Male. Taken at Smolyan Lakes, Bulgaria, on June 22nd 2014. (© David Hastings)
(1/160th sec at f13. Click image for larger version)
Male. Taken at Smolyan Lakes, Bulgaria, on June 22nd 2014. (© David Hastings)
(1/320th sec at f13. Click image for larger version)

Description

Wing span: 34 - 42mm; Body length: 31 - 33mm

The commonest blue damselfy in much of boreal Europe, but very local relict populations further south. Males have a distinctive 'spearhead' mark on S2. Females are greenish.

It is found in many parts of northern Eurasia, but isolated in elevated or boggy sites further west and south. It is only found in Scotland in the British Isles.

It is restricted to somewhat acidic and oligotrophic or mesotrophic habitats in much of its range. Favours well-vegetated borders, e.g. with sedges.

It is most numerous in the second half of May and June in the lowlands of central Europe. Nymphs take one to two years to develop into adults.

The Northern Damselfly is a weak flyer, and rarely ventures out over open water.

It is a Red data list species in the UK.

Earliest UK sighting: 30th December ; Latest UK sighting:

Sightings