Ceriagrion tenellum - Small Red Damselfly
Male
Female
Pair mating in wheel formation
Description
Length: 31mm
One of our smallest damselflies, this is one of only two red damselfly species in the UK.
The male has an all red abdomen.
The female exists in several colour forms varying in the amount of red and black on the abdomen from nearly all black in f. melanogastrum to an uncommon red form, erythrogastrum.
Both sexes have a bronze-black thorax and red legs and pterostigma.
Habitat
Found in shallow pools, seepages and streams in heathland bog.
Status and Distribution
Rare. Restricted to heathlands in southern England and west Wales.
Distribution map from the National Biodiversity Network Gateway (opens in new window).
Similar species
The only other red damselfly in the UK is the Large Red Damselfly.
The Large Red has black legs and pterostigma and the male never has an entirely red abdomen.