Small Red Damselfly

Description

Smaller of the two red Damselfly species.

Male: Red abdomen.

Female: Abdomen is black, red or both.

Where to See

Weight1
Latin NameCeriagrion tenellum
Habitat

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

Status & Distribution

Rare. Restricted to heathlands in southern England and west Wales.

Similar Species

Large Red Damselfly

  • Larger
  • Black legs.
  • Black pterostigma (wing spots).
  • Large coloured antehumeral stripes on top of the thorax.
Species GroupDamselflies
Identification Notes
  • Length: 31mm
  • Red legs.
  • Red eyes.
  • 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. Intermedia form has a red and black abdomen. Melanogastrum form has a black abdomen.
Flight PeriodSmall Red Damselfly
Larval Information

Squat with broad and short caudal lamellae with dark veins. Hind margin of head distinctily angular.

Similar Species

Large Red Damselfly
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