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 generally rest with their wings spread open.
14 species of dragonfly can be found in Bedfordshire:
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Southern Hawker - Aeshna cyanea
The Southern Hawker - Aeshna cyanea, is an abundant and easy to spot dragonfly, but it seldom settles for long.
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Brown Hawker - Aeshna grandis
The Brown Hawker - Aeshna grandis, is an abundant and easy to spot dragonfly, but it seldom settles for long.
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Migrant Hawker - Aeshna mixta
The Migrant Hawker - Aeshna mixta, is a mid-sized dragonfly, in spite of its name it is firmly established in the region.
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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.
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Hairy Dragonfly - Brachytron pratense
The Hairy Dragonfly - Brachytron pratense, a tireless flier, and up close it's very easy to see why it gets its name.
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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.
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Broad-bodied Chaser - Libellula depressa
The Broad-bodied Chaser - Libellula depressa, is a beautiful dragonfly that often visits new ponds.
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Scarce Chaser - Libellula fulva
The Scarce Chaser - Libellula fulva, is a mid-sized dragonfly with striking colour changes during its life.
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Four-spotted Chaser - Libellula quadrimaculata
The Four-spotted Chaser - Libellula quadrimaculata, is a mid-sized dragonfly with distinctive wings that give it its name. Often returns to the same perch in between feeding and defending its territory.
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Black-tailed Skimmer - Orthetrum cancellatum
The Black-tailed Skimmer - Orthetrum cancellatum, is a very active and fast flyer.
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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.
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Red-veined Darter - Sympetrum fonscolombii
The Red-veined Darter - Sympetrum fonscolombii was formerly an occasional migrant to the UK, but is now establishing itself as a resident species and can often be seen in Bedfordshire.
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Common Darter - Sympetrum striolatum
The Common Darter - Sympetrum striolatum, is aptly named and is common throughout Bedfordshire, often flying late into the autumn.
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Ruddy Darter - Sympetrum sanguineum
The Ruddy Darter - Sympetrum sanguineum, is a mid-sized dragonfly that is easily overlooked due to its very close resemblance to the Common Darter - Sympetrum striolatum.