Coenagrion hastulatum
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Northern Damselfly Male -
Northern Damselfly Female -
Northern Damselfly pair in tandem
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Description
Length: 31mm
This species is found in only a few small lochans in Scotland. In the male, S2 has a rather variable, spear-head shaped spot linked rather like the cards ♠ "Spades" symbol. S8 and S9 are blue except for 2 small black spots on S9.
The female is clear green from the side but mostly black from above.
Habitat
This species is restricted in the UK to sedge-fringed lochans in the Scottish Highlands.
Status & Distribution
Rare and local. This is a Red Data Book species.
Similar species
This species is easily confused with the other members of the genus Coenagrion and with the Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum . Look at S2 (on the males) for distinguishing characters. Northern Damselfly is a weak flyer and has a very restricted range. The females can be particularly tricky to distinguish apart.