Wildlife of Britain

Golden-ringed Dragonfly: Britain's Largest Dragonfly and a Master of Fast-Flowing Streams Few insects make as dramatic an entrance as the Golden-ringed Dragonfly. With its striking black-and-yellow body, vivid green eyes and impressive wingspan, this remarkable species is impossible to overlook as it patrols rivers, streams and woodland glades during the height of summer. As Britain's largest resident dragonfly, the Golden-ringed Dragonfly has captivated naturalists for generations.  Its powerful flight, bold colouring and fascinating life cycle make it one of the country's most recognisable freshwater insects. Yet despite its size, much of its life is spent hidden beneath the water's surface, where it begins a journey that can last several years before taking to the air for just a few weeks. Whether you're exploring a mountain stream in Wales, walking through a Scottish forest or visiting a heathland brook in southern England, understanding this spectacular hunter ...

Dragonfly Species in the United Kingdom Dragonflies are among the most striking insects in Britain. Fast, agile and brightly coloured, they are powerful aerial hunters that have existed for over 300 million years.  The UK supports a rich variety of species, many of which can be seen around ponds, rivers, lakes, canals and wetlands during spring and summer. Dragonflies belong to the order Odonata.  In everyday language, “dragonfly” is often used broadly, but technically Britain has two main groups within Odonata: true dragonflies (Anisoptera) and damselflies (Zygoptera). This article focuses on the true dragonflies. How Many Dragonfly Species Are in the UK? There are over 30+ resident and regularly breeding species of true dragonfly in the UK, with additional rare migrants recorded in warmer years. Numbers can change slightly as new colonising species arrive due to climate change. Major Dragonfly Families in Britain Hawkers (Family: Aeshnidae) Large, powerful fliers often seen...