The Open Garden last Sunday which was held in a very watery garden in Park Farm Close provided a chance to see several damselflies currently on the wing.  Azure blues were perhaps the most plentiful, with blue bodies, marked in black. Details of the pattern of the markings distinguishes them from the Common Blue. A photo which can be displayed on a large screen is the easiest way to sort them out. 

Not easy to photograph as they don't sit still very long. 

 

Azure damselflies. Photo John Elliott. Click to enlarge.

Several Beautiful Demoiselles were seen. These are recent arrivals in the village, first arriving in my garden further down the village three years ago. Previously I had only seen the small colony down the Weymouth Road.  

  Female Beautiful Demoiselle. Photo. John Elliott. Click to enlarge.

 

They are unique in having fully coloured wings, light tan in the female and blue/black in the male. The female has a browny/green body and the male bright blue. 

 

   Male Beautiful Demoiselle. Photo.  John Elliott. click to enlarge. 

 

 Beautiful Demoiselles breed in running water but may be seen anywhere, commonly sitting on dark green foliage. The only insect they are likely to be confused with is the Banded Demoiselle, which has only the outer half of the wing coloured. It does occur occasionally along the stream.      

A single Large Red damselfly was also seen but didn't stay around long.