Description

A scarce species found in Ireland.

Male: mostly blue and black but with apple green on the underside; upside-down black crescent marking below the base of the wings.

Female: mostly black, some blue on the abdomen, some green on the thorax; black spike marking near the bottom of the abdomen.

Where to See

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Species GroupDamselflies
Scientific NameCoenagrion lunulatum
Status & Distribution

Scarce and local in Ireland but widespread in northern Europe.

Habitat

Clean, shallow ponds and lakes in Ireland often with floating ponweed and water lilies.

Flight PeriodIrish Damselfly
Adult Identification
  • Length: 31mm
  • Green eyes
  • Male: mostly blue and black but with apple green on the underside; upside-down black crescent marking on segment 2; segments 8-9 mostly blue with two black dots on each.
  • Female: mostly black; segment 8 blue with black spike marking; greenish antehumeral stripes.
Similar Species

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:

  • Coenagrion spur
  • Male: upside-down black crescent marking on segment 2.
  • Female: black spike marking on segment 8.