Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum)
Photography by Chris Brooks
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The Common Blue Damselfly
This damselfly, as its name suggests can be found in fairly large numbers throughout the United Kingdom, both near still water & slow flowing areas of rivers & streams.
They can be abundant and are often seen in the company of the other blue damselfly species.
This damselfly can be seen from early May, in the recent warmer springs right through to early September.
As with all of blueish coloured damselflies
identification to the untrained eye can be difficult. The species can usually be named by the distinct black markings on the base of the abdomen which can generally be seen on segment two.
These markings tend to be unique and are key to the successful identification of each species.
The male has a domed mushroom like black mark on segment 2. The abdomen is blue with black markings but segments 8 & 9 appear all blue.
It can be difficult to identify the females which come in three colours, blue, a drab straw colour & a dull green. To be honest it is best to identify the females when in the presence of the males of the species.
(Click on thumbnails to enlarge the images)
Photographic Overview - The Common Blue 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.
This is a fairly easy damselfly to approach and obtaining good images is a fairly simple affair. It must be said however that on some digital cameras the blue may appear very pale and quite disappointing especially in bright light. This is not a true reflection of the Common Blue Damselflies vivid colouring.
The solution is to experiment with differing angles of shot either slightly higher or lower and use the natural lighting to best effect. If it is very sunny, wait for a slightly duller moment and some really good results are possible. Seek out a slightly shaded subject that is buried deep within vegetation and the blue colouring will be enhanced.
If you want to know more about this species, then follow this link - To Narrative
Like to see further images of this damselfly, then follow this link -
If you want to see the best of these images, then follow this link - To Slide Show
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.
All of these photographs were taken by and remain the property of Chris Brooks
Page Updated 05/10
Chris Brooks Photography
(www.dragonfly-images.co.uk)
