Coenagrion lunulatum - Irish Damselfly
Male
Male
Female
Pair in tandem
Description
Length: 31mm
In the male, S2 usually has a small crescent shaped dark spot flanked by two black lines.
S8 and S9 are blue except for 2 small black spots on each.
The black markings are fairly extensive giving the damselfly a dark appearance.
The female is apple green and black but with blue markings on S8-10.
Habitat
Clean, shallow ponds and lakes in Ireland often with floating ponweed and water lilies.
Status and Distribution
Scarce and local in Ireland but widespread in northern Europe..
Distribution map from the National Biodiversity Network Gateway (opens in new window).
Similar species
This species is easily confused with the other members of the genus Coenagrion and with the Common Blue Damselfly.
Look at S2 (on the males) for distinguishing characters.
Irish Damselfly males often rest on floating leaves.
The females can be particularly tricky to distinguish apart.