Small Red Damselfly (Ceriagrion tenellum)
Photography by Chris Brooks
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The Small Red Damselfly
Perhaps one of the UK's smaller species of damselfly which is found exclusively in the southern half of the United Kingdom.
Although sparse in its distribution it can be locally common if the breeding conditions at selected sites are suitable.
This damselfly likes wet, boggy and peaty locations with little pools, seepages and runnels where they gather on the dense low lying grassy bank- side vegetation.
This species can be seen on the wing in late June through to early September but they can be seen at their best in July to early or mid August when they reach full maturity.
The male exhibits a vibrant bright all red abdomen & in the sun light an almost golden upper thoracic area. The females can be darker in appearance and have a black and red abdomen.
This is an extremely obliging subject and a sunny still day in July or August can lead to some very rewarding images. Ultra close up macro images are also possible.
This is perhaps my favourite damselfly of the UK's species and I never tire of capturing its image.
(Click on thumbnails to enlarge the images)
Photographic Overview - The Small Red 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.
The Small Red Damselfly presents very few problems to the Odonata photographer and once located they can be found in quite large numbers. They readily settle in bankside grasses and close up side view images are fairly easy to obtain.
Try to isolate your subject on a grassy stem well away from other grasses in the background. This is easier said than done though as they are fond of dense vegetation and settle within it. They will tolerate some gentle clearance of foreground vegetation to facilitate a good clear shot but do this in extreme moderation to avoid any damage.
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 06/10
Chris Brooks Photography
(www.dragonfly-images.co.uk)
