Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella)

Azure Damselfly

The Azure Damselfly can be slightly more localised than other blue varieties. Once located however they can be observed in quite large numbers.

They are best seen in late May and early June when they are at their most active and colourful but can be seen on the wing from late April to early May in a warm spring right through to late August.

The Azure Damselfly can be seen on a wide range of mainly still waters but can also be encountered on the slower sections of rivers & streams.

They are often seen at the same sites as other blue varieties; however identication is difficult without a close inspection.

In relation to males,

by far the best way to tell blue varieties of damselfy apart is by the shape of the markings on the top of the abdomen just behind the wings on segment 2.

Each species having a distinct and a unique pattern, the Azure Damselfly having a fine "U" shaped mark which has no stem.

It could be confused with a blue Variable Damselfly but it has darker markings. Its best to identify the females whilst in the presence of a male.

Photographic Overview - The Azure Damselfly

All of my images are taken in handheld mode without the use of any camera support and this overview is written with that in mind. In addition my primary aim is to achieve the whole of the subject in focus.

This is a very amenable species to photograph and it will tolerate some really close up shots. The Azure Damselfly does have a tendancy, when perched on flat leaves to slightly spread its wings. This can lead to depth of field issues, if you aim is to get both sets of wing tips in sharp focus.

A wide depth of field is necessary to achieve this and an aperture of perhaps F12 or F13 should be used, which in bright weather will still enable hand held photography. As an alterntive, top down shots can be attempted to obtain resonable results.

These images were obtained by stealth and patience alone, no other non photographic techniques were used. I hope you have enjoyed browsing and that you'll return again soon.