COMMON WINTER DAMSEL
I don't wish to be rude, but compared to most damselflies, this is a drab insect. This species of damselfly can be seen all through the year and can even survive frosty conditions. They have a body length of 34 to 39mm and a hindwing length of 18 to 23mm. Winter damsels are pale brown with dark markings. On the front edge of the wings is a group of cells called a pterostigma, these are coloured pale brown. Males that have overwintered, have dark brown pterostigma and occasionally, blue eyes.
Winter damsels like all types of standing water, including brackish water (water that is saltier than freshwater, but not as salty as seawater). During the Winter, these damselflies can be found away from the water, usually amongst dry grasses. In the Spring, they return to the water, where they mate. While the pair are still in tandem, the female lays her eggs (oviposits) on floating vegetation. Most reproduction takes place from April to May. The eggs hatch and the larvae develop within 2 months. When the adults emerge, they move back to grassland.
