Small Red Damselfly

Description

Smaller of the two red Damselfly species with reddish legs, eyes and wing spots.

Male: Black thorax and red abdomen.

Female: Black thorax and red/black abdomen.

 

 

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Latin NameCeriagrion tenellum
Habitat

Found in shallow pools, seepages and streams in heathland bog in southern England and west Wales.

Threats
  • Alterations of hydrology, such as drainage that diverts water away from existing seepages and flushes.
  • Habitat loss and fragmentation.
  • Unmanaged sites succumb to plant succession and encroachment.
Status & Distribution

Listed as Nationally Scarce in the British Odonata Red List 2008.

Restricted to heathlands in southern England and west Wales.

Similar Species

Large Red Damselfly

  • Larger
  • Black legs.
  • Black pterostigma (wing spots).
  • Larger coloured antehumeral stripes on top of the thorax.
Species GroupDamselflies
Identification Notes
  • Length: 31mm
  • Red legs.
  • Red pterostigma (wing spots).
  • Thorax bronze-black on top and pale yellow on the side.
  • Male: red abdomen.
  • Female: Erythrogastrum form has an all red abdomen. Typica form has a red and black abdomen. Melanogastrum form has a black abdomen.
Flight PeriodSmall Red Damselfly
Larval Information

Squat, 11-12mm.

Short caudal lamellae with dark veins.

Hind margin of head distinctly angular.

Similar Species

Large Red Damselfly