Azure Damselfly

Coenagrion puella

The Azure Damselfly is a small, delicate insect with beautiful blue wings. They often rest on plants near water, where they can be seen darting around!

Habitat: Ponds, lakes, and marshes

Appearance

The Azure Damselfly has a slender, vibrant blue body with distinctive black markings, including a "U" or "Y" shape on its second abdominal segment. Its two pairs of clear, equal-sized wings are held neatly together over its back when at rest, distinguishing it from dragonflies.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyCoenagrionidaeGenusCoenagrion

Azure Damselfly

Interesting facts

Damselfly larvae are fierce underwater predators, snatching prey with a hinged lower lip!

Males have a special blue 'saddle' mark that helps females recognize them quickly.

They spend most of their life as underwater nymphs, sometimes for up to two years!

Unlike dragonflies, damselflies rest with their wings folded neatly over their backs.

Special abilities

Azure Damselfly can spot tiny prey because of its giant compound eyes that help them see in almost every direction.

Azure Damselfly has feathery gills at the end of its tail as a larva that helps them breathe underwater.

Azure Damselfly can dart and hover because of its two pairs of independent wings that helps them catch flying insects.

Azure Damselfly has dark markings on its body that helps them absorb warmth from the sun to stay active.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 35-45 mm
Size: 30-35 mm
Lifespan: 15-30 days
Flight Speed: 10 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Azure Damselflies are tiny hunters, catching other small insects in the air.

Age differences: Larvae hunt aquatic invertebrates; adults catch flying insects.

Primary Foods

small flies
midges
mosquitoes
aphids
small moths

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Common House Mosquito

Culex pipiens

Keeps mosquito populations in check near water.

hunts

Non-biting Midge

Chironomus riparius

Preys on midge larvae and adults near water.

eaten by

Common Frog

Rana temporaria

Often caught by frogs waiting at the water's edge.

eats

Common Pond Skater

Gerris lacustris

Preys on damselfly nymphs in the water.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Freshwater

Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.