Variable Damselfly

Description

One of the rarer blue and black Damselflies.

Male: blue and black with a “wine-goblet” shaped mark near the top of the abdomen.

Female: most black abdomen or blue and black.

Where to See

Weight1
Latin NameCoenagrion pulchellum
Habitat

Well-vegetated ditches, canals and ponds. Rarely in flowing water.

Status & Distribution

Scattered and uncommon in mainland Britain but widespread and common in Ireland.

Similar Species

Easily confused with the other members of the genus Coenagrion.

Can be distinguished by:

Male: broken ante-humeral stripes and “wine-goblet” shaped marking.

Female:prominent median lobe on the pronotum.

 

Species GroupDamselflies
Identification Notes
  • Length: 33mm
  • Prominent median lobe on the pronotum.
  • Male: ante-humeral stripes (on the thorax) are usually broken. Segment 2 on the abdomen has “wine-goblet” shaped mark which can vary.
  • Female: dark form has an all black abdomen, blue form has a blue and black abdomen.
Flight PeriodVariable Damselfly

Similar Species

Southern Damselfly
Azure Damselfly
Common Blue Damselfly
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