Variable damselfly explained

The variable damselfly or variable bluet (Coenagrion pulchellum) is a European damselfly. Despite its name, it is not the only blue damselfly prone to variable patterning.

Its behaviour is much like that of the azure damselfly; it usually stays close to vegetation. Immatures are often found in adjacent meadows or uncut grassy areas.

Description

The male variable damselfly has a distinctive "wine glass" marking on the second segment of the abdomen. This is a black U-shaped mark with a black line joining the segment's narrow terminal black band.[1] (This distinguishes it from the azure damselfly which has the U-shape but no line connecting it to the terminal band.)[1]

Distribution

The variable damselfly occurs throughout Europe. Scattered and uncommon in mainland Britain but widespread and common in Ireland.[2]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Brooks, Steve. Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland. 1997. British Wildlife Publishing. 0-9531399-0-5.
  2. Web site: Variable Damselfly. British Dragonfly Society. 27 May 2011.