Azure Damselfly  Coenagrion puella

A medium-small damselfly, very similar to both Common Blue and Variable Damselfly.

Mature females are largely black, altogether darker and showing less colour than other 'blue' damselflies (although beware dark form Variables, which are almost entirely black); most female Azures are of the green form, with only 10% blue.

Male Azures can be told from the other two blue damselfly males with careful study of the features below:

1. Thin U-shaped marking on abdominal segment 2, not joined to segment 3.
2. Medium-width blue antehumeral stripes.
3. Concave-shaped black mark on segment 9 (more blue on segment than black).
4. Extensive black on segment 6 and in particular segment 7.

 Status of Azure Damselfly in Leicestershire & Rutland

Number of occupied 2km grid squares in Leicestershire & Rutland, up to the end of 2004: 164/720 The Azure Damselfly is widely distributed in Leicesterhsire & Rutland, finding a variety of habitats suitable to its needs.

Distribution Map Azure Damselfly 2004

 Azure Damselfly Habitat

Well-vegetated, sheltered habits are favoured, but these may take the form of ponds, small to medium sized lakes, slow-flowing rivers, canals and garden pools. Historical distribution mirrors these liberal preferences.

 Flight period of Azure Damselfly in Leicestershire & Rutland

 Azure Damselfly Photo Gallery

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