My husband spotted this immature, male Large Red Damselfly basking on the wall of the house. I wondered if it had emerged very recently. This is a sub-adult, teneral phase that lasts about 12 days following first emergence. During that time the immature damselfly will shelter away ponds to avoid competetion and predation while their exo-skeleton hardens and colour-pigment matures. Once fully adult the yellow antehumeral stripes and his brown eyes will both become vivid red.
Being such an early species, they really are a true auger of spring. It was simply lovely to see and nature journal one, especially after having been forced very reluctantly to refill the pond for the first time ever. It had all but dried out completely in this strange sunny and dry but cool weather we’ve been having. It was a very reassuring sight and, hopefully, one of nature’s resilience.
