White-legged Damselfly
Platycnemis pennipes
This record describes Platycnemis pennipes (species). Recorded family: Platycnemididae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
As well as the diagnostic broad, 'feathery' white legs, it generally has a paler blue body to help distinguish it from the other blue damselflies. The pale chestnut wing spots are also characteristic. Immature males and females are mostly creamy white (form lactea ). Females take on a very pale green colour on maturity. This damselfly favours slow moving rivers and canals with luxuriant vegetation. The males engage in a courtship display to woo the female, raising its front white legs in front of the female as part of the act. In Britain it is found in mainly lowland areas, up to the Midlands. It is uncommon but can become locally frequent.
Wikipedia reference for Platycnemis pennipes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-legged_damselfly.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata
- Family
- Platycnemididae
- Genus
- Platycnemis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This damselfly favours slow moving rivers and canals with luxuriant vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
Mid May to mid August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The males engage in a courtship display to woo the female, raising its front white legs in front of the female as part of the act.
Additional species information
Recorded status
In Britain it is found in mainly lowland areas, up to the Midlands. It is uncommon but can become locally frequent.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Platycnemis pennipes. 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 White-legged Damselfly (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About White-legged Damselfly
What is White-legged Damselfly?
White-legged Damselfly (Platycnemis pennipes) is a species in the family Platycnemididae, within the order Odonata.
Where is White-legged Damselfly found?
Habitat: This damselfly favours slow moving rivers and canals with luxuriant vegetation.
When is White-legged Damselfly active?
White-legged Damselfly: seasonal activity - Mid May to mid August..
What is the life cycle of a White-legged Damselfly?
The males engage in a courtship display to woo the female, raising its front white legs in front of the female as part of the act.