Coenagrion mercuriale - Southern Damselfly

Phylum: Arthropoda - Class: Insecta - Order: Odonata - Family: Coenagriidae

Description

The Southern Damselfly is easily confused with the somewhat larger and more abundant Common Blue Damselfly and Azure Damselfly. To help separate these lookalike species, look closely at the pattern on the sides of the thorax (below). Southern Damselflies also have a distinctive mercury mark - ☿ - on the second segment of the abdomen.

Distribution

Away from its two strongholds in the New Forest, in Hampshire, and in the Preseli Hills, in Pembrokeshire, this lovely little damselfly is a rare sight in Britain. Central Britain is at the northerly limit for the Southern Damselfly, which also occurs on mainland Europe in some central and south-western countries.

In contrast the female usually has a mainly black body with some blue/green markings.

Life cycle

It is reported that the larvae of the Southern Damsefly usually take two years to develop, living in small well-vegetated streams and runnels before emerging as winged adults during late spring and early summer. Mating damselflies form what is often referred to as a 'damsel wheel.' Paired damselflies can be seen flying low over the water surface. Southern Damselflies can be seen in flight from May to August, but June and July are usually the best times to look for these delicate little damselflies.

Conservation Status

The Southern Damselfly is Red Listed in Britain. Internationally it is listed as globally 'threatened'.

Acknowledgements

This page includes pictures kindly contributed by Betty and Tony Rackham.