Damselflies for confirmation please

[sunnydale]

I posted this in the Water Life forum too but thought it may get noticed more here

I was out walking near Bollington (Cheshire) yesterday and went through a lovely area where wildlife ponds are being created. A few are quite established and are full of plants and pond life etc. I disturbed a Heron who was stalking around the edge of one but unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough with the camera and he was soon up up and away

Anyway, one particular pond was teeming with Damselflies. They were everywhere, darting about in the grasses surrounding the pond. I guess well over a hundred I've never seen so many in one small area before.

I managed to get a pic of just two of them (which are heavily cropped) - and I'd appreciate confirmation that I've got the species right for each!


Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum)



Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula)



Thanks,

Tracey

[bonitin]

Hi Sunnydale,

I think the first one is Coenagrion puella (Azure Damselfly) because of the U-shape on its second abdomen segment,

Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) is correct. It's a male

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by bonitin

Hi Sunnydale,

I think the first one is Coenagrion puella (Azure Damselfly) because of the U-shape on its second abdomen segment,

Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) is correct. It's a male

You're right about it being a male Azure for the reason you state; also the small Coenagrion spur on the side of the thorax, slimmer thoracic (ante-humeral) stripes + some black on sement 9 (both 8/9 are totally blue in male Enallagma).

[sunnydale]

I've had a good look through some images and can now see the subtle differences between the two species.

I'll know what to look for in future, thanks!

[cutecoot]

Well I've certainly learnt something there! I'm off to have a closer look at the photos I've taken of what I'd always thought were common blues