CELEBRATING BRITAIN
From insects to bird life, many shades of green are displayed by the UK’s native wildlife
Green is a dominant colour in the natural world. Living organisms, both on the ground and in the air, come in myriad shades, and it is used as a form of concealment from predators as much as an attractant to the opposite sex. Here, we share some of our favourite green species.
EMERALD DAMSELFLY
On the wing from June to September, these fairy-like flying beauties favour still waters with plenty of tall vegetation around the margins. Unlike most damselflies, which rest with their wings closed, metallic-green emerald damselflies characteristically hold their wings open at 45 degrees when perched. Their fluttery flight is restricted to short distances in between regular resting periods. Both sexes are emerald green but the male has a blue thorax and the female has pale green/brown underparts.
Green woodpecker
With their low, bouncing flight and loud, laughing call, green woodpeckers are easily recognisable when on the move. Red and black facial markings and a dagger-like bill complement their glorious green and mustard-yellow plumage, giving them an exotic appearance. Of the three species of woodpecker that breed in the UK, the green woodpecker is the largest and least likely to drum on wood, as it feeds mainly on the ground. It uses its strong beak and long tongue to dig out ants, beetles and various insects and their grubs.
Male sand lizard
Well-camouflaged female sand lizards secrete themselves among heathland vegetation during the mating season, but the sparky little males bravely display their vibrant green flanks, which are more pronounced when they are trying to attract a partner in April/ May. When out in the open, they leave themselves vulnerable to predation from snakes and raptors, so although they may soak up the sun for brief periods while showing off their glorious green coats, you still have to be in the right place at the right time to spot one. The females lay their eggs in June and July, and the babies will hatch out a couple of months later.
Common green grasshopper
These chatty invertebrates are predominantly green, although there is a wide variation of verdant tones between the males and females, which helps them hide from predators.
The sound
