White-legged Damselfly
Odonata of Brandon Marsh

References: S. Brooks and R.Lewington (revised edition) Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland.

Odonata list taken from the Annual Reports.


White-legged Damselfly - Platycnemis pennipes


Immature


Abdomen:
 27-31 mm
 
Hind wings:
19-23 mm
 
Flight Period:
 Late May to Mid August
 
Description:
The distinctive legs are creamy white and have a broad, feather-like appearance, especially in males. Adults of both sexes undergo age-related changes which lead to progressively bolder black markings on the abdomen. These markings, however are much reduced compared with other similar sized damdelflies. During maturation, females are especially light in colour and develop from the creamy-white 'lactea' (above) phase into light green mature individuals with more pronounced markings. Tenerals are very pale with and orangey-pink tinge, which can be quite conspicuous.
 
Areas:
Along the banks of the river Avon.