Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum)

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The Common Blue Damselfly

This common damselfly, as its name suggests can be found in fairly large numbers throughout the United Kingdom, near still water as well as slow flowing areas of rivers and streams.

They can be abundant and are often seen in the company of the other blue damselfly species.

This damselfly can be seen from late April to early May especially in the recent warmer springs, right through to early September.

As with all of the blueish coloured damselflies identification to the untrained eye can be difficult. Each species can usually be identified 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 two. The abdomen is blue with black markings but segments 8 and 9 appear all blue.

It can be difficult to identify the females which come in three colour forms, blue, a drab straw colour and a dull green. To be honest it is best to identify the females when in the presence of the males of the species.

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 but bright 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.

There are few compositional issues with photographing this damselfly. It can be readily found on unobstructed or isolated perches and as it sits up well, good images are not hard to obtain. It rests with its wings fully closed parallel to its body so a medium depth of field setting is all that is necessary.

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 - To Further Images

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 my websiteand that you'll return again soon.

Page Updated 05/11

All of these photographs were taken by and remain the property of Chris Brooks

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