Dragonflies

Collectively, dragonflies and damselflies belong to the group (or Order) of insects known as Odonata, divided into two distinct groups or sub-orders; Anisoptera (true dragonflies) and Zygoptera (damselflies).

Key information about dragonflies:

Typically dragonflies are larger and more robust than damselflies, and have a faster and more powerful flight.
Dragonflies have large eyes that usually meet at the top of the head.
Dragonflies have dissimilar sized pairs of wings – Anisoptera means ‘unequal wings’.
Dragonflies normally rest with their wings spread open.

Checklist

14 species of dragonfly can be found in Bedfordshire:

Southern Hawker – Aeshna cyanea
The Southern Hawker – Aeshna cyanea, is an abundant and easy to spot dragonfly. It’s a tireless and agile flier that seldom settles for long.
Brown Hawker – Aeshna grandis
The Brown Hawker – Aeshna grandis, is an abundant and easy to spot dragonfly that is often seen late in the day.
Migrant Hawker – Aeshna mixta
The Migrant Hawker – Aeshna mixta, is a mid-sized dragonfly and despite the name it is firmly established in the region.
Emperor Dragonfly – Anax imperator
The Emperor Dragonfly – Anax imperator, is a common and easy to spot dragonfly owing to its tireless flight, size and colouring.
Hairy Dragonfly – Brachytron pratense
The Hairy Dragonfly – Brachytron pratense, is a tireless flier, and up close it’s very easy to see why it gets its name.
Downy Emerald – Cordulia aenea
The Downy Emerald – Cordulia aenea, is a metallic green dragonfly with a distinctly clubbed tail and prominent bright green eyes. Uncommon in Bedfordshire, restricted to a few local sites.
Broad-bodied Chaser – Libellula depressa
The Broad-bodied Chaser – Libellula depressa, is a beautiful dragonfly that often visits new ponds.
Scarce Chaser – Libellula fulva
The Scarce Chaser – Libellula fulva, is a mid-sized dragonfly that undergoes striking colour changes during its life.
Four-spotted Chaser – Libellula quadrimaculata
The Four-spotted Chaser – Libellula quadrimaculata, is a mid-sized dragonfly with distinctive wing patterns that give it its name. Often returns to the same perch in between feeding and defending its territory.
Black-tailed Skimmer – Orthetrum cancellatum
The Black-tailed Skimmer – Orthetrum cancellatum, is a very fast and active flyer.
Keeled Skimmer – Orthetrum coerulescens
The Keeled Skimmer – Orthetrum coerulescens, is a recent addition to the County list. It’s smaller size and slender body help distinguish it from the similar Black-tailed Skimmer - Orthetrum cancellatum.
Red-veined Darter – Sympetrum fonscolombii
The Red-veined Darter – Sympetrum fonscolombii, is a fairly regular visitor to England from Southern Europe, popping up most summers, but perhaps less frequently than it once was.
Ruddy Darter – Sympetrum sanguineum
The Ruddy Darter – Sympetrum sanguineum, is a mid-sized dragonfly that is easily overlooked due its very close resemblance to the Common Darter – Sympetrum striolatum.
Common Darter – Sympetrum striolatum
The Common Darter – Sympetrum striolatum, is aptly named and is common throughout Bedfordshire, often flying late into the autumn.

Dragonflies

Dragonflies

Key information about dragonflies:

Checklist

Southern Hawker – Aeshna cyanea

Brown Hawker – Aeshna grandis

Migrant Hawker – Aeshna mixta

Emperor Dragonfly – Anax imperator

Hairy Dragonfly – Brachytron pratense

Downy Emerald – Cordulia aenea

Broad-bodied Chaser – Libellula depressa

Scarce Chaser – Libellula fulva

Four-spotted Chaser – Libellula quadrimaculata

Black-tailed Skimmer – Orthetrum cancellatum

Keeled Skimmer – Orthetrum coerulescens

Red-veined Darter – Sympetrum fonscolombii

Ruddy Darter – Sympetrum sanguineum

Common Darter – Sympetrum striolatum

Archives

Categories

Recent Posts

Recent Comments