Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
 A medium-sized but very robust damselfly, with distinctive 'bug-eyed' look. The red eyes are most noticeable in mature males, which also show dark (but not black) abdomen with blue band across the last two segments, and largely blue thorax. Immature males and females generally yellow and black.
The arrival of the very similar Small Red-eyed Damselfly in the county has complicated ID. Also compare Blue-tailed Damselfly.
Status of Red-eyed Damselfly in Leicestershire & Rutland
Number of occupied 2km grid squares in Leicestershire & Rutland, up to the end of 2004: 89/720
Historic records provide evidence that this species was ‘locally common on the River Soar’ in the 1930s (Roebuck, 1932). After an absence at this site through the latter half of the twentieth century it recolonised in the late 1990s. Through generally scarce in Leicestershire & Rutland until the latter stages of the twentieth century, it seems to have been consistently present on the Ashby and Grand Union Canals. It was described as ‘abundant, Ashby Canal bordering Ambion Wood, Sutton Cheney’ in 1963 (Mendel, 1980). |
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Distribution Map
Red-eyed Damselfly 2004 |
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Red-eyed Damselfly Habitat
The single determining factor with regard to the current distribution of this species in Leicestershire & Rutland is the presence of expanses of floating vegetation on its favoured still water sites. Where this habitat occurs the Red-eyed Damselfly can often be found, with the Rivers Soar and Wreake and the Ashby, Grand Union and Grantham Canals all being well populated sites.
Flight period of Red-eyed Damselfly
Red-eyed Damselfly Photo Gallery
More Information
- See Ian Merrill's ID article comparing Red-eyed and Small Red-eyed Damselflies here.
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