Dainty Damselfly

Open but well-vegetated waters. It can tolerate some salinity.

Found in Essex during 1946–1952, when its known breeding sites were then destroyed during the catastrophic floods of winter 1952–53. Recently (June 2010) re-discovered in Kent, where apparently breeding (two exuviae found).

This species is easily confused with the other members of the genus Coenagrion and with the Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum.

To separate this species look for the following features:

• Green-yellow colouring on the underside.
• Thin antehumeral stripes on the top of the thorax.
• Male: “wine-goblet” shaped marking on segment 2 below the wing base.
• Female: “rocket-shaped” markings on the abdomen.

• Length: 32mm
• Blue and black with green-yellow coloration on the underside.
• Thin antehumeral stripes on the top of the thorax.
• Long pale brown pterostigma (wing spots).
• Male: “wine-goblet” shaped marking on segment 2 below the wing base.
• Female: “rocket-shaped” markings on the abdomen.