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

17 species of dragonfly may be found in Bedfordshire:

Southern Migrant Hawker – Aeshna affinis
The Southern Migrant Hawker – Aeshna affinis, is an attractive mid-sized dragonfly that is rapidly expanding its range in the UK and is a recent addition to the County list.
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.
Norfolk Hawker – Aeshna isoceles
The Norfolk Hawker – Aeshna isoceles, is an uncommon and relative newcomer to the region having expanded it’s range recently so that it is no longer restricted to the fen areas of the Norfolk Broads.
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.
Lesser Emperor – Anax parthenope
The Lesser Emperor – Anax parthenope, is a recent addtion to the County list, and a likely breeding species.
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 Migrant Hawker – Aeshna affinis

Southern Hawker – Aeshna cyanea

Brown Hawker – Aeshna grandis

Migrant Hawker – Aeshna mixta

Norfolk Hawker – Aeshna isoceles

Emperor Dragonfly – Anax imperator

Lesser Emperor – Anax parthenope

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

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