Erythromma
genus Erythromma
Erythromma damselflies are a type of narrow-winged damselfly, known for their bright red eyes, which is why they are often called "red-eyed damselflies". Adult damselflies usually have a blue and black body, with males showing brighter colours than females. They prefer still or slow-moving freshwater places like lakes, ponds, and canals, especially where there are lots of floating plants. Unlike many damselflies that sit on plants growing out of the water, Erythromma damselflies often rest on floating leaves, such as water lilies. They can sometimes be seen far from the water’s edge. This makes them quite easy to spot during the summer. In Britain, there are two types: the common Red-eyed Damselfly, which is found throughout England and Wales, and the rarer Small Red-eyed Damselfly, which has recently started to spread further north.
