Enallagma cyathigerum - Common Blue Damselfly
Male
Immature female
Pair in tandem
Description
Length: 32mm
In many ways this could be considered to be the most typical British damselfly.
It shares its blue and black colouration with several other species.
It can be distinguished from the others by its broad ante-humeral stripes.
In the male, S2 has a characteristic mark of a spot linked to the inter segment suture by a short line.
S8 and S9 are entirely blue.
The female occurs in two colour forms, one blue, as in the male, the other dull green.
The mark on S2 is thistle shaped and there is a "Christmas tree" shaped stepped triangle on S8.
They often perch gregariously on emergent plant stems, all facing the same way.
Habitat
It occurs in most waters and on large lakes is usually the most abundant species.
Status and Distribution
Abundant throughout the British Isles.
Distribution map from the National Biodiversity Network Gateway (opens in new window).
Similar species
This species is easily confused with the various members of the genus Coenagrion.
Look at S2 (on the males) for distinguishing characters. It does appear particularly blue compared with other similar species.
The females can be particularly tricky to distinguish apart.