Azure Damselfly
Coenagrion puella
This record describes Coenagrion puella (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Best distinguished from the similar Common Blue Damselfly by the thinner blue stripes on its thorax. The female is much darker with mainly black markings on its abdomen interspersed with greenish rings. The Common Blue Damselfly has thicker antehumeral stripes. Male Variable Damselflies usually have antehumeral stripes broken like an exclamation mark, however females are require careful examination of the body patterns to be distinguished. Well-vegetated, sheltered habits are favoured, but these may take the form of ponds, small to medium sized lakes, slow-flowing rivers, canals and garden pools, but also along hedgebanks and woodland rides. It has a one year life cycle, most of which is spent in the larval stage. The larvae sit amongst underwater vegetation and grab prey as it passes by, particularly midge larvae and small crustaceans. Possibly the commonest of the blue damselflies. It is common in England and Wales, scarcer towards Scotland. The Azure Damselfly is widely distributed in VC 55, finding a variety of habitats suitable to its needs. Well-vegetated, sheltered habits are favoured, but these may take the form of ponds, small to medium sized lakes, slow-flowing rivers, canals and garden pools. Historical distribution mirrors these liberal preferences.
Wikipedia reference for Coenagrion puella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azure_damselfly.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata
- Family
- Coenagrionidae
- Genus
- Coenagrion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Well-vegetated, sheltered habits are favoured, but these may take the form of ponds, small to medium sized lakes, slow-flowing rivers, canals and garden pools, but also along hedgebanks and woodland rides.
Seasonal Activity
May to August
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It has a one year life cycle, most of which is spent in the larval stage. The larvae sit amongst underwater vegetation and grab prey as it passes by, particularly midge larvae and small crustaceans.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Possibly the commonest of the blue damselflies. It is common in England and Wales, scarcer towards Scotland.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Coenagrion puella. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Azure Damselfly (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Azure Damselfly
What is Azure Damselfly?
Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
Where is Azure Damselfly found?
Habitat: Well-vegetated, sheltered habits are favoured, but these may take the form of ponds, small to medium sized lakes, slow-flowing rivers, canals and garden pools, but also along hedgebanks and woodland rides.
When is Azure Damselfly active?
Azure Damselfly: seasonal activity - May to August.
What is the life cycle of a Azure Damselfly?
It has a one year life cycle, most of which is spent in the larval stage. The larvae sit amongst underwater vegetation and grab prey as it passes by, particularly midge larvae and small crustaceans.