Over all length 33 to 38mm. Very similar to the Azure Damselfly, but there is a black goblet shape on S2 and S9 is more than half black. The rear edge of the pronotum has a three lobed shape, much more exaggerated than on an Azure.
Habitat
Well vegetated, sheltered water or areas with plenty of sheltered vegetation when away from water.
Status and Distribution
Scarce and local in Britain. Rare in Nottinghamshire but recently colonising Netherfield Lagoons where it is still a scarce insect.
Best Time to See
May to July.
Gallery
Variable Damselfly, Coenagrion pulchellum, male, 20th May 2018
Variable Damselfly, Coenagrion pulchellum, male, 20th May 2024
Variable Damselfly, Coenagrion pulchellum, male, 20th May 2024
Variable Damselfly, Coenagrion pulchellum, male, 20th May 2024
Variable Damselfly, Coenagrion pulchellum, male, 23rd May 2025
Variable Damselfly, Coenagrion pulchellum, female - blue form, 23rd May 2023
Variable Damselfly, Coenagrion pulchellum, female - blue form, 23rd May 2023
All photography taken at the Netherfield Lagoons, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire.
