Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella

One of Europe's most striking damselflies, this azure-blue beauty pairs brilliant color with crisp black markings in an instantly recognizable pattern. Summer is prime time—hover around pond margins and lakesides across most of Europe and you'll see them darting about with restless, acrobatic flight.

The contrast between its brilliant blue segments and sharply defined black stripes makes it a jewel of freshwater habitats. Once you've spotted one, you'll recognize it anywhere.