Shropshire Birder
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Shropshire
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Red-eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas)
At first glance, males resemble Blue-tailed Damselflies but closer look will reveal the most obvious feature - the blood red eyes. It is robust for a Damselfly, the blackish top to the thorax does not have any (antehumeral) blue stripes although the side of the thorax is blue with two narrow black lines. A wide range of water habitats is favoured, especially where there is floating vegetation. The males can be easily found by scanning lily pads or other surface foliage. Berrington pool is a 'must' to see this species on the wing between June and July, viewed from the fishing platforms they will be within very close range.
Portraits of males invariably on a Lily pad or other surface vegetation ....
Even with the eyes not glowing in dull light the all black top of the thorax eliminates Blue-tailed Damselfly.
The lack of antehumeral stripes on the thorax is apparent, even when seen side on.
A close up of the head showing the striking red eyes ....
Male and female maiting ....
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