![]() This is a common and distinctive damselfly in much of northern Europe, where it is frequently the first damselfly species to appear in spring. It is a more southern species, but is steadily spreading and is found in similar habitats. viridulum is smaller, and in males the blue tail extends along the sides of segment eight and on segments adjacent to the thorax. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Locally common in well-vegetated still or slow-moving waters with floating aquatic plants, and virtually confined to England within the UK. Males are bluish-black with a blue tail (segments 9–10) and striking red eyes females are very dark with no blue tail, and duller reddish eyes. This very distinctive medium-sized damselfly is (with the Small Redeye) the only red-eyed damselfly in northern Europe. Within Britain it is found only in Scotland. hastulatum is the most common of the group in far northern Europe, distinguished by the ‘stalked spearhead’ marking on segment two. mercuriale is a rare southern species with a distinctive winged mercury mark on segment two Spearhead Bluet C. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Common throughout most of Britain except the north, in a variety of waters, especially if they are well vegetated. Males have a rather distinctive ‘open-box’ black marking on segment two of the abdomen (compare with Common Bluet, opposite). Mating Azure Bluets, male above, female laying.Ī typical ‘blue damselfly’, Azure Bluet is more slender and longer than Common Bluet, with the typical Coenagrion extra short black stripe on the side of the male’s thorax. SIMILAR SPECIES Many Coenagrion species (see opposite) are similar, but all males have an additional short black stripe on the blue thorax, as well as individual differences. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Occurs throughout the whole area in a variety of waters, especially acidic lakes and ponds, and is frequently abundant. Females are less distinctive and more variable. ![]() The best identification features are the presence of only one black stripe on each side of the blue thorax and, in males, a little black, stalked ‘ball’ marking on segment two of the abdomen. ![]() This is almost certainly the most common damselfly in the area, resembling many other species in its blue and black pattern. It is primarily a southern species and rather rare in the area, with scattered fluctuating populations in southern Britain and Ireland, and northwards on mainland Europe to Denmark. pumilio is similar but smaller, and the blue ‘tail-light’ covers the whole of segment nine and just a little of segment eight. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Widespread and common throughout Britain and northern Europe in wet areas with still water less common in running water. Apart from in the species noted below, this is a distinctive combination. Females are similar, though more variable in colour. Males are dark blackish-bronze with a bright blue single penultimate abdominal segment (segment eight), which appears like a little blue tail-light. This is a common small damselfly with an abdomen 20–30mm in length. It occurs occasionally in Britain, regularly as far north as northern Germany and sporadically further north. barbarus is perhaps most distinctive, with a two-coloured pterostigma, pale colour and white-tipped abdomen. SIMILAR SPECIES Several similar species occur, needing close examination for identification. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Widespread throughout Britain and northern Europe in wet areas with still water. It is a medium-sized damselfly with a metallic green thorax and abdomen, all green in females, but with a blue ‘tail’ and abdominal patch in males. This species is the most common of the spreadwings. The spreadwings are notable among the damselflies for usually settling with their wings spread roughly half open (hence their name), and are readily identifiable as a group. Male Common Spreadwing in typical pose with wings half open. Similar distribution and habitats, though more likely to be found in faster-flowing, more acid or more shady streams.Ĭommon Spreadwing or Common Emerald Damselfly virgo is similar in size and shape, but males have wings that are virtually all smoky brownish-blue, while females have pale brownish-green wings. ![]() Widespread and common in southerly areas, as far north as northern England, and Northern Ireland. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Most frequent along larger slow-flowing rivers, avoiding fast-flowing, cold or acid rivers. They fly with a floppy, butterfly-like flight, perching frequently with closed wings on waterside vegetation. Females are metallic green, with clear, pale greenish wings. ![]() Males are metallic blue, with a bold blue band on each wing occupying about half of the wing area. This is one of the most familiar and distinctive of damselflies, though it is sometimes mistaken for a butterfly due to its broad and colourful wings. ![]()
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