Blue-tailed Damselfly
Ischnura elegans
This record describes Ischnura elegans (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
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. Anywhere there is a pond, lake or slow-moving water course. 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. This is a very common species which can be found almost anywhere in Britain. 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.
Wikipedia reference for Ischnura elegans: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-tailed_damselfly.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata
- Family
- Coenagrionidae
- Genus
- Ischnura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Anywhere there is a pond, lake or slow-moving water course.
Seasonal Activity
Late May to early September.
Diet and Behavior
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.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a very common species which can be found almost anywhere in Britain.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Ischnura elegans. 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 Blue-tailed Damselfly (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue-tailed Damselfly
What is Blue-tailed Damselfly?
Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
Where is Blue-tailed Damselfly found?
Habitat: Anywhere there is a pond, lake or slow-moving water course.
When is Blue-tailed Damselfly active?
Blue-tailed Damselfly: seasonal activity - Late May to early September..
What is the life cycle of a Blue-tailed Damselfly?
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.