Gallery: Damselflies

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Azure damselflies copulating (wheel position)

Male and female azure damselflies (Coenagrion puella) copulating in the characteristic 'wheel position'. The male clasps the female behind the head using claspers at the tip of his abdomen. The female then bends her own abdomen to bring her genitalia into contact with the male's secondary genitalia which are high on the abdomen. The male has already passed sperm from the primary genitalia (near the tip of the abdomen) up to these secondary genitalia. These damselflies are pictured on bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata).

Technical Information: Photographed with a Minolta Dimage Z1.

Copyright Richard Burkmar 2004. Permission is hereby granted for anyone to use this image for non-commercial purposes which are of benefit to the natural environment. School pupils, students, teachers and educators are invited to use and reproduce the image freely. The photographer should be credited where practicable. Use for commercial purposes is prohibited unless permission is obtained from the copyright holder.

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