Damselfly ID please

heatherannej · #1 (**permalink**) 01-05-2011, 01:22 PM

Hello there, I photographed this creature today outside my home in North Essex. Is it a female Large Red Damselfly please? Many thanks Heather

Wild-Woman · #2 (**permalink**) 01-05-2011, 01:36 PM

Spot on id.

heatherannej · #3 (**permalink**) 01-05-2011, 01:52 PM

Thank you Wild-Woman, I am very grateful ..... do you know anything interesting about them please? Heather

Wild-Woman · #4 (**permalink**) 01-05-2011, 02:15 PM

They're usually the first damselflies to emerge in the spring and can be found in varying habitats, so gardens to nature reserves!
They take from 1-3 years to develop into adults and the males are very territorial.
Egg laying is done in tandem so that the male 'guards' against other males attempting to mate with 'his' female.
September is usually the last time seen before the next year's season gets underway.

heatherannej · #5 (**permalink**) 01-05-2011, 03:45 PM

Wow .... thank you Wild-Woman. I am much obliged :-) Heather

Wild-Woman · #6 (**permalink**) 01-05-2011, 03:56 PM

Pleased to help. Look out for Hairy Dragonflies, Broad-bodied Chasers, Azure Damselflies...these are on the wing now and there will be lots of other species leading into summer.