Variable Damselfly
Coenagrion pulchellum
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable_damselfly
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Variable Damselfly faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation and loss of suitable breeding sites. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and urban development has altered water chemistry in many of its remaining wetland habitats, reducing water quality and eliminating the specific conditions required for larval development. Climate change is shifting precipitation patterns and increasing temperatures, affecting the delicate hydrological balance of shallow water bodies that this species depends upon for reproduction.
Habitat
The Variable Damselfly inhabits shallow, well-vegetated freshwater bodies including ponds, ditches, canals, and slow-flowing streams with abundant emergent and submerged vegetation. It shows a strong preference for calcareous waters with stable water levels and requires areas with diverse aquatic plant communities that provide both oviposition sites and shelter for developing larvae.
Other threatened species in Coenagrionidae
Threatened in Åland Islands
Frequently asked questions
Why is Variable Damselfly classified as Endangered?
Where does Variable Damselfly live?
What are the main threats to Variable Damselfly?
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