Dragonfly-Days
.....for South Wales Dragonfly enthusiasts
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Large Dragonflies are below. Chasers/Skimmers/Darters Here
Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense
| Flight season early May until late June |
The earliest of the hawker dragonflies on the wing, allied to the fact that it's also the smallest, makes it unlikely to be confused with any other hawker.
The male is often seen in flight as a generally dark insect, but at rest the oval paired abdominal markings are clearly seen, along with the clearly defined yellowish/green antehumeral stripes, the thorax is covered with hairs, hence the name.
Prefers slow moving water bodies, such as canals, ponds and even ditches providing there are emergent and some surface covering plants in reasonably clean water.
Early emergence means it has little territorial conflict with other hawker species. It is undoubtedly expanding it's range across the coastal areas of South Wales and I've recently recorded it from Parc Penallta in the valley's.
The male is often seen in flight as a generally dark insect, but at rest the oval paired abdominal markings are clearly seen, along with the clearly defined yellowish/green antehumeral stripes, the thorax is covered with hairs, hence the name.
Prefers slow moving water bodies, such as canals, ponds and even ditches providing there are emergent and some surface covering plants in reasonably clean water.
Early emergence means it has little territorial conflict with other hawker species. It is undoubtedly expanding it's range across the coastal areas of South Wales and I've recently recorded it from Parc Penallta in the valley's.
The female Hairy Dragonfly (not a very flattering name !!) has abdominal hairs whereas the males are sparse in comparison.
Although the pattern is very similar to the male, her colour is yellowish green and the antehumeral stripes are more limited. The costa of both sexes is yellow, while the pterostigma are brown and narrow.
The two most likely sites to see this species is either the Newport Wetlands in Gwent or Kenfig NNR in Glamorgan, however the flight season is the shortest of all the hawkers.
I have seen this species being chased by Hobby on the Gwent Levels, the Hairy Dragonflies emergence just so happens to coincide with the migrant falcon's arrival back from it's African winter home - two masters of the air!
Although the pattern is very similar to the male, her colour is yellowish green and the antehumeral stripes are more limited. The costa of both sexes is yellow, while the pterostigma are brown and narrow.
The two most likely sites to see this species is either the Newport Wetlands in Gwent or Kenfig NNR in Glamorgan, however the flight season is the shortest of all the hawkers.
I have seen this species being chased by Hobby on the Gwent Levels, the Hairy Dragonflies emergence just so happens to coincide with the migrant falcon's arrival back from it's African winter home - two masters of the air!
Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
| Flight Season mid June until early November |
Locally common throughout the area, the uplands and their associated bog pools are the species stronghold.
The contrasting difference between male and female is simple yet stunning, where he has deep azure blue she has yellow. Both have highly discernable yellow costa.
The superb female to the left was having a little bit of trouble getting a purchase on plants while ovipositing so I gently moved her towards some reeds (took this photo!!) and then left her quietly to get on with what nature intended, producing a future generation.
The contrasting difference between male and female is simple yet stunning, where he has deep azure blue she has yellow. Both have highly discernable yellow costa.
The superb female to the left was having a little bit of trouble getting a purchase on plants while ovipositing so I gently moved her towards some reeds (took this photo!!) and then left her quietly to get on with what nature intended, producing a future generation.
When the weather is fine on the uplands and moorland of south Wales, there is no better place to spend a few hours studying Common Hawkers, sometimes your alerted to their presence by a clash of wings in the reeds as either some territorial or mating dispute is being resolved.
I've witnessed them far from their usual haunts on warm summer evenings, they are strong flyers and distance does'nt seem to trouble them.
I cannot remember seeing this species out in the open where a photograph would prove more convenient, it's often a case of watch you don't get your feet wet!!
In Ireland it's known as the Moorland Hawker, a far more suitable name I feel.
I've witnessed them far from their usual haunts on warm summer evenings, they are strong flyers and distance does'nt seem to trouble them.
