Small Red Damselfly (Ceriagrion tenellum)

The Small Red Damselfly

This is one of the our 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 from mid to 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 and are at their most colourful.

The mal exhibits a vibrant bright all red abdomen and in the sun light an almost golden upper thoracic area which has no antehumeral stripes. 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. Some ultra close up macro images are also possible.

This is perhaps my favourite damselfly of all the Uunited Kingdoms species and I never tire of capturing its image.

Quick ID Link

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.

They settle with their wings fully closed and parallel to their bodies so there are few depth of field issues to worry about. A moderate depth of field is all that is required to capture full subject focus.

Try to isolate your subject on a lone grassy stem well away from other vegetation in the background. However this is easier said than done though as they are fond of dense vegetation and freely settle within it. They will tolerate some very gentle clearance of the foreground vegetation to facilitate a good clear shot but do this only in extreme moderation to avoid any environmental 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 - 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 06/11

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

Return to Home Page  Narrative  Further Images  Slide Show  Identification Guide  Larvae Identification