Coenagrion – Eurasian Bluets

The Azure Bluet – Coneagrion puella is relatively abundant in the U K compared to the scarcity of the Variable Bluet – Coenagrion pulchellum.  Superficially they look similar and are easily confused. These photographs show the key differences on classic specimens but again the mark on Segment 2 of the body of each species is perhaps the most helpful indicator. It should be stressed however that the Variable Bluet gets its vernacular name for a good reason. I was very lucky to have my attention drawn to both species sitting next to each other and managed to get this photograph!  The photograph of a pair of Azure Bluets ovipositing shows the female carrying a red mite on the side of her thorax.

KEY I/D FEATURES

These are shown in the arrow diagrams below for each species.