Damselflies

Collectively, dragonflies and damselflies belong to the group (or Order) of insects known as Odonata, divided into two distinct groups or sub-orders; Anisoptera (true dragonflies) and Zygoptera (damselflies).

Key information about damselflies:

Typically damselflies are smaller and more dainty than dragonflies and have a weaker, more fluttering flight.
Damselflies have small eyes that are separated on either side of the head.
Damselflies have similarly sized pairs of wings – Zygoptera means ‘equal wings’.
Though not an absolute rule, damselflies tend to rest with their wings closed.

10 species of damselfly may be found in Bedfordshire:

Willow Emerald Damselfly - Chalcolestes viridis

The Willow Emerald Damselfly - Chalcolestes viridis is a recent addition to the County list. Easily missed owing to its resemblance to to the Emerald Damselfly - Lestes sponsa, and its habit of resting in trees close to the water's edge.
Emerald Damselfly - Lestes sponsa

The Emerald Damselfly - Lestes sponsa, is one of the county's rarest damselfly species, larger than most damselflies but not always easy to spot.
Banded Demoiselle - Calopteryx splendens

The Banded Demoiselle - Calopteryx splendens, is an abundant and easily identifiable damselfly. Males are often seen defending their territory over slow flowing waters.
White-legged Damselfly - Platycnemis pennipes

The White-legged Damselfly - Platycnemis pennipes, is a common sight and easy to identify with its distinctive white legs.
Azure Damselfly - Coenagrion puella

The Azure Damselfly - Coenagrion puella, is a common and often seen damselfly. One of several similar looking blue damselflies, but its appearance can be variable.
Common Blue Damselfly - Enallagma cyathigerum

The Common Blue Damselfly - Enallagma cyathigerum, easily missed unless they are moving, and the female has several colour forms that can make identification more difficult.
Red-eyed Damselfly - Erythromma najas

The Red-eyed Damselfly - Erythromma najas, is a common sight in the region. One of two very similar red-eyed damselfly species, positive identification needs care.
Small Red-eyed Damselfly - Erythromma viridulum

The Small Red-eyed Damselfly - Erythromma viridulum, is a more recent visitor to the region, but now well established. One of two very similar red-eyed damselfly species, positive identification needs care.
Blue-tailed Damselfly - Ischnura elegans

The Blue-tailed Damselfly - Ischnura elegans, is an abundant damselfly, and the female has distinct colour forms at different stages of its life-cycle.
Blue-tailed Damselfly - Ischnura elegans

The Blue-tailed Damselfly - Ischnura elegans, is an abundant damselfly, and the female has distinct colour forms at different stages of its life-cycle.
Large Red Damselfly - Pyrrhosoma nymphula

The Large Red Damselfly - Pyrrhosoma nymphula, is an early season damselfly, usually the first to emerge in spring, and the region's only red damselfly.

Damselflies

Key information about damselflies:

Willow Emerald Damselfly - Chalcolestes viridis

Emerald Damselfly - Lestes sponsa

Banded Demoiselle - Calopteryx splendens

White-legged Damselfly - Platycnemis pennipes

Azure Damselfly - Coenagrion puella

Common Blue Damselfly - Enallagma cyathigerum

Red-eyed Damselfly - Erythromma najas

Small Red-eyed Damselfly - Erythromma viridulum

Blue-tailed Damselfly - Ischnura elegans

Blue-tailed Damselfly - Ischnura elegans

Large Red Damselfly - Pyrrhosoma nymphula

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