Blue-tailed Damselfly - Ischnura elegans

Description

The dark body and blue tip is distinctive. However a number of colour forms exist, where the abdomen can be pink (rufescens), lilac (violacea) or green (infuscans) when the damselfly first emerges, slowly turning to the blue of most mature adults.

Similar Species

Similar to the Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly, however that species has not been recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland. It is also similar to the male Red-eyed Damselfly, but which is larger and has reddish brown eyes.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Anywhere there is a pond, lake or slow-moving water course.

When to see it

Late May to early September.

Life History

As it is thought to be able to withstand mild pollution and will often tolerate habitats not favoured by other species. It is also sometimes found away from water.

UK Status

This is a very common species which can be found almost anywhere in Britain.

VC55 Status

The species is the most widely distributed in Leicestershire & Rutland, and has always been common in our area.

Further Information

This species is the most widely distributed in VC 55, being recorded from more 2 km Ordnance Survey grid squares than any other species up to the end of 2004. It is 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. Historic records show that the Blue-tailed Damselfly has always been a common species in VC 55.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Common Ischnura, Common Bluetail, Blue-tailed Damselfly
Species group:
Dragonflies and Damselflies
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Odonata
Family:
Coenagrionidae
Records on NatureSpot:
721
First record:
23/06/1949 (Wesley, Isaac)
Last record:
16/08/2023 (Hunt, Graham)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records