Coenagrion pulchellum - Variable Damselfly
Male
Female
Exuvia (male, side view)
Description
Length: 33mm
In the male, the ante-humeral stripes are usually broken, like two exclamation marks.
S2 has a "wine-goblet" shaped marked, usually joined to the inter-segmental line by its stalk, though this character is quite variable.
S8 is blue but S9 is mainly black.
The female is blue with more or less extensive black markings.
Habitat
Well-vegetated ditches, canals and ponds. Rarely in flowing water.
Status and Distribution
Scattered and uncommon in mainland Britain but widespread and common in Ireland.
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.
The females can be particularly tricky to distinguish apart.