The summer months, especially sunny days, are the best time of year to find dragonflies and damselflies, elegant insects with metallic and iridescent shades and powerful eyesight. 42 species of dragonflies and 23 species of damselflies are known in Portugal. The former are usually larger, faster and have their wings open when at rest; the latter are more delicate and, when at rest, prefer to keep their wings closed or slightly open.

Here are four species to look out for over the coming weeks.

The lesser emperor dragonfly

Anax parthenope

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Similar to other dragonflies, the lesser emperor has a great ability to fly, and it can be found hunting insects far away from water. The wings of Anax parthenope stay open and horizontal when at rest. It is one of 10 species of the Aeshnidae family that are found in Portugal and other countries in Southern Europe, North Africa and Asia.

The blue emperor dragonfly

Anax imperator

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This is another of the species of the Aeshnidae family that inhabit Portugal. The blue emperor is one of the largest dragonflies in Europe and can be found from north to south, almost always near places with plenty of water and surrounded by vegetation. It is usually easy to recognise, with its blue body, blue-green eyes and greenish sides on the thorax. These dragonflies can be up to nine centimetres long.

Scarlet dragonfly

Crocothemis erythraea

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This is a common dragonfly in Portugal and easy to identify, at least the males, which are an unmistakable bright red. The females and juveniles, on the other hand, are a brownish yellow. Look for these insects near areas with shallow water, especially in vegetation.

Willow emerald damselfly

Chalcolestes viridis

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This metallic green damselfly breeds in areas of calm water bordered by trees or shrubs. It has the characteristic habit of spending a long time perched on tree leaves. When the time is right, it lays its eggs in the bark of willow or alder trees.