Damsels with blue tails "Blue Tailed"?

[britnik]

Both these damsels have blue tails however neither look like the "Blue Tailed" in the reference section. Are they variations on the female or am I totally on the wrong track

[Toby]

there is a violacea form of the fem. in my book which might be your second image.

[tcvarlh]

Sorry can't resist but I prefer MY Damsels to have blue eyes, I know but it's late
h

[RoyW]

Hi Britnik,

These are both Blue-tailed Damselflies.

Your first photo is a young male, which will lose the green colouring as it ages to become like the mature male shown in the reference section.
The second photo shows an immature female of the 'rufescens' form. The thorax colour on this form of the female can vary from a pale rose pink to a much darker reddish colour - this will mature into the dull 'infuscans-obsoleta' form, which lacks the blue segment near the tail.

The 'violacea' form is a much darker violet colour.

Try searching the Gallery for Blue-tailed Damselfly images - you will find good photos of all these forms.

Roy.


tcvarlh; the underside of the eyes on these is blue - is that not enough

[britnik]

Thanks guys.
I will have a good look through the Gallery.