Oxygastra curtisii
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Orange-spotted Emerald Male -
Orange-spotted Emerald Female -
Orange-spotted Emerald exuvia (male, top view)
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Description
Length: 53mm
The Orange-spotted Emerald has bright green eyes and yellow or orange, elongated spots along the length of the dorsal surface of the abdomen. The thorax and ground colour of the slender abdomen is bronzy-green. S10 shows a yellowish dorsal mark, quite noticeable in flight.
The male has a slightly waisted abdomen.
Females are more parallel sided and the leading edges of the wings are suffused with yellow.
Habitat
Associated with muddy, slow-flowing rivers and streams.
Status & Distribution
Extinct in Britain, probably due to pollution of its last known habitat on the Moors river in Dorset. Last recorded in 1957.
Similar species
The orange-yellow spots are characteristic but it could possibly be confused with other emerald dragonflies.