I cannot remember seeing this species out in the open where a photograph would prove more convenient, it's often a case of watch you don't get your feet wet!!
In Ireland it's known as the Moorland Hawker, a far more suitable name I feel.
Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
| Flight season late July until early November (if mild) |
The last of the hawkers to emerge, and often the last seen before the summer turns to autumn.
Expanding it's range in Wales both westerly and inland up and into the valley's, this species is often augmented by an influx of migrants from Europe in good summers making it often locally common.
Easily recognised by looking for the yellow 'golf tee' on it's 2nd abdominal segment just below where wings meet thorax. The female is less frequently encountered, while the males are almost sociable, occasionally seen in groups.
Expanding it's range in Wales both westerly and inland up and into the valley's, this species is often augmented by an influx of migrants from Europe in good summers making it often locally common.
Easily recognised by looking for the yellow 'golf tee' on it's 2nd abdominal segment just below where wings meet thorax. The female is less frequently encountered, while the males are almost sociable, occasionally seen in groups.
Male Migrant Hawkers are perhaps the most approachable of the hawkers and also the species that your most likely to see a reasonable 'in-flight' photograph of, look out for the bright blue 'flash' on the side of the thorax when it's flying.
In the cool the males can turn to a shade almost approaching lilac in colour, a strange phenomena that can confuse observers into thinking they have perhaps discovered a new species!!
Does not frequent small garden ponds, most other sunny, unpolluted standing water is used though, but it does not tolerate acidic waters.
In the cool the males can turn to a shade almost approaching lilac in colour, a strange phenomena that can confuse observers into thinking they have perhaps discovered a new species!!
Does not frequent small garden ponds, most other sunny, unpolluted standing water is used though, but it does not tolerate acidic waters.
Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
| Flight season from July into November weather permitting |
Perhaps the hawker dragonfly your more likely to see than any other, and it could be because it visit's garden ponds and the pond's size does'nt matter either.
This is also the most inquisitive of all our dragonflies - bar none, if you get a dragonfly 'checking you out' then it's the Southern Hawker.
The male is a real beauty with green markings on a dark brown almost blackish background, but the last three abdominal segments are a brilliant cyan blue. The eyes are almost the same shade of cyan and the frons is green to match the abdomen colour....what a stunner!!!
This is also the most inquisitive of all our dragonflies - bar none, if you get a dragonfly 'checking you out' then it's the Southern Hawker.
The male is a real beauty with green markings on a dark brown almost blackish background, but the last three abdominal segments are a brilliant cyan blue. The eyes are almost the same shade of cyan and the frons is green to match the abdomen colour....what a stunner!!!
Now the 'lady' is very different from the male of the species, with chocolate thorax and abdomen and lovely fresh apple green markings. Her eyes and frons are greenish brown. The costa of both sexes are brown.
Woodland clearings and the ponds, pools and lakes they may have within them are the haunt of this species, and any garden pool with similar habitat preferences can be used
It's often absent from suitable waters that may also have the more aggresive Emperor Dragonfly during their overlapping flight seasons.
Woodland clearings and the ponds, pools and lakes they may have within them are the haunt of this species, and any garden pool with similar habitat preferences can be used
It's often absent from suitable waters that may also have the more aggresive Emperor Dragonfly during their overlapping flight seasons.
Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
| Flight season early June until the end of October |
In only one small area of South Wales has the Brown Hawker yet been recorded from, a series of feeder ponds at Waun-y-Pound near Tredegar, Gwent, sadly these ponds and their habitat are under constant threat both from development and enviromental vandalism.
These wonderful dragonflies deserve far better, I believe that Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council should give this area Nature Reserve status and warden protect the sites habitat.
No other species of dragonfly can be confused with the Brown Hawker, except the Norfolk Hawker which is very rare and is only seen in a small area of the county that it's name refers to.
These wonderful dragonflies deserve far better, I believe that Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council should give this area Nature Reserve status and warden protect the sites habitat.
