Head to head
Azure Damselfly vs Common Blue Damselfly
Azure Damselfly
VS Common Blue Damselfly
The azure damselfly and common blue damselfly are two look-alike blue damselflies of European ponds and lakes that are often confused.
| Azure Damselfly | Common Blue Damselfly | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Coenagrion puella | Enallagma cyathigerum |
| Male colour | Sky blue marked with black | Bright blue with black markings |
| Key mark | A black U-shaped mark on the second segment of the abdomen | A black mushroom-shaped mark on the second segment of the abdomen |
| Female | Mostly green and black, or sometimes blue | Usually green or brownish with black markings |
| Where it flies | Rests among reeds and waterside plants around ponds and ditches | Often flies low over open water, including lakes and large ponds, rather than staying among the reeds |
| Abundance and hardiness | One of the most abundant damselflies around ponds and ditches, where many can be seen at once | A successful colonist of new lakes and ponds, found even on cold northern and upland waters |
| Range | Europe, with a range reaching into western Asia | Europe, Asia, and northern North America, where it is called the northern bluet |
| Conservation status | Least Concern, with a stable population | Least Concern, with a stable population |
Azure Damselfly vs Common Blue 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.
What is the common blue damselfly called in North America?
The same species is called the northern bluet in North America.
Which one flies over open water?
The common blue damselfly, which often flies low over open water, including lakes and large ponds.