Red Eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas)

The Red Eyed Damselfly

This damselfly is a common sight in the south of the United Kingdom. It appears slightly sturdier and more robust than the other blue species, it is also larger in size.

It can often be seen in the presence of other blue damselfly species, settled in the sun on bank side vegetation and sometimes in fairly large numbers. It can be found on all types of water body provided that there is plenty of floating vegetation on which they like to settle.

This damselfly can be seen on the wing in early to mid May right through to mid August. Occasionally in a warm spring it can emerge in late April.

The male can be very easily identified, as itsappropriate name implies from the prominent blood red eyes when fully mature. Its has a blue thorax and no antehumeral stripes. Abdominal segments 9 an 10 are also blue.

Immature specimens and females have a yellow body and will appear very similar; however the males have a lilac colouring on segments 9 and 10 which turn blue with age as they mature. The female has dull red eyes and has two yellow antehumeral stripes on the top of its thorax which are key to identification.

Adults specimens can only really be confused with the Small Red Eyed Damselfly which is increasing its range. The Small Red Eye emerges later in the season and has subtle differences in the blue segments on its abdomen.

Quick ID Link

Photographic Overview - The Red Eyed 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 damselfly species is easily disturbed and as such is slightly harder to photograph; however perservere and some really rewarding results are possible. Early season specimens can be found settled on bank side vegetation and are fairly easy to photograph with a bit of patience. Later in the season they tend to utilise floating plant matter to rest on and photographic accessibility becomes an issue.

They perch with their wings fully closed and parallel to their bodies, as such there are no real depth of field issues and full subject focus is easily obtained.

The colour contrast on this damselfly is quite stunning. The bright blue thoracic region and the striking bright red eyes can produce some really colourful images.

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 website and 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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