Common Blue Damselfly
Enallagma cyathigerum
Length 32mm

Can be confused with common coenagrion. Marking on segment two of male's abdomen usually resembles dot attached to stalk but rather variable in shape. Green and black female is similar to females of other small damselflies but can be identified with certainty by ventral spine on segment eight of abdomen. Widespread in Britain and Ireland and generally common. Favours well-vegetated lakes, ponds and canals and flies from May­early September, often resting on emergent plants.