Invertebrates
Azure Damselfly
Coenagrion puella
On a warm June morning, dozens of azure damselflies cling to the reeds around a pond, each a slender flash of sky blue that vanishes and reappears in the sunlight.
Overview
The azure damselfly, Coenagrion puella, is a Least Concern damselfly of ponds, ditches, and slow streams across Europe and into western Asia. Its sky-blue males, abundance, and black U-shaped abdomen mark make it one of the most familiar damselflies of the European summer.
A blue that looks like a hundred others
Blue damselflies can be hard to tell apart, and the azure’s black U-shaped mark on the second abdominal segment is the quickest way to recognise it.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and common.
Azure Damselfly: common questions
How can you tell an azure damselfly from a common blue damselfly?
The male azure has a black U-shaped mark on the second segment of its abdomen, while the common blue has a mushroom-shaped one.
Why is it called the azure damselfly?
It is named for the sky-blue colour of the male.
When can you see azure damselflies?
They fly from May to August, resting among reeds and other waterside plants.
Where is the azure damselfly found?
It lives around ponds, ditches, and slow streams across Europe and into western Asia.