Norfolk damselfly ordark bluet

Appearance

At first glance, this damselfly may resemble a blue-tailed damselfly or a red-eyed damselfly more than a typical ''Coenagrion'' species. Both sexes have a distinctive black abdomen with coloured segments at both the base and the tip. Males have very large appendages that distinguish them from similar species.

Distribution

It is found from Northern and Eastern Europe eastwards to Siberia and Mongolia. It was believed to be lost in the Netherlands in the 20th century but was rediscovered there in 1999.

Status

It is found from Northern and Eastern Europe eastwards to Siberia and Mongolia. It was believed to be lost in the Netherlands in the 20th century but was rediscovered there in 1999.The species was formerly recorded as a breeding species in Britain, in Norfolk. It was last recorded in 1968. Since its main range is from the Baltic area eastwards, the likelihood of recolonisation in Britain seems low.

Behavior

It was recorded in Britain from late May to late July. The current populations in Western Europe fly earlier and peak in early May. Males perch on floating leaves. It is a strong-flying damselfly.

Reproduction

This damselfly was lost from its British sites due to natural succession from open water to dry reedbeds. It breeds in ponds ditches and slow rivers with open helophyte vegetation and a good water quality. It is less critical in northern and eastern Europe

Its breeding biology is poorly known. Eggs are laid in the stems and leaves of aquatic plants. The larvae live amongst aquatic plants and probably emerge after one year.