Damsel flies, mating

Damsel flies, mating

Damselflies mating: common blues and blue-tailed.

Claspers at the end of the male hold the female just behind the head.

The pair may rest on a convenient leaf – sometimes ignoring another male which is buzzing them. When resting they can assume all sorts of contorted postures. At other times, the pair may take off and fly while remaining united.