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Damselfly Identity Wanted

Discussion

4 replies
Posted by Paul Ashton on June 15, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Damselfly Identity Wanted
Having searched through the manual I'm unable to identify this one.

Taken this weekend near Andy's patch!
Posted by Tim Munsey on June 15, 2009 at 3:01 PM
How about a female emerald damselfly?
Posted by Paul Ashton on June 15, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Further investigation leads me to believe it's a teneral Blue Tailed Damselfly.

Ten´er`al
a. 1. (Zool.) Of, pertaining to, or designating, a condition assumed by the imago of certain Neuroptera, after exclusion from the pupa. In this state the insect is soft, and has not fully attained its mature coloring.

Well you learn something everyday :biggrin:
In any event I can asure you that it was darn well canouflaged!
Posted by Greg Hitchcock on June 15, 2009 at 3:15 PM
It's a blue-tailed, Ischnura elegans. My best guess would be a teneral male, but can't be sure from this angle.

EDIT: you answered your own question while I was replying!
Posted by Paul Ashton on June 15, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Thanks Greg.