One of our smallest (31mm) damselflies and one of only two red damselflies found in Britain. Preferring shallow pools, seepages and streams in heathland bog.
Males have a weak, hovering flight and are more
often found low in the surrounding vegetation.
Females also seek shelter in the undergrowth where the
majority of mating takes place before flying in tandem
to the water's edge to oviposit.
Often found with Southern Damselfies
in the New Forest where streams cut through heathland bog
where they appear to have a preference for Bog Myrtle.
At other heathland locations they usually occur with
Common Emerald and Black Darter, showing a preference
for long grasses.
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