Red Eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas)

Red Eyed Damselfly

A sturdy species that can be distinguished from the other blue damselflies by its prominant red eyes.

The males have a blue body and tail. Females and the juveniles are predominently yellow in colour, the males gradually turning blue as they mature.

Red Eyed Damselflies are seen on the wing from early to mid May through to August.

Locally common in the southern half of the United Kingdom and are frequently seen in the company of other blue species.

They're a stillwater species, but may be seen on slow flowing rivers and canals.

They are very fond of settling on bank side vegetation and on top of floating plants.