Dragonflies of the UK Part 2

Learn about clubtail, goldenring, emerald, chaser and skimmer species of dragonfly breeding in the United Kingdom with Dave Smallshire.

The UK is home to around 30 species of Dragonfly (Anisoptera) that breed in the UK. Alongside Damselflies, the Dragonflies make up the order Odonata. These predatory insects are known for their fascinating life cycles, dazzling colours and impressive flight abilities.

This presentation explores clubtails, Golden-ringed Dragonfly, emerald dragonflies, chasers and skimmers. We’ll discuss how these 10 species can be distinguished from one another and delve into interesting aspects of their ecology and behaviour. We’ll look at their geographic distributions and consider their rarity and conservation status.

At the end of the session, learners should feel more comfortable submitting records of the following species to iRecord:

• Golden-ringed Dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii)
• Downy Emerald (Cordulia aenea)
• Northern Emerald (Somatochlora arctica)
• Brilliant Emerald (Somatochlora metallic)
• Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata)
• Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa)
• Scarce Chaser (Libellula fulva)
• Common Clubtail (Gomphus vulgatissimus)
• Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum)
• Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens)

For more information and to book your place, visit the event page.