Gorgeous greens

From insects to bird life, many shades of green are displayed by the UK’s native wildlife

- LOUISE MIDGLEY

Green is a dominant colour in the natural world. Living organisms, both on the ground and in the air, come in myriad shades, and itis used as a form of concealment from predators as much as an attractant to the opposite sex. Here, we share some of our favourite green species.

EMERALD DAMSELFLY

On the wing from June to September, these fairy-like flying beauties favour still waters with plenty of tall vegetation around the margins. Unlike most damselflies, which rest with their wings closed, metallic-green emerald damselflies characteristically hold their wings open at 45 degrees when perched. Their fluttery flight is restricted to short distances in between regular resting periods. Both sexes are emerald green but the male has a blue thorax and the female has pale green/brown underparts.

Green woodpecker