©Margaret Holland
Large red damselfly
Scientific name: Pyrrhosoma nymphula
If you have a garden pond, look out for the Large red damselfly resting at the water's edge. As the name suggests, males are bright red with a black thorax, but females may be almost entirely black.
Species information
Statistics
Length: 3.6cmConservation status
Common.
When to see
April to AugustAbout
The Large red damselfly is a medium-sized damselfly that lives around the edges of ponds, lakes, ditches and canals, and can also be found away from breeding sites in grassland and woodland. The earliest damselfly to emerge in the UK, it is on the wing from the end of April through to August. It is a regular visitor to gardens.How to identify
Male Large red damselflies are bright red with a black thorax and black bands towards the end of the body. The amount of red and black on the females' abdomens varies, with some forms appearing almost entirely black. The similar Small red damselfly is a much rarer species that is only found on heathlands in the south of England and West Wales. It is smaller, more delicate and has less red than its larger relative.In our area
We'd love to know if you've seen a large red damselfly in Worcestershire. Please take a photo and let us know where and when you took it via our short wildlife sightings form. Thank you!