One of the three most widespread Dragonflies, this is the first species to emerge in spring and brings a welcome dash of colour to otherwise sombre waters at that time of year. The large red damselfly is a medium-sized damselfly which lives around the edge of ponds, lakes, ditches and canals and can also be found away from breeding sites in grassland and woodland. The earliest damselfly to emerge in the UK, it is on the wing from the end of April through to August. It is a regular visitor to gardens.

Male large red damselflies are bright red with a black thorax and black bands towards the end of the body. The amount of red and black on the females’ abdomens varies, with some forms appearing almost entirely black. The similar small red damselfly is a much rarer species, only found on heathlands in the south of England and western Wales. It is smaller, more delicate and has less red than its larger relative.