Red-eyed Damselfly (Erythroma najas)
This is the latest species of damselfly to colonise the reserve. It is now a regular breeding species with peak counts of up to 30 during its flight period of late April to early September. It occurs in association with water lilies and other floating aquatic vegetation in stagnant or slow moving water and can often be found perched on floating leaves.
Typical habitat of Red-eyed Damselflies
It is more robust than any of the blue damselflies found at Attenborough and as its name suggests it has distinctive red eyes. Pairs may be seen egg laying in tandem, the female alighting on floating vegetation whilst the male hovers above. Females may even become completly submerged during this process.
Male Red-eyed Damselfly
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