Taxonomy
Coenagrion pulchellum | Variable Damselfly | Goirmín luaineach
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Ireland: Least Concern
EU: Least Concern
The species is
relatively abundant but appears to be suffering from a slow decline.
Native status
Native
Species Biology
Identification
Length: 3.3cm
Wingspan: 4.2cm
Both sexes have translucent wings with a black dot near the tip and a thin blue line in between eye spots. Males have a blue abdomen with black markings, the sixth segment is nearly all black and segment seven is entirely black. Segment 8 is blue and nine is almost entirely black. Black "spur" on side of thorax.
The second segment has a black wineglass-shaped mark. Females tend to be larger and mainly black with a green head and thorax. The three-lobed pronotum distinctively separates them from other damselflies. Antehumeral stripes distinctly waisted.
Adult habitat & habits
Most dominant damselfly at small lakes, stays close to vegetation much like the Azure damselfly.
Habitat
Prefers lowland areas and areas of mesotrophic freshwater habitats, e.g fens, ponds and lakes. Ideal breeding sites would consist of clean, good quality and still or sometimes slow-flowing water, an abundance of aquatic vegetation, small sites sometimes sheltered but not shaded. Rarely seen around flowing water.
Flight period
May to August (occasionally in April and/or September)
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Widespread throughout much of Ireland, particularly from the Shannon Estuary to Lough Neagh. Restricted in regions due to upland areas and oligotrophic waters.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.