Large Red Damselfly

The Large Red Damselfly is one of Britain's most noticeable damselflies. Males have bright red abdomens with black bands and a dark bronze-black middle body section. Females come in different colours, from red to black, often with yellowish sides. Both males and females have red legs and dark wings that they hold closed along their bodies when resting. This damselfly is usually 33 to 36 millimetres long. It can be found all over the British Isles, living near ponds, lakes, canals, ditches, and slow-moving streams. It prefers waters that are slightly acidic and have plenty of plants. This species is often the first damselfly to appear in spring, starting from late April. You can see them flying from May to August. Adults often rest on plants by the water and are less shy than many other damselfly species.