KILDARE WILDLIFE WATCH: Large Red Damselfly can grow up to 3.6cm

This week I observed my first damselfly of the year in flight over bogland habitat, the Large Red Damselfly. This native species lays its eggs in bog pools, canals, small lakes and ditches.

After two weeks the eggs hatch and are known as nymphs. These nymphs will develop under water for up to two years before emerging as the flying damselflies we are more familiar with above the water surface. Similar to dragonflies the damselfly nymphs have an exoskeleton, a hardened exterior shell that protects their developing bodies.

Each time the damselfly nymph grows it must first shed its exoskeleton before re-growing a new one. Once the fully developed nymph is ready to emerge from beneath the water it will climb onto emergent vegetation growing from the water and shed its exoskeleton one final time.

The adult Large Red damselfly is Ireland’s only red damselfly. You can tell the difference between dragonflies and damselflies as at rest dragonflies hold their wings at a 90-degree angle from their bodies while damselflies hold their wings parallel to their bodies.

The Large Red Damselfly can measure 3.6cm in length and has a wingspan of 4.8cm. It is one of the first damselflies to emerge each year with its flight time typically from April to August.

The National Biodiversity Data Centre has described their distinguishing features and have identified that both the male and female have bright, red eyes, a yellow underside of the thorax and a dark brown wing spot.

Their wings have a slight brown tint when immature but become clear when a mature adult.

Males are vibrant red with black markings towards the tip of the abdomen. Females can exist in several different forms but are mainly distinguished by the amount of black they have on the dorsal surface of their abdomen.

Their most common form is a darker version of the male. When

visiting your local wetland watch for your first observation of a damselfly this week.

Don’t forget if you come across a wildlife species that you would like help identifying I would be happy to help, contact me at [email protected].