Description

A robust, dark Damselfly.

Male: red eyes and blue bands at the end of the abdomen.

Female: brown-red eyes and green colouration on the sides of the thorax.

 

 

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Species GroupDamselflies
Scientific NameErythromma najas
Status & Distribution

Most common in central and southern England, and the Welsh Borders. Absent in Scotland. It has increased in occupancy in England since 1982 and in Wales since 2006.

Habitat

Found in lakes, gravel pits, canals and slow-flowing rivers.

The males often sit on water lily leaves defending their leaf from other males.

 

Flight PeriodRed-eyed Damselfly
Adult Identification
  • Length: 35mm
  • pale pterostigma (wing spots)
  • mostly black in colouration.
  • Male: red eyes. Abdomen segments 1 (top) and 9-10 (bottom) are blue.
  • Female: brown-red eyes. Abdomen dark on top and green on the bottom. Short yellow antehumeral stripes on the back of the thorax.
Larval Information

Long abdomen but medium-sized caudal lamellae and a small head.

Distinctive nodal notch on the caudal lamellae and three dark bands.

 

Similar Species

Small Red-eyed Damselfly

  • smaller
  • male: black x mark on the end of the abdomen
  • female: has complete antehumeral stripes on the thorax

Blue-tailed Damselfly

  • eyes lack red colouration
  • colour banding on abdomen higher up on segment 8.

Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly

  • eyes lack red colouration
  • colour banding on abdomen higher up on segment 8 and 9.