Dragonflies and Damselflies

The Arboretum lake and the small pond complax on the Quarry Bank attract both the larger dragonflies and smaller damselflies. They’re not confined to these areas, often visiting other parts of the garden.  You’ll start to see them from May onwards and well into the autumn, on the wing, or resting on vegetation.  A good number breed here and their larvae live and grow in the water until it’s time for them to emerge.

Male Southern Hawker dragonfly at rest in the garden

Female Southern Hawker dragonfly resting on the Arboretum bridge

Azure damselfly at rest by the side of the lake

Male beautiful demoiselle, a damselfly of Dartmoor streams

Female common blue damselfly

Mating pair of large red damselflies by the lake side

Azure damselfly in flight

Male common darter dragonfly. These breed very successfully in the lake.

Golden ringed dragonfly, a regular visitor to all parts of the garden

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