Found several of these in my aquarium, any help with an ID?

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joe1992b Hull, United Kingdom Jun 22, 2010

Like i said in the title i have been finding these in my aquarium, they like to hide in plants and crevices, they're about the same lenght as the diameter of an english one pence piece, i would really love it if somebody could help me with an ID

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Jun 23, 2010

This is an immature damselfly (Odonata; suborder ), these commonly called naiads. They are ambush predators on other small aquatic creatures, primarily other insects but occasionally small tadpoles or fish as well. See http://tinyurl.com/28eg9bo for more information on these insects in the UK.

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joe1992b Hull, United Kingdom Jun 23, 2010

thanks!
do you know of any method to completely eradicate them?

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Jun 23, 2010

As these insects are a vital part of aquatic ecosystems, I do not recommend eradication. If you believe that they pose a potential threat to your fish (remember, they can only capture very tiny ones), simply remove them by hand, and release them in any nearby small pond or water-filled ditch. Then, keep your aquarium covered with a fine-mesh netting that will prevent adult damselflies from depositing their eggs in the water whilst still allowing good air flow to the aquarium.

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Ret_Sgt_Yates Sparta , TN(Zone 7a) Jun 23, 2010

the fish will eat them if they see them ;)

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joe1992b Hull, United Kingdom Jun 23, 2010

Thanks for the ID and the advice, it's much appreciated

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