Large Red Damselfly, Pyrrhosoma nymphula
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Size
Small; body length 25mm to 30mm.
Colour-patterning
Males have a black thorax with a pair of red stripes immediately behind the eyes. The abdomen is predominantly red with each segment being narrowly bordered black although this colour pattern is reversed on the last four segments which are black with red posterior margins. In young specimens the red colouration is replaced by yellow. Females are similar to the males but, in addition, have a narrow, patterned black line running down the centre of the abdomen.
Behaviour
The Large Red Damselfly is not a very active species, preferring to spend most of its time flying around its territory and settling periodically on marginal and emergent vegetation around ponds and slow moving water. Mating takes place in marginal vegetation and the pair lay their eggs in tandem on submerged vegetation.
Where to look for it
The Large Red Damselfly will occur almost anywhere where there is water but avoids fast flowing rivers and streams. It tolerates brackish water and is commonly found around garden ponds in Plymouth. It can be found in any of the citys Local Nature Reserves, Parks and Public Open Spaces where suitable habitat exists.
Distribution and status
Very common and widespread.
When to look for it
It is the first damselfly to appear in the year during April and is active until late August.
Similar species
The colour-patterning and small size of this species makes it unmistakeable.