Large Red Damselfly

Description

Most common red damselfly.

Male: Red and black.

Female: Red, black with some yellow markings.

 

 

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Species GroupDamselflies
Scientific NamePyrrhosoma nymphula
Status & Distribution

Common and widespread across Britain.

Habitat

Most wetland habitats but avoids fast flowing water.

Flight PeriodLarge Red Damselfly
Adult Identification
  • Length: 33-36mm
  • Black legs.
  • Black pterostigma (wing spots).
  • Male: Red abdomen with black markings. Thorax black with red antehumeral stripes.
  • Female: three colour forms ranging from mostly red to mostly black. Small yellow markings. Some colour forms have red antehumeral stripes on the thorax, some have yellow stripes.
Larval Information

Small and robust, 13-14mm.

Distinctive black X mark and spotting on the caudal lamellae.

Management

N/A

Similar Species

The only similar species is the Small Red Damselfly

Large Red Damselfly can be distinguished by its:

  • black legs.
  • dark pterostigma (wing spots).

 

Similar Species

Small Red Damselfly