Well-vegetated ditches, canals and ponds. Rarely in flowing water.

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

Scattered and uncommon in mainland Britain. The species has shown a pattern of general decline in Wales since 1993.

Easily confused with the other members of the genus Coenagrion.

Variable Damselfly can be distinguished by its:

• Distinctive tri-lobed pronotum.
• Male: broken ante-humeral stripes and “wine-goblet” shaped marking.