Dragonflies

Damselflies and Dragonflies of Reculver and Minnis Bay

Barry Hunt, Derek Smith and Chris Hindle

Ruddy Darter © Derek Smith

There has been a recent trend for birders to become interested in the identification of these fascinating insects. This section of the website will give a flavour of what can be encountered on Reculver Marshes.

Banded Demoiselle	Occurs in small numbers each year. Mainly in the Brook Farm area.

Male Banded Demoiselle © Derek Smith

Female Banded Demoiselle © Matt Hindle

Willow Emerald Damselfly	A male and female were found at Chamber's Wall on 18th August 2010 and were the first record of adults of this species in Kent. 2 males and a female were seen on August 31st and remained into September. With a colony of about 20 found at nearby Marshside it wasn't a surprise when singles were found at Brook and Reculver in August 2011.

Male Willow Emerald Damselfly © Andrew Lawson

Female Willow Emerald Damselfly © Chris Hindle


Large Red Damselfly	Only two or three records - an uncommon insect here.

Common Blue Damselfly	Common and seen in all suitable habitat.

Common Blue Damselflies mating © Chris Hindle

Azure Damselfly	A few records. Careful scrutiny of similar "blue damsels" should reveal a few each year.

Azure Damselfly © Derek Smith

Variable Damselfly	A few records. As for Azure Damselfly careful scrutiny of "blue damsels" should produce one or two records each year.

Blue-tailed Damselfly	Common and seen in all suitable habitat.

Blue-tailed Damselfly © Matt Hindle

Red-eyed Damselfly	Not common , but there are a few records on the Wantsum and around Brook Farm.

Red-eyed Damselfly © Derek Smith

Small Red-eyed Damselfly	A recent colonist. In 2003 over 400 were seen around Brook Farm, but numbers seem to have dropped off recently. Subsequently, in 2011, some have been seen at Chamber's Wall.

Small Red-eyed Damselfly © Derek Smith

Teneral male Small Red-eyed Damselfly © Chris Hindle

Hairy Dragonfly	Fairly regular with records scattered across the whole area. The wider dykes seem to be their favoured habitat.

Hairy Dragonfly © Derek Smith

Southern Hawker

Uncommon. One or two records each year.

Southern Hawker © Derek Smith

Migrant Hawker

Abundant. In August and September hundreds can be seen hunting along hedgerows and in sheltered spots.

Migrant Hawker © Derek Smith

Emperor Dragonfly	Regular. Mostly around the larger reservoirs.

Brown Hawker	Not common here. Only a handful seen each year.

Four-spotted Chaser	Unfortunately not common. Only a few records.

Broad-bodied Chaser	Seen most years, mainly around Shuart Farm, but not common.

Black-tailed Skimmer

Regular and seen in all suitable habitats.

Common Darter

Abundant. Seen across the whole area in some numbers.

Ruddy Darter	Uncommon with and an occasional individual.

Yellow-winged Darter	One record in July 2006.