Photos

Azure Damselfly - Coenagrion puella, Mostly males, female Azures along with most other female odonates shy away from water where males congregate, until they are ready to mate.

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  Male, Kempston Back Channel
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  Male, Kempston Back Channel
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  Male, Kempston Back Channel
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  Male in flight, investigating a Red-eyed Damselfly at Felmersham NR
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  Male, Felmersham NR

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  Immature male, Kempston Mill
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  Male, Felmersham NR
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  Male, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park
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  Immature Female, Coronation Pit

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Main Features

The male is similar to the other blue damselflies, the female has both green and blue forms.

The male has a characteristic "U" marking on the second segment, both have 2 black stripes on the side of the thorax.

The wings are usually held at an angle when at rest rather than closed.

Segment 2 of a male azure, showing the "U" marking.

Habitat

Prefers ponds and slow rivers with plenty of vegetation.

Where to see

I've seen lots of males around the Kempston Back Channel, also at Felmersham NR. I've not seen any females yet, but this is likey to be me overlooking them.

Visible from early May to early September.