Common Blue Damselfly
Enallagma cyathigerum
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One of several near-identical blue damselflies — this one wears a mushroom on its shoulder.
A bright sky-blue and black damselfly of ponds, lochs and slow water. Males are blue with black markings; the identifying feature is the mark on the second abdominal segment, a solid shape like a stalked mushroom or wine glass, which separates it from the azure damselfly's U-shape. Females are usually pale green or brown. It is one of the commonest damselflies in the region.
Behaviour
Common blues are more willing than most damselflies to fly out over open water, and can be seen well away from the bank, which is a useful field clue in itself. Males patrol and squabble over waterside perches. Females submerge completely to lay eggs into underwater plant stems, staying under for many minutes, protected by a film of air trapped in their wings.
When to see it
Quick facts
- Family
- Narrow-winged damselflies (Coenagrionidae)
- Size
- Body 29–36 mm
- Status
- Native; common and widespread
Photo by Zampel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons