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. Look at S2 (on the males) for distinguishing characters. The females can be particularly tricky to distinguish apart.

• Length: 32mm
• Appear yellowish when viewed from the underside.
• Longer pale brown pterostigma (wing spots).
• Male: “wine-goblet” , bar or crescent marking on segment 2 below the wing base.
• Female: “rocket-shaped” markings on the abdomen.