The Portuguese records for M. splendens comprise two specimens from the Coimbra area in central Portugal taken in the 1930’s (cf. M.A. LIEFTINCK, 1965, Tijdschr. Ent. 108:41-59, pl. 5 excl.). In early July 1995 D. Chelmick and P. Mitchell undertook a survey of primarily riparian habitats in the Coimbra district with the prime purpose of establishing the continuing existence of this species. Coimbra is situated on the River Mondego which is one of the principal rivers of Portugal, Our first excursions took us to the Lagoa da Vela, a sandy bottomed shallow lake and to Soure on the river Arunca, which was one of the original M. splendens localities. At Lagoa da Vela the only notable species recorded was Enallagma cyathigerum, which is very local in Portugal.