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Large Red Damselfly · Field Guide · Things With Wings

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Large Red Damselfly

Pyrrhosoma nymphula

Not yet photographed by the community

One of the first damselflies of spring; vivid red.

Species Profile

Green List (Least Concern); common and stable populations across the UK

Lifespan: 1 year (including aquatic nymph stage of 1–2 years)
Size & Weight: 32–36 mm in length; wingspan approximately 40–48 mm
Habitat: Fast-flowing and slow-flowing streams, rivers, ditches, and well-oxygenated ponds with aquatic vegetation.
UK Distribution: Found throughout England, Wales, and Scotland; common and widespread across most of the UK, with populations present year-round as resident species.
Diet: Aquatic nymphs are carnivorous, feeding on small aquatic invertebrates; adults are aerial insectivores consuming small flying insects such as gnats, flies, and midges.
Prey: Small aquatic invertebrates (nymphs); small flying insects including gnats, flies, and midges (adults)
Predators: Dragonflies, larger fish, herons, and insectivorous birds such as flycatchers and warblers
Mating Season: May to September, with peak activity June to August
Breeding: Females lay eggs directly into or near water bodies; nymphs develop over 1–2 years in aquatic environments; single generation per year in most of the UK

Sources and editorial status

The short identification summary comes from the Things With Wings species catalogue. The extended species profile is AI-assisted and has not been individually reviewed by a wildlife expert, so verify important identification or conservation details with the specialist sources below.

Profile generated 22 June 2026

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