Chris Brooks Photography

(www.dragonfly-images.co.uk)

A Quick ID Guide

 
For a more complete Species description, follow the link below to the narrative of this damselfly.

Link to Narrative

Alternatively follow the link to the main species page.

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All of these images and graphics are by Chris Brooks.

Quick Identification Guide

Scarce Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura pumilio)

 
Welcome to my quick identification guide for the Scarce Blue Tailed Damselfly. These graphics are meant as a guide to the key identifying features of both the male and the female damselflies.

The text section has been kindly written & supplied by Mr Ken Crick.

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The male Scarce Blue Tailed Damselfly

The male (see above) is similar in appearance to its close relative I. elegans, with the upper surface of the abdomen being entirely black, apart from a blue band spanning segment 9 and extending slightly into the posterior of segment 8. This differs from I. elegans where the blue band is restricted to abdominal segment 8. I. pumilio has a small black mark, one on either flank of the upper surface of segment 9. The extent of this black mark is somewhat variable.

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The female Scarce Blue Tailed Damselfly

The female (see above) in its sexually immature form, it can be most striking, with bright orange flanks to the thorax, eyes abdomen and legs. The upper surface of segment 2 is also orange. The upper surface of the thorax displays a black tapered stripe from the pronotum ( plate just behind the head ) to the wings. Mature females are best viewed in the presence of males. Their abdomens upper surface, particularly towards the rear lacks lustre and is charcoal black. The thorax is a pale green and may exhibit some hint of orange. The antehumeral stripes are broad and are defined by a fine black line, being the same colour as the abdominal flanks.

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