Today I chanced a trip to a well known spot for Southern Damselfly in the New Forest, hoping to see one there for the first time. The breeze was getting up and as it is the end of their season (late May to August) I wasn't hopeful but luck was with me and as the sun came out, I spotted a total of four males They were hovering low and resting on the bog myrtle and grasses. Once your eye is trained in on their slow up and down flight and what I can only describe as "stubby" appearance, they are distinguishable from the other blue damselflies such as the Azure and Common Blue. The key diagnostic feature is the mercury mark on the 2nd abdominal segment, just visible on my photo below:
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| Southern Damselfly on Bog Myrtle |
