Coenagrion scitulum (Dainty Bluet/Dainty Damselfly)

These delicate little creatures were thought to be extinct in the UK but now there seems to have been a small colony in Kent rediscovered. Ours are from our favourite southern French campsite, though I fear a recent switch to intensive farming of Koi Carp has now eradicated them at that site, too. If my fears are realized, it’s very sad. 🙁

The only really confusing look-alike to C. scitulum (with 2½ black abdominal segments at S5-7) is C. caerulescens, which I have yet to find.

[I have a collection of comparison charts to help with the identification of the blue-striped damselflies.]

Id Notes

• long, pale pterostigmas
• ♂ – fancifully described “cat’s head” or “tuning fork” black mark on S2
• ♂ – S3-5 ~half black, S6&7 all black
• ♀ green-brown to blue with abdominal dorsal markings resembling torpedoes

male

female

in tandem

in cop

ovipositing