Small Red-eyed Damselfly
Erythromma viridulum
This record describes Erythromma viridulum (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Length: 29mm. A small damselfly with a dark abdomen and a blue tip in the male. The eyes of the male are brownish red and the thorax in both sexes is bronze black on top. The female has complete, thin green or blue ante-humeral lines. Very similar to the Red-eyed Damselfly but smaller and more slender. The Small Red-eyed Damselfly can be distinguished by the blue marking on the tail of the male which is relatively large and distinctly wedge-shaped. The bottom of segment 8 is blue and the top appears dark brown. In the Red-eyed Damselfly, the blue stops abruptly on segments 9 and 10. Found on ponds, lakes and ditches and sometimes on brackish water. It seems to be associated with floating vegetation such as Hornwort and Water Milfoil and is often attracted to dense algal mats. A migrant species that is increasing in numbers in Britain. Recent colonist in Britain (first records 1999). Local but spreading spectacularly through south-east England and the Isle of Wight.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata
- Family
- Coenagrionidae
- Genus
- Erythromma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on ponds, lakes and ditches and sometimes on brackish water. It seems to be associated with floating vegetation such as Hornwort and Water Milfoil and is often attracted to dense algal mats.
Seasonal Activity
Late June to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A migrant species that is increasing in numbers in Britain.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Recent colonist in Britain (first records 1999). Local but spreading spectacularly through south-east England and the Isle of Wight.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Erythromma viridulum. 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 Small Red-eyed Damselfly (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Red-eyed Damselfly
What is Small Red-eyed Damselfly?
Small Red-eyed Damselfly (Erythromma viridulum) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Small Red-eyed Damselfly?
29mm. A small damselfly with a dark abdomen and a blue tip in the male. The eyes of the male are brownish red and the thorax in both sexes is bronze black on top. The female has complete, thin green or blue ante-humeral lines.
Where is Small Red-eyed Damselfly found?
Habitat: Found on ponds, lakes and ditches and sometimes on brackish water. It seems to be associated with floating vegetation such as Hornwort and Water Milfoil and is often attracted to dense algal mats.
When is Small Red-eyed Damselfly active?
Small Red-eyed Damselfly: seasonal activity - Late June to September..
What is the life cycle of a Small Red-eyed Damselfly?
A migrant species that is increasing in numbers in Britain.