Blue Featherleg
VU

Blue Featherleg

Platycnemis pennipes

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-legged_damselfly

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The White-legged Damselfly faces significant pressure from water pollution and eutrophication of its freshwater habitats, which degrades water quality and reduces oxygen levels essential for larval development. Habitat fragmentation through urban development and agricultural intensification has isolated populations along river corridors. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns and water temperatures, potentially disrupting the species' synchronized emergence cycles and breeding success.

Threat summary

Habitat

This damselfly inhabits slow-flowing rivers, streams, and canals with abundant emergent vegetation, particularly favoring areas with overhanging willows and dense riparian plant growth. The species requires clean, well-oxygenated water for larval development and vegetated banks for adult roosting and mating activities.

FRESHWATER· major

Threatened in Albania

VU

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Anser erythropus

Declining
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown
Common Fire SalamanderVU

Common Fire Salamander

Salamandra salamandra

Declining
EN

Ohrigocea stankovici

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Blue Featherleg classified as Vulnerable?
Blue Featherleg is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The White-legged Damselfly faces significant pressure from water pollution and eutrophication of its freshwater habitats, which degrades water quality and reduces oxygen levels essential for larval development. Habitat fragmentation through urban development and agricultural intensification has isolated populations along river corridors. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns and water temperatures, potentially disrupting the species' synchronized emergence cycles and breeding success.
Where does Blue Featherleg live?
Blue Featherleg occurs in Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Belgium (plus 42 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Blue Featherleg?
The main threats to Blue Featherleg are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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