Common Winter Damsel

Sympecma fusca (Vander Linden, 1820)

DESCRIPTION

This species (total length 34-39 mm) is easily identified by the light brown body coloration with metallic reflexes on the head, thorax and abdomen and by the different pterostigmas position: nearer to the tip on forewings and more distant on hindwings. Coloration of both sexes is similar.

PHENOLOGY

In flight from March to October, often with two generations per year. Adults can overwinter.

HABITAT

It colonizes still water habitats with high riparian vegetation (reed bed etc.), where it can be found in the breeding season. This species spend maturation and overwintering stages in small woods or hedges, even kilometers away from the water.

DISTRIBUTION

Sympecma fusca is widespread in most of Europe and absent in the northernmost part of the continent, but in quick spreading because of climate change. In the Cuneo region, this species is widespread mainly in the eastern part of the area, in the plain and hills of Langhe and Roeri.