Isle of Wight Dragons: July 2022

Wednesday, 6 July 2022

Emerald Damselfly on Show.

The first sighting of the year of the Emerald Damselfly was recorded today at Bouldnor Forest ponds. Initially a female and then a male. Other species were very limited despite a warm and partly sunny day.

Golden-ringed Dragonfly

This is our largest UK dragonfly and seems to be widespread on the Isle of Wight.It is readily found along suitable streams and small rivers.

The male has a swollen abdomen at the tip while the female can be identified by a long and pointed ovipositor which is used to jab repeatedly down into the bed of shallow water to lay its eggs.

The larval stage can last up to five years as the larvae will spend their time buried at the bottom of the watercourse,with eyes only protruding,waiting to grab passing prey.