Females, exclusively in tandem?, insert eggs into plant material normally above water level (dried out or wet) but sometimes the pair submerges and eggs overwinter under water. Eggs overwinter and larvae develop to imago in few months (same season).
Distribution:
Most of Europe eastward to Japan. More common in the north of the region. In Denmark widespread, including all regions and many smaller islands as well.
Habitat:
Behavior:
Status:
LC(global) NT(eu) LC(dk). Common in most of Denmark and other Nordic countries. Declining in rest of Europe.
Comment:
Flies a few weeks later than dryas, and often the two are found together.
Choosing this species because I had adult looking animals here, but I'm not 100% sure of the species, wondering if it could be a Robust Spreadwing instead. This because the ovipositor looks rather long and dark underside to the abdomen possibly matches Robust better. Will have to look into this...
Imago ♂
Superficially the appendages seem to be inward-pointed, but they lack the spatula shape at the end, plus, the all blue pruinose on S2 only matches this species.
Imago ♀
Another difficult animal where virens [Lille Kobbervandnymfe] is also present. But it is kind of possible to perceive that it is not yellow at the back of the head and the cobbery part of the thorax does not reach the metapleural suture (line further below in the greenish part of the thorax).
Imago ♀
In an area where virens [Lille Kobbervandnymfe] also exists the best way to identify this female is by the lack of yellow at the back of the head.
I think, an unusual spot to have the first animal of the year of this species. Almost in the forest, though at a drying out pool which might be attracting to it. The only animal present. 10 days earlier than last year.