Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 176

Sympecma fusca is a species of damselfly that is found in southern and central Europe, extending to Asia. It is typically found around the Mediterranean in Europe and North Africa. It can inhabit various types of standing water, including brackish waters. During the winter, adults can be found away from water on dry plant stems in open areas. The species is distinct from other European damselflies and can be recognized by its pale brown pterostigma on both forewing and hindwing, as well as the placement of the pterostigma. Sympecma fusca overwinters as an adult and mates in the spring, with most reproductive behavior taking place in April and May. The eggs hatch, and the larvae develop rapidly before emerging as adults. The species then moves away from water to heath or grassland to overwinter.