Erythromma najas

Erythromma najas
Male
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Zygoptera
Family: Coenagrionidae
Genus: Erythromma
Species:
E. najas
Binomial name
Erythromma najas
(Hansemann, 1823)

Erythromma najas, the red-eyed damselfly, is a member of the Coenagrionidae family of damselflies.

Appearance

The species is a small damselfly, 35 millimetres (1.4 in) long, predominantly black with iridescent blue markings. The male resembles blue-tailed damselflies (Ischnura species) but is distinguished by its large, spaced eyes that are a deep red. It is very similar to the small red-eyed damselfly (Erythromma viridulum).

Behaviour

Red-eyed damselflies (Erythromma najas) mating

Males typically spend much of their time perched on the leaves of floating vegetation such as water lilies or mats of algae.

References

  • "Erythromma najas". British Dragonfly Society. Retrieved 27 May 2011.
  • Brooks & Lewington (2004). Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland. British Wildlife Publishing. ISBN 0-9531399-0-5.