Damselflies and dragonflies can reveal important clues about the health of our ponds, rivers and wetlands. Healthy wetlands support wildlife, retain water and help protect against drought and wildfires. As climate pressures grow, protecting these habitats is more urgent than ever.
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Damselflies are insects in the sub-order Zygoptera (meaning “paired-wings”).
Male
Accessory genitalia: Used for transferring sperm to the female during copulation. Located under segment 2 of the abdomen.
Anal appendages: Often prominent at the very end of the abdomen.
Male Emerald Damselfly image by Jörg Hempel
Male Emerald Damselfly image by Alastair Rae
Female
Ovipositor: Appendage used for egg laying. Located under segment 8-9 of the abdomen.
Anal appendages: Not prominent.
Female Willow Emerald Damselfly image by Ouwesok, flickr
Female Emerald Damselfly image by Gail Hampshire
Age
In many species of Damselflies adults change colour as they mature.
Tenerals: Newly emerged adults are often paler in colouration with milky coloured wings.
Mature adults: In many Damselflies species, females change colour as they become sexually mature.
Teneral Male Blue-tailed Damselfly by Gail Hampshire
Immature Female Blue-tailed Damselfly (violacea form) by Nutmeg66 flickr
Mature Male Blue-tailed Damselfly by Stavros Markopoulos
Mature Female Blue-tailed Damselfly (infuscans form) by Gail Hampshire
Nationally Important Species
Endangered: Dainty Damselfly Northern Damselfly Scarce Emerald Damselfly Southern Damselfly
Near Threatened: Small Red Damselfly
Title image: Large Red Damselfly by Rob, flickr