Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
 A small, relatively weak damselfly with more different forms than any other dragonfly in the UK.
Males are largely black from above with a distinctive blue band across the last two abdominal segments (Red-eyed, Small Red-eyed and Emerald Damselfly can also show a similar blue 'tail').
Immature females start as either rufuscens (pink) or violacea (violet) forms; rufuscens develop into the infuscans-obseleta form when mature, violacea into either infuscans or the male-like typica, which is the only mature female form that retains the distinctive blue 'tail' band.
Status of Blue-tailed Damselfly in Leicestershire & Rutland
Number of occupied 2km grid squares in Leicestershire & Rutland, up to the end of 2004: 266/720
This species is the most widely distributed in Leicestershire & Rutland, being recorded from more 2km Ordnance Survey grid squares than any other species up to the end of 2004.
Historic records show that the Blue-tailed Damselfly has always been a common species in Leicestershire & Rutland. |
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Distribution Map
Blue-tailed Damselfly 2004 |
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Blue-tailed Damselfly Habitat
Common along all rivers and canals as well as most still waters and, as it is thought to be able to withstand mild pollution, will often tolerate habitats not favoured by other species. It is also sometimes found away from water, but unlike other damselflies Blue-tailed Damselfly is not often found in huge swarms.
Flight period of Blue-tailed Damselfly
Blue-tailed Damselfly Photo Gallery
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