Common Blue Damselfly - British Dragonfly Society

Description

One of the most common damselflies in the UK.

Male: blue and black with a mushroom/button shaped mark on segment 2 (below the wing base).

Female: black and either blue or dull green with a thistle shaped mark on segment 2 (below the wing base).

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Species Group	Damselflies
Scientific Name	Enallagma cyathigerum
Status & Distribution	This species is widespread throughout the whole of Britain.
Habitat	It occurs in most waters and on large lakes is usually the most abundant species. Will frequent open water more than other blue damselflies.
Flight Period
Adult Identification	Length: 32mm Thick antehumeral stripes on the back of the thorax. Male: blue and black with a mushroom/button shaped mark on segment 2 (below the wing base). Female: black and either blue or dull green. A thistle shaped mark on segment 2 (below the wing base) and rocket shaped markings down the abdomen.
Larval Information	No spotting on the back of the head. Three thin horizontal stripes on caudal lamellae (sometimes very faint).
Similar Species	Easily confused with other members of the genus Coenagrion. Can be distinguished by: Thick antehumeral stripes on the thorax. Males: mushroom/button marking on segment 2 below the wing base.