White Legged Damselfly (Platycnemis pennipes)

The White Legged Damselfly

This species is easily identified and can be told apart from the other blue damselflies by its destinctive white legs. It is also somewhat paler in overall appearance when it is observed from a distance.

The White Legged Damselfly is found on slow flowing rivers and canals and thrives in the dense bank side vegetation. It can be seen on the wing from late May / early June through to early September. It is best seen however in mid July when it is mature and is at its most colourful. 

Although much rarer and less widespread than some other damselfly species in the United Kingdom, it can be locally common if a suitable breeding site is located. It is largely confined to the southern half of England.

This damselfly seems to be increasing its numbers on my local canal in Hampshire, where I have located several new breeding colonies.

The male is pale blue when mature and is larger than the other blue damselfly species. Immature specimens and the females are cream in colour. Both sexes have very distinctive white legs that hang downwards when in flight.

All photography and the narrative are by Chris Brooks