Enallagma cyathigerum - Common Blue Damselfly - L'Agrion porte-coupe

Description

One of the blue and black damselflies, this species can be distinguished by the broader antehumeral stripes than most others and the "rugby ball on a stick" mark on segment 2 of the abdomen. Found by lakes, ponds and streams it can be very abundant, often gathering in quite large numbers on reeds with all individuals facing into the wind.

Male, plan d'eau, Lunas (34), 20th May 2005

Close up of male showing distinctive 2nd segment "ball on stick" mark, plan d'eau, Lunas (34), 20th May 2005

Pair in cop, plan d'eau, Lunas (34), 20th May 2005

Typical assemblage of males resting on a stick in the Lac de Bourdelet, Riols (34) - July 2006

Observations

20/05/2005   Hundreds seen including exuviae, emergents, tenerals, and pairs in tandem and ovipositing at the plan d'eau, Lunas, Hérault (34).

22/06/2006   A few males and females (some in tandem) at edge of Plan d'eau, Lunas (34)

20/07/2006   Hundreds (>300) of males and females at Lac de Bourdelet, Riols (34). Tandem and wheel position pairs and ovipositing seen.

21/04/2007   2 males seen at the Plan d'Eau at Lunas

22/06/2007   Solitary male seen at the Lac de Bourdelet (near Vésoles)

22/06/2007   3-10 males seen at the Lac de Vésoles

10/07/2008   30+ males and females including pairs in tandem and wheel at the Plan d'eau near Lunas