Damselflies: Azure Blue

These little ones, about 33mm (1.3") long, are unimaginatively called azure damselfly (Coenagrion puella), azuurwaterjuffer in Dutch. They eat mosquitos, so they are lovely creatures that deserve support and respect.

They are quite common here in The Netherlands, and easy to find, usually near lakes and ponds. There are some very similar species though, so it is hard to be sure you have identified them correctly.

^{Olympus XZ-1, 112mm, ISO100, f5.6, 1/500s}

^{Olympus Stylus 1s, 300mm, ISO200, f8, 1/250s}

^{Olympus Stylus 1s, 110mm, ISO160, f8, 1/200s}

These to seem to be having a conversation, or showing eachother how to do push-ups:

^{Olympus Stylus 1s, 300mm, ISO200, f8, 1/320s}

Foreplay:

^{Olympus Stylus 1s, 300mm, ISO200, f8, 1/125s}

Mating in various positions:

^{Olympus Stylus 1s, 300mm, ISO200, f8, 1/320s}

^{Olympus Stylus 1s, 300mm, ISO125, f5.6, 1/500s}

Here they are depositing eggs on vegetation under water. This can be a very crowded affair, as there usually are many of them and they all seem to prefer the same spots:

^{Olympus Stylus 1s, 300mm, ISO200, f8, 1/200s}

Next year's batch should be assured by this group activity, as long as there is no heavy drought.

Thanks for watching!