Azure Damselfly - Coenagrion puella
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.
Main Features
Classification:
| Odonata | ||||
| Zygoptera | Damselflies | |||
| Coenagrionidae | Blue or red damselflies |
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 males and females have 2 black stripes on the side of the thorax.
The wings are sometimes 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
Common along the River Great Ouse at Kempston Back Channel, also at Felmersham NR and Marston Thrift.
Visible from early May to early September.