Dragonflies and Damselflies

Dragonflies at Risley Moss

The large number of ponds and wet ditches at Risley Moss make ideal breeding areas for damselflies and dragonflies. Of the ~50 species in the UK, only about 20 species are seen this far north. Consequently, the 17 species recorded at Risley Moss make it an excellent local site for seeing dragonflies. The more common species that can be seen at Risley are shown below.

Damselflies: Sit with wings along body: Body length ~25mm: Very slim bodies: Fluttery flight

Blue-tailed
Blue-tailed
Large Red
Large Red
Emerald
Emerald
Azure
Azure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small Dragonflies: Sit with wings at right angles to body: Body length ~30mm: Slim bodies: Strong flight, often return to a ‘perch’

Female Black Darter
Female Black Darter
Male Black Darter
Male Black Darter

 

 

 

 

Female Common Darter
Female Common Darter
Male Common Darter
Male Common Darter

 

 

 

 

 

Medium Sized Dragonflies: Sit with wings at right angles to body: Body length ~35mm: Stout bodies: Strong flight, often return to a ‘perch’

Four-spot Chaser
Four-spot Chaser

Large Dragonflies: Sit with wings at right angles to body: Body length over 55mm: Stout bodies: Strong flight: ‘Perch’ at random

Brown Hawker
Brown Hawker
Common Hawker
Common Hawker
Emperor
Emperor
Southern Hawker
Southern Hawker

 

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