24. Damselfly

It seems so fitting if the robust dragonfly had a smaller, more delicate and slender cousin it would be called a damselfly! Well it does, and most European countries are graced with several species of them. Our dry climate and dearth of lush wetlands, however, dictate that we only get a single species (and, very rarely, a second one). Properly known as the Island Bluetail, it sports the basic dragonfly design: long thin body, spindly legs and four well-defined transparent wings. It is small and ephemeral but makes up for its diminutive size by its stunning electric beauty, especially the bright highlighter-blue spot on the end of its abdomen. The Island Bluetail (M: Damigella) comes in two colour forms: green and reddish-brown. And despite the feminine name, both sexes of course occur!

Text and photo by Victor Falzon.
  Copyright to Birdlife Malta.