Pyrrhosoma nymphula - Large Red Damselfly - La Petite Nymphe au corps de feu

Description

A striking red damselfly distinguished easily from the Small Red by the all black legs. It is found early in the year, emerging in April and on the wing until August or September. Not nearly as common in Southern France as in England.

Male at St Pierre d'Espinouse (34) - July 2006

Female near the River Orb at Hérépian, 18th May 2008

Tandem pair ovipositing, Milton Keynes, UK, 2002

Observations

20/05/2005   5-10 individuals, including pairs in tandem and ovipositing, at the plan d'eau, Lunas, Hérault (34).

28/05/2005   One male by the stream at Chateau de Grezan, Laurens (34)

20/07/2006   A few males and a pair ovipositing at Lac de Bourdelet, Riols (34).

20/07/2006   A few (approx. 10) males and females seen on a drainage ditch on acid pasture on the Somail plaeau between Faisse sur Agout and Lac de Vesoles (34). Pairs in tandem seen ovipositing.

20/07/2006   3 males near the picnic site of St Pierre d'Espinouse on the River Agout (34)

22/06/2007   3-10 males and females including pairs in tandem seen at the Lac de Bourdelet (near Vésoles)

18/05/2008   Solitary female near the River Orb at Hérépian

16/05/2009   Solitary male in wet ditch at Lunas.