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Coenagrion puella
The Common Blue Damselfly can be easily mistaken for the Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella). The second segment of the thorax has a distinctive spot with a line below connecting to the third segment. Another difference can be observed when inspecting the side of the thorax. The Common Blue Damselfly has only one small black stripe there, while all other blue damselflies have two. During mating, the male clasps the female by her neck while she bends her body around to his reproductive organs – this is called a mating wheel. The pair flies together over the water and eggs are laid within a suitable plant, just below the surface. The eggs hatch and the larvae, called nymphs, live in the water and feed on small aquatic animals. Nymphs climb out of the water up a suitable stem to moult into damselflies.
Freshwater sites, entire Europe
Thanks taka.ita for clearing that up - actually I was going for the Azure Damselfly, too. Can't really tell why I changed it to the Blue.
Thanks again for correction.
It is a Coenagrion species. On this photo, the side of the thorax has two dark stripes, Enallagma cyathigerum has only one. You write this also in your description, so I do not understand why you make a Enallagma cyathigerum from this.
Then you can discuss about the exact Coenagrion species. I say Azure (Coenagrion puella) because of the U-shaped marking on S2 (segment 2). Also the dark parts on the abdomen have long forward points at the sides,which is only seen in C.puella and C. pulchellum.
Contrary to your description, C.puella does not have more black than blue. It is actually a very "blue" damselfly (the name "Azure damselfly" also indicates that).
Spotted on Jun 7, 2012
Submitted on Jun 7, 2012
