White Legged Damselfly (Platycnemis pennipes)

The White Legged Damselfly

This species can be easily identified and can be told apart from the other damselflies by its destinctive white legs. It is also some what 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 early to mid July when it is fully mature and is at its most colourful.

Although much rarer and less widespread than 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 slightly larger than the other blue damselfly species. Immature specimens and the females are cream / straw in colour.

Both sexes have very distinctive white legs that hang downwards when in flight, making them readily identifiable.

Quick ID Link

Photographic Overview - The White Legged 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 is an obliging photographic subject, although it can be slightly more wary than other damselfly species and a more careful approach is required. They regularly settle on bankside vegetation and if disturbed their flight tends to be fluttery and fairly short in duration, before they settle again nearby.

The White Legged Damselfly is fond of thick emergent vegetaion and getting a clear angle of shot is the only real compositional issue. A mid range depth of field setting is sufficient to capture the subject while blurring out the background.

This technique will be challenging though as finding a subject on a relatively clear perch will be difficult. Therefore some compromise may be necessary resulting in a slightly confused background.

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 07/10

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

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