Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma viridulum
 A small damselfly, close in size to Common Blue. Essentially very similar in appearance to the larger, more robust Red-eyed Damselfly but there are several subtle differences, which, given close observation, should readily identify this recent colonist.
Status of Small Red-eyed Damselfly in Leicestershire & Rutland
Number of occupied 2km grid squares in Leicestershire & Rutland, up to the end of 2004: 0/720
Having been recorded in the UK for the first time in 1999, the phenomenal northward spread of the Small Red-eyed Damselfly has been well documented. By 2004 the species was present to within 10km of the Leicestershire border in both Warwickshire and Northamptonshire. 2006 finally saw its arrival in the county, with the first record being on the 22nd July at Priory Water. Between this date and early September 2006 records came from a further six sites in central and north east Leicestershire and a single site in Rutland. Additional sites were colonized in 2007.
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Small Red-eyed Damselfly Distribution Map
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Small Red-eyed Damselfly Habitat
The Small Red-eyed Damselfly shows a preference for ponds and small lakes with an abundance of floating vegetation, and is often attracted to dense algal mats. As such it seems likely to extend its foothold in the near future.
Flight period of Small Red-eyed Damselfly
Small Red-eyed Damselfly Photo Gallery
More Information
- Read Ian Merrill's ID article here.
- See an article on the first occurrence in Warwickshire here.
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