Pyrrhosoma nymphula (Sulzer, 1776) Large Red Damselfly
As the only red species of damselfly currently at all likely to be seen in Essex,
Pyrrhosoma nymphula presents no identification problems. There are two atypical
colour forms of the female: f. fulvipes (Stephens), which has reduced black markings, and
f. melanotum (Selys) which is predominantly black on the abdomen with yellow thoracic
stripes. These should be looked out for in Essex - certainly f. melanotum occurs
occasionally in the Essex populations.
Pyrrhosoma nymphula is one of the earliest species on the wing (teneral specimens
were observed on the Roman River, near Colchester on 10th May, 1981), although in
Essex it appears to emerge later than elsewhere in southern England. Its flight period
also appears to be shorter here (second week in May to mid August). In this it resembles
Coenagrion puella, and similar considerations apply concerning the possibility of a
degree of under-recording of the species.
It appeared on Doubleday's (1871) list for Epping, and on F. A. Walker's (1897) list for
Wanstead Park. W. H. Harwood (1903) reported it as common at Colchester, Birch,
Epping 'and in many other localities'. Perhaps because of its distinctive appearance it
was subsequently reported from numerous sites in the rest of Essex: Hatfield Forest
(1940. 1948. D. A. Ashwell), the River Lee (1934, E. B. Pinniger), the Stour backwater at
Nayland (1968, B. T. Ward). Stanford Rivers. Margaretting. Ongar (1949. B. T. Ward)
and Benfleet (1949, E. B. Pinniger). It has been recorded from the Epping Forest ponds
more-or-less continuously since Doubleday's list.
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