No other species of dragonfly can be confused with the Brown Hawker, except the Norfolk Hawker which is very rare and is only seen in a small area of the county that it's name refers to.
This species has yet to be recorded from Glamorgan, however I understand there are reliable yet unconfirmed reports of larvae being found in the Merthyr Tydfil area, time will tell if the insect is actually resident in Vice County 41. I have also had reliable source sightings reported from the Newbridge (Gwent) area.
This dragonfly glides and soars like no other, and when I have studied and photographed them I'm nearly always reminded of the dragonfly equivalent of the Common Buzzard!!
It might need or prefer at least some tree or bush cover for it's habitat, at Waun-y-Pound pools there is such a pool (that it probably breeds on) that has this type of habitat requirement.
This dragonfly glides and soars like no other, and when I have studied and photographed them I'm nearly always reminded of the dragonfly equivalent of the Common Buzzard!!
It might need or prefer at least some tree or bush cover for it's habitat, at Waun-y-Pound pools there is such a pool (that it probably breeds on) that has this type of habitat requirement.
Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
| Flight Season is from late May until early September |
Probably the UK's most powerful dragonfly a true predator, more than capable of taking other large dragonflies, small butterflies and other flying insects.
The male specimen on the left is an example of the damage that the wings can sustain over territorial disputes - a colourful warrior!!
Still expanding their range with little real competion to prevent them where habitat is right, such as most well vegetated waters, lakes, canals and even garden ponds in urban areas.
The male specimen on the left is an example of the damage that the wings can sustain over territorial disputes - a colourful warrior!!
Still expanding their range with little real competion to prevent them where habitat is right, such as most well vegetated waters, lakes, canals and even garden ponds in urban areas.
The large size and the unmistakable slightly curved abdomen when in flight make it difficult to mis-identify.
It's a stunning shade of turquoise with black markings on it's abdomen and green thorax with blue eyes. The costa is yellow and the pterostigma brown.
The body length can reach 78mm in prime specimens and is only exceeded by the female Golden-ringed, but the girth is thicker in the Emperor.
Emperor's are notoriosly hard to approach, your best hope to study one at close quarters is to chance upon it.
It's a stunning shade of turquoise with black markings on it's abdomen and green thorax with blue eyes. The costa is yellow and the pterostigma brown.
The body length can reach 78mm in prime specimens and is only exceeded by the female Golden-ringed, but the girth is thicker in the Emperor.
Emperor's are notoriosly hard to approach, your best hope to study one at close quarters is to chance upon it.
It appears that this superb dragonfly can both prevent and displace the less powerful species (including the rarer ones) in certain locations.
I have seen it chased off small man made ponds at Parc Penallta in Glamorgan by the male Broad-bodied Chaser, but there are several other small ponds adjacent that perhaps could mean territory is not so hotly disputed, and that is another interesting point of study.
I have seen it chased off small man made ponds at Parc Penallta in Glamorgan by the male Broad-bodied Chaser, but there are several other small ponds adjacent that perhaps could mean territory is not so hotly disputed, and that is another interesting point of study.
Lesser Emperor Anax parthenope
| Flight season early June until late August |
First recorded from Gloustershire in 1996 and subsequently proved to have bred in Cornwall, but the species is still accepted as a rare migrant to Britain. It has however been recorded from the Kenfig NNR in Glamorgan for the last few summer's. This is a species I'm still waiting to see and hopefully study and photograph.
| Flight season late April until late June |
Club-tailed Dragonfly Gomphus vulgatissimus
Recorded from the Wye in Gwent (Monmouthshire), but not from anywhere yet in Glamorgan. I feel it could be under recorded even on the Wye, and it may well be present on the Monnow which joins the Wye at Monmouth. This species had frustrated me on several occasions while trying to study it on the Wye, and just as I'd felt sure a photograph was possible off it flew - over the river onto the opposite bank!! Well one has to be patient if trying to photograph our little winged friends and on a lovely late spring day my patience was rewarded with the appearance of several teneral Club-tailed on the riverbank not too far from the town of Monmouth.
