Western Red Damsel

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Two species of Red Damsels, the Western Red Damsel (Amphiagrion abbreviatum) and the Eastern Red Damsel (Amphiagrion saucium) are found near ponds and lakes in the United States.

Usually the Western Red Damsel is described as having more more black spots along the side of the abdomen, while the Eastern Red Damsel typically is described as having the black spots on the bottom of the abdomen, as shown on the picture.

Still, I called this the Western Red Damsel. The females are lighter color.

There is often no clear cut difference between the species. The top picture shows a male Western Red Damsel.

© 2006. Patricia A. Michaels.