Where to See Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly

Latin NameIschnura pumilio
Habitat

Usually found in shallow wetland sites such as bog pools or slow flowing water, fed by seepages and flushes.

It appears to prefer early successional habitats with minimal vegetation, although some emergent plants are required at breeding sites.

A common feature of most sites is a degree of habitat disturbance, which maintains bare substrate, and the openness of the vegetation.

Threats
  • Alterations of hydrology, such as drainage that diverts water away from existing seepages and flushes.
  • Habitat loss and fragmentation.
  • Reworking or restoration of quarry sites leading to the loss or drying out of seepages, streams and pools.
  • Cessation of quarry working leading to the loss of pumped water in artificial channels.
  • Unmanaged sites succumb to plant succession and encroachment.
Status & Distribution

Listed as Near Threatened in the British Odonata Red List 2008.

Scattered and localised populations; most common in Wales, and south-east England.
Has been declined in occupancy since the 80s.

Similar Species

Blue-tailed Damselfly

  • Both male and female have a coloured abdomen spot which is higher up on segment 8.

Red-eyed Damselfly

  • Fully coloured pterostigma (wing spots).
  • Male: Red eyes and no antehumeral stripes.
  • Female: Antehumeral stripes on the back of the thorax and Coenagrion spur on the side of the thorax.

Small Red-eyed Damselfly

  • Fully coloured pterostigma (wing spots).
  • Male: Red eyes. Broken antehumeral stripes on the thorax. Black “X” marking on the end of the abdomen.
  • Female: Blue colouration underneath. Antehumeral stripes on the back of the thorax and Coenagrion spur on the side of the thorax.
Management

Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly Management Profile

Species GroupDamselflies
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