Southern Damselfly (Coenagrion mercuriale)Slide Show

This is another fairly rare damselfly in the United Kingdom and can be very localised in its distribution. However if a suitable breeding site is found then this species can be fairly abundant. It is quite common in the New Forest area of Hampshire but has other very localised populations in the UK, including Anglesey and Pembrokeshire.

This is a species of slow flowing streams typically of heathland moorland and similar habitat. The species prefers the low level vegetation associated with these areas.

It can be seen on the wing from late May / early June through to late July.

In relation to the males, it can only really be confused with the Common Blue but it is noticably smaller and has very distinctive black markings on its abdomen (segment 2) which are unique to this damselfly, close inspection is needed to avoid confusion.

The females, as with all damselflies need closer examination to tell them apart. The female Southern has blue segmental rings near to the abdomens tip. It is only likely to be seen in the close company of the Small Red Damselfly which has red rings. To be sure identification is best made whilst in the males company.