White-legged damselfly

This is the white-legged damselfly (Platycnemis pennipes).  Superficially similar to other blue damselflies, it is distinguished by the white edges to its legs, brown wing spots, paired black marks on the abdomen, and a different pattern of stripes on the thorax.   It isn't found north of the Midlands so I saw these mature males on a recent trip south.    

This is an immature male with the same patterns as above but pale brown colouring.

Immature females have a similar pattern but mature from pale brown to pale green.

Because the white-legged damselfly is uncommon and rather localised, there are few reliable data on its distribution. The British Dragonfly Society is undertaking a special survey this year.