Azure damselfly

The azure damselfly is a captivating insect frequently encountered across Europe, easily identified by its striking black and blue coloration. These graceful creatures are common sights around ponds and lakes during the summer months.

Male azure damselflies exhibit a distinctive pattern of blue and black on their head, thorax, and abdomen. Although females share this pattern, their markings are green instead of blue. The nymphs, which are green with brown wing buds, take about one to two years to mature, during which they feed on tiny invertebrates.

As adults, azure damselflies are often seen mating and laying eggs near water. Unlike the common blue damselflies, they tend to remain close to vegetation and avoid flying over large expanses of water. Their population peaks in June and July, gradually decreasing by August and September.