Variable Damselfly
Coenagrion pulchellum
This record describes Coenagrion pulchellum (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
A medium-small damselfly, very similar to the Azure Damselfly. Great care is needed to identify this species. In the male, the thoracic stripes are usually broken to form an exclamation mark (but not in females). Also on males, the black U-shaped mark on segment 2 is usually joined to the black ring below creating a wine glass shape. This species resembles both Common and Azure Damselflies. The males can usually be identified by the broken antehumeral stripe but females are tricky. Its habitat requirements are not fully understood but well-vegetated ditches, canals and ponds seem to be preferred. Rarely in flowing water. Males hang around the waterside feeding and waiting for females. Females feed away from water in sheltered sites and only move to the waterside when ready to lay eggs. After mating, the male keeps hold of the female creating the familiar 'wheel' shape of tandem damselflies, whilst she dips into the water to lay eggs on the underside of aquatic leaves. Scattered and uncommon in mainland Britain but widespread and common in Ireland.
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
Its habitat requirements are not fully understood but well-vegetated ditches, canals and ponds seem to be preferred. Rarely in flowing water.
Seasonal Activity
Mid May to Mid August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Males hang around the waterside feeding and waiting for females. Females feed away from water in sheltered sites and only move to the waterside when ready to lay eggs. After mating, the male keeps hold of the female creating the familiar 'wheel' shape of tandem damselflies, whilst she dips into the water to lay eggs on the underside of aquatic leaves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scattered and uncommon in mainland Britain but widespread and common in Ireland.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Coenagrion pulchellum. 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 Variable Damselfly (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Variable Damselfly
What is Variable Damselfly?
Variable Damselfly (Coenagrion pulchellum) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
Where is Variable Damselfly found?
Habitat: Its habitat requirements are not fully understood but well-vegetated ditches, canals and ponds seem to be preferred. Rarely in flowing water.
When is Variable Damselfly active?
Variable Damselfly: seasonal activity - Mid May to Mid August..
What is the life cycle of a Variable Damselfly?
Males hang around the waterside feeding and waiting for females. Females feed away from water in sheltered sites and only move to the waterside when ready to lay eggs. After mating, the male keeps hold of the female creating the familiar 'wheel' shape of tandem damselflies, whilst she dips into the water to lay eggs on the underside of aquatic leaves.