Brown Emerald Damselfly
Sympecma fusca
Sympecma fusca, the common winter damselfly, is a damselfly a member of the Lestidae and related to the emeralds or spreadwings.
57
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sympecma_fusca
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Odonata
Family
Lestidae
Genus
Sympecma
Brown Emerald Damselfly belongs to the family Lestidae, order Odonata, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Sympecma fusca, the common winter damselfly, is a damselfly a member of the Lestidae and related to the emeralds or spreadwings.
The Brown Emerald Damselfly faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland breeding sites. Drainage of ponds, ditches, and slow-flowing water bodies for agriculture and development has eliminated much of its suitable habitat across Europe.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species can be found in much of southern and central Europe stretching out to Asia where it is replaced by S. paedisca. It is found around the Mediterranean in Europe and North Africa and on many Mediterranean islands. It can be found in all types of standing water, including in brackish waters. In winter adults are found away from water on dry plant stems usually in open areas such as...
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The Brown Emerald Damselfly faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland breeding sites. Drainage of ponds, ditches, and slow-flowing water bodies for agriculture and development has eliminated much of its suitable habitat across Europe.
Habitat loss through wetland drainage and infilling
Water pollution from agricultural runoff and chemicals
Climate change affecting water levels and temperature
Eutrophication leading to vegetation changes
Intensive land management reducing habitat connectivity
Found in 57 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (EN).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Brown Emerald Damselfly (Sympecma fusca). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/brown-emerald-damselfly