A few more images I manged to take as this Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella), revisted my garden. With the top down view you can see more of its markings, especially the flat-bottomed U-shape mark on segment 2.
Rear garden pond, Staffordshire, England. June 2017.
A new damselfly sighting for me, and in my own backyard. This one was competing for perches around my pond with half a dozen or so Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula), and stood his (yes, it is male) ground pretty well. Length 33mm (1in). Similar to other blue damselflies, so care has to be taken in identification. In males look for a characteristic black flat-bottomed U-shape mark on S2, and S8 is completely blue, S9 having some black markings towards the rear. The female is green but a pale blue form occurs.
It can be seen May to August near small ponds and streams. Very common throughout Britain except in northern parts of Scotland.
Please click on an image for a larger more detailed view. Clicking a second time may get you a little closer.
Rear garden pond, Staffordshire, England. June 2017.
Nature Journeys 