David Element
Wildlife Photography and Digital
Video Images
______________________________________________Dragonflies
and Damselflies 57 – Common Blue Damselflies
COMMON BLUE DAMSELFLIES Enallagma cyathigerum (m, f)
COMMON
BLUE DAMSELFLIES Enallagma cyathigerum (m, f)
COMMON
BLUE DAMSELFLIES Enallagma cyathigerum (m, f)
COMMON
BLUE DAMSELFLIES Enallagma cyathigerum (m, f)
COMMON
BLUE DAMSELFLIES Enallagma cyathigerum (m, f)
COMMON
BLUE DAMSELFLIES Enallagma cyathigerum (m)
COMMON
BLUE DAMSELFLIES Enallagma cyathigerum (m)
COMMON
BLUE DAMSELFLIES Enallagma cyathigerum (m)
COMMON
BLUE DAMSELFLIES Enallagma cyathigerum (m)
COMMON
BLUE DAMSELFLIES Enallagma cyathigerum (m, f)
COMMON
BLUE DAMSELFLIES Enallagma cyathigerum (m)
COMMON
BLUE DAMSELFLIES Enallagma cyathigerum (m)
·
The
above series of photographs (apart from the final image) illustrates the reproductive
behaviour of Common Blue Damselflies Enallagma
cyathigerum. Pairs will fly in tandem whilst
the male is depositing spermatozoa and fertilising his mate. As may be seen
from the photographs, there may be one or more rival males attempting to
dislodge the mating male so that they can replace him. The urge to mate is very
strong, and doubtless fuelled by pheromonal signals from the females. Once this
has been achieved, the pair will alight on surface weed so that they can
separate, and the male will keep guard as the female submerges, climbing down
the vegetation so that she can oviposit. This is clearly a hazardous operation
if there are any predatory fish nearby, as indeed is the distraction of
fighting for any males on the water’s surface. Attacks may also come from
above, particularly those by one of our most aerially agile birds, the Eurasian
Hobby Falco subbuteo for which dragonflies
may compose a substantial part of the diet. After she has finished depositing
her eggs she will climb up to the surface and attempt to take to the air,
although there is every likelihood that she will be pounced on by a rival male.
He will then pair with her, scooping out any remaining sperm and replacing it
with his own. Survival of the fittest!
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