Red-eyed Damselfly

Key Sites: Any of the Nene Valley gravel pits, Titchmarsh Nature Reserve. Generally restricted to standing water, such as the gravel pits or slow flowing sections of the River Nene where the flow is low enough to allow growth of floating vegetation, such as Lilies, pond weed or mats of algae. Large water bodies with a tidal action, such as Pitsford at Brixworth Country Park do not readily support this species.

Spotting: Characterised by bright blood-red eyes, Red-eyed Damselflies are very territorial and will occupy a single lily pad leaf which they will defend against other males. They will also be seen on all types of floating vegetation including mats of algae, Canadian Pond weed and Rigid Hornwort. The Red-eyed Damselfly is larger than the other common damselflies, the Common Blue and Azure and generally appears bulkier in flight readily allowing its identification.

A related species, the Small Red-eyed Damselfly may occur at the same sites as the "Large" Red-eye. This recent arrival to Northants is smaller (about the same size as the Common Blue Damselfly) with more extensive blue markings on the tail.

County Status: Stable.