Shropshire Birder
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Shropshire
Sample menu:
White-legged Damselfly (Platycnemis pennipes)
Slow flowing muddy rivers are the classic breeding location for this species and the banks of the River Severn during June and July are the place to look. After dispersal, they may turn up elsewhere - I've photographed one at Berrington Pool in 2010. First impression is of a 'pale' blue Damselfly and on closer examination, the lower legs (tibia) as the name implies have white inflated edges. The wingspots are distinctive too - pale chestnut in colour.
Portraits showing the key features and only males illustrated here ....
The overall colour is variable with maturation, a much bluer indivdual viewed from above, the characteristic abdominal segment markings....
A close up of the head and legs. The legs are covered in coarse black hairs ....
Another close up head facing view.....
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