In Central Europe, the helmeted damselfly (FFH Appendix II; RL D: 1; RL NRW: 2) most frequently colonises calcareous, slow-flowing ditches and streams in floodplains, lowland valleys and hilly areas. The watercourses are characterised by proximity to springs and/or groundwater influence, associated with rare or no drying out, low to medium flow velocity, freedom from ice in winter and low to medium nutrient and high oxygen levels. The dispersal behaviour of the species can be classified as "conservative" with low dispersal tendencies and distances, albeit with certain differences between the individual regions of its distribution area. The Helm's damselfly has its centre of distribution in southern Germany. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the species occurs exclusively in the lowlands. Significant populations are found in the Lippe, Ems and Weser rivers.

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