Mosquitoes, Small flies
Predators
- Birds
- Frogs
- Larger dragonflies
ThreatsWetland drainage, pollution, and loss of overhanging woodland canopy
HabitatsWoodland ponds, sheltered lakes, acidic bogs, and slow streams
Life span2–3 years
Classification
- FamilyCorduliidae
- SpeciesCordulia aenea
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; safe to observe along sunny water margins.
Responsible observation
- Spotting Males: Look for territorial individuals hovering in sunny glades near tree-lined ponds.
- Viewing Advice: Use binoculars from pond edges to watch perching behavior on overhanging twigs.
- Best Season: Visit woodland wetlands between May and July during calm, warm afternoons.
Image unavailableCo-occurring Species 
Competitor (c) Ludivine Lamare, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ludivine Lamare · cc-byClose Relative Close Relative
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