Sunshine is the key

Bright, warm days from May to September draw damselflies out to wetland habitats including rural rivers and streams, heathland bogs and mires, and the ponds of urban gardens and parks. They are most easily seen on warm mornings and early afternoons, as these delicate insects rarely risk rain, and will shelter amongst tall vegetation during cold, blustery weather. Watch for their fluttery, buoyant flight, usually low over the water’s surface, broken by frequent stops to perch on overhanging plants. 

Differing from dragonflies, you’ll notice that damselflies are smaller, with more slender bodies. When they rest, they fold their wings together along their back, while stockier dragonflies hold theirs out wide. Amazingly, both groups are able to fly backwards thanks to wings that can be flapped independently of one another.

Most species patrol small areas, feeding locally on flies, mosquitoes and midges

Visiting one of our reserves in peak damselfly season (July and August) is a great place to start. Testwood Lakes hosts banded demoiselles among reedbeds, while the wetlands at Fishlake Meadows supports more than 20 species of both dragonflies and damselflies. A slow wander along woodland streams at Pamber Forest can reward you with the sight of beautiful demoiselles glinting among the dappled sunlight.

Knowing what you’re looking at sharpens every encounter

As most damselflies will vanish if approached too closely, you might find it easier to use binoculars, particularly those with a close focussing feature, and don’t forget to take care by the water’s edge. Many damselflies sit and wait, darting out to snatch passing prey before returning to the same perch, though some species range more widely away from water. Blue-tailed damselflies, for example, will roam across grassland habitats, hunting for invertebrates perched on the vegetation.