Identification An initially confusing group comprising seven similar species. Lestids usually inhabit still water but can be found in terrestrial habitats near water. They characteristically perch perpendicular to stems (see above) which other small damselflies tend not to do.

To identify the species from one another, take particular note of the following features: 

1) markings on the side of the thorax, particularly whether the antehumeral stripe crosses the mesopleural suture and if so, how prominent this is;

2) whether the last or second-last abdominal segment is pale in colour;

3) the pattern of markings along the thorax; and

4) the marking on the second abdominal segment (although this is often obscured on closed wings). 

As the following figure illustrates, a good view of males is usually enough to identify them as each has its own unique abdominal pattern.