Pyrrhosoma nymphula - Large Red Damsel

The large red damsel is the first of the damselflies to hatch. It is found on lakes and river and usually appears before the end of April, and hatches continue throughout the summer.

These brilliant insects can be seen on most ponds and canals in springtime and early summer,

In the picture above, the female (larger than the male and with a wingspan of up to 50mm and a more stout body) is laying eggs, assisted by her partner. Although trout are often seen leaping at the paired adults flying across the water, it is usually best for anglers to concentrate on imitations of the nymph of this insect.

There are about forty species of dragonflies and damselflies in the British Isles, although some are now quite rare and hardly ever seen.

Special Offer - author-signed copies: £14-00 + £2-00 P&P = £16
	Signed copies of Matching the Hatch - Pat O'Reilly's best selling 245-page full colour book on aquatic flies and their imitation - are available by print-and-post form or by  Credit Card or Debit Card via the PayPal Secure Server for just £16 including P&P.

Top of page...