I am a great believer that you can find nature everywhere, providing you take the time to look for it. Sometimes however nature quite literally turns up on your doorstep, like this minuscule damselfly which found itself trapped inside my front porch a few days ago.
It was a blue-tailed damselfly, a common species which can make it’s home in almost any habitat as long as there is a nearby water source. At around 3cm in length it is one of the smallest species found in the UK.
This individual is a female with an emerald green body and the characteristic vibrant blue tail.
Female blue-tailed damselfly
Despite me opening the front door to provide her an escape route, the tiny insect continued to fly frantically at the window unable to locate her exit to freedom.
Desperate for freedom
Unable to escape by herself, I very carefully encouraged the tiny damselfly onto my hand. This was no easy task as her body was so fine and delicate, I feared I might simply squash her to death.
Thankfully the damselfly was obliging and clambered onto my finger, allowing me a closer look at this miniature marvel, before setting her free outside.
Resting on my hand
Since coming across this damselfly I now seem to be noticing them everywhere, or perhaps I just wasn’t looking hard enough before!
They are not easy to spot, but a tiny flash of electric blue darting among the foliage gives away their presence. As this individual basked in the sunshine on the underside of a leaf I was able to grab some shots.
Blue-tailed damselfly resting on a leaf
With the magnification of a macro lens you can really appreciate the beauty and intricacy of these insects, from their striking compound eyes to the tiny sensory hairs lining their body and legs.
A magnified view
Clinging on...
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All photographs copyright of Claire Stott/Grey Feather Photography 2019 ©
www.greyfeatherphotography.com
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Grey Feather Photography Photography Blog 
Your photos capture so well their delicate beauty – yet at the same time they are quite robust little predators!
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Thank you!
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These are superb photos! They are such beautiful colours too. I love the macro ones at the end, so detailed.
I agree with you, nature can be found anywhere, but it is even nicer when it makes it’s way to you 🙂
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Thank you very much!
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