What is Green's Gem damselfly?

Green's Gem is a small endemic damselfly belonging to the family Chlorocyphidae, found only in Sri Lanka. It measures roughly 2.5 cm in length and is best known for the striking colour pattern of the male. Its wings are longer than its abdomen, giving it a distinctive silhouette among Sri Lankan odonata.

Where can I find Green's Gem in Sri Lanka?

Green's Gem inhabits the lowlands and lower foothills of Sri Lanka's wet and intermediate zones, particularly along clear, shaded streams and rivers with intact riverside vegetation. It perches on exposed rocks in or near flowing water. The south-western lowlands and edges of wet-zone forest reserves are productive areas to search.

Is Green's Gem endemic to Sri Lanka?

Yes, Green's Gem is entirely endemic to Sri Lanka and is not found anywhere else in the world. Its restricted range makes it a species of particular interest to naturalists and odonata enthusiasts visiting the island.

How do I identify a Green's Gem damselfly?

Males are identifiable by their vivid, contrasting colour pattern and by wings that are noticeably longer than the abdomen, often held partially open at rest. They typically perch on rocks or low vegetation at the stream edge. Females are much duller in colouration and harder to identify without close examination.

What does the territorial behaviour of Green's Gem look like?

Male Green's Gems defend sections of stream bank through rhythmic aerial display flights against rival males. The two males rise from their perches and perform a looping hover before one retreats. Physical contact is rare; the contest is primarily visual. The resident male usually returns to the same perch within minutes.

What time of day is best for watching Green's Gem?

Activity is highest in the mid-morning to early afternoon, roughly between 08:00 and 13:00, when temperatures are warm and sunlight reaches the stream surface. Overcast or rainy conditions significantly reduce damselfly activity. Walking slowly along shaded rocky stream banks and pausing frequently gives the best results.

Is Green's Gem affected by habitat loss?

The species depends on clean, free-flowing lowland streams with intact riparian vegetation, habitats that face pressure from deforestation, agricultural run-off, and stream channelisation. While not currently listed as critically endangered, the long-term health of wet-zone river systems is essential to its survival. Protecting stream corridors within and around forest reserves is the most effective conservation measure.

Are there other endemic damselflies in Sri Lanka worth looking for?

Sri Lanka has a notably high proportion of endemic odonata relative to its size, with several endemic Chlorocyphidae and other families present. A slow walk along a wet-zone stream can yield multiple endemic damselfly and dragonfly species in a single outing. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve and various lowland river systems are among the most rewarding locations.

Green's Gem — Lakpura®

The Green’s Gem is a colourful and small damselfly, measuring only about an inch in total length. It belongs to the Chlorocyphidae family, distinguished by having wings longer than their abdomens.

Habitat: This species is commonly found resting on rocks or vegetation near water bodies such as large streams and rivers with riparian vegetation. It is distributed in the lowlands and lower hills of wet and intermediate zones in Sri Lanka.

Behaviour: Male Green’s Gems are territorial and engage in rhythmic flight battles with rival males to defend their space.

Identification: This endemic species is easily recognizable by the unique colour pattern of the male, making it a distinct member of Sri Lanka’s damselfly population.