This species keeps it's wings folded to it's back at an angle when freshly emerged, it remains like this for around an hour or so before attaining the more normal wing posture seen on the photograph to the right, it's then time for it's first flight.
This species keeps it's wings folded to it's back at an angle when freshly emerged, it remains like this for around an hour or so before attaining the more normal wing posture seen on the photograph to the right, it's then time for it's first flight.
Golden-ringed Dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii
| Flight season May until early October |
Downy Emerald Cordulia aenea
| Flight season is from mid May until July |
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Pysgodlyn Mawr in the Hensol Forest, is the only known place in South Wales that the Downy Emerald has been recorded from, this location is the haunt of course fishermen and it is often difficult to get the peace one needs to do any real observing.
Far more fieldwork needs to be done at this location, especially during the emergence period from mid May when the exuviae might possibly be found, even if the adult dragonfly is not seen.
This pond is somewhat acidic, and has the sheltered woodland margins needed for this species, which can fly in surprisingly windy and cool conditions that many other species will not tolerate. Downy Emerald is also on the wing earlier in the day and flies later into the evening than most other dragonflies, allowing the observer a better time-span for studying it.
Far more fieldwork needs to be done at this location, especially during the emergence period from mid May when the exuviae might possibly be found, even if the adult dragonfly is not seen.
This pond is somewhat acidic, and has the sheltered woodland margins needed for this species, which can fly in surprisingly windy and cool conditions that many other species will not tolerate. Downy Emerald is also on the wing earlier in the day and flies later into the evening than most other dragonflies, allowing the observer a better time-span for studying it.
I will admit to a real soft spot for this beautiful large dragonfly, it seems to embody the type of habitat it frequents, moorlands and upland acidic water runs, streams and runnels that have silt or gravelly bottoms for the female to ovipost in. Standing or stagnant water is not tolerated. In the former mining valleys many such suitable sites are found where water channels cut into coal waste tips for drainage purposes are used.
I was standing in one of the water channels simply watching a male Golden-ringed patroling his patch when he decided to take a rest, and I decided to take his photograph!! This is one of several occasions that dragonflies have landed on me, I really think they know if you pose any threat, I often ask them if they would mind having their photo taken....no royalties paid though!!
I was standing in one of the water channels simply watching a male Golden-ringed patroling his patch when he decided to take a rest, and I decided to take his photograph!! This is one of several occasions that dragonflies have landed on me, I really think they know if you pose any threat, I often ask them if they would mind having their photo taken....no royalties paid though!!
The female is the longest of all the British dragonflies, including also the longest ovipositor of any species, it may attain a body length of 85mm and a wingspan of around 100mm which is only surpassed by the Emperor.
I have found them in several locations within the area co-existing with Keeled Skimmer . It can be encountered also in heathland type habitat, here the streams can cut through the clay to form deep gulleys with ferns and other plants providing cover.
Fascinatingly the larvae can take up to five years to mature, the longest period of any British dragonfly.
I have found them in several locations within the area co-existing with Keeled Skimmer . It can be encountered also in heathland type habitat, here the streams can cut through the clay to form deep gulleys with ferns and other plants providing cover.
Fascinatingly the larvae can take up to five years to mature, the longest period of any British dragonfly.
It could be that this very localised dragonfly has suffered from the expansion in range of the more powerful and territorial Emperor Dragonfly, but lots more research into this possible problem takes time. The nearest colonies to this solitary South Wales location is in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
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This lovely specimen made it's maiden flight within ten minutes of this photograph being taken, it flew over the riverside meadows and up into blossom laden Hawthorns.
In mid-June 2008 I saw seven adult Downy Emerald at this rather secluded location, it's great to know we still have them in the South Wales area, perhaps this small woodland lake will remain it's only viable breeding site -or did it once occur at other sites in the area?