Damselflies and Dragonflies of Reculver and Minnis Bay
by
Barry Hunt
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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 in this area.
| Banded Demoiselle | Occurs in small numbers each year. Mainly in the Brook Farm area. |
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Female Banded Demoiselle © Matt Hindle |
| Large Red Damselfly | Only two or three records - an uncommon insect here. |
| Common Blue Damselfly | Common and seen in all suitable habitat. |
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Common Blue Damselflies mating © Chris Hindle |
| Azure Damselfly | A few records. Careful scrutiny of similar "blue damsels" should reveal a few each year. |
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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. |
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Blue-tailed Damselfly © Matt Hindle |
| Red-eyed Damselfly | Not common , but there are a few records on the Wantsum and around Brook Farm. |
| Small Red-eyed Damselfly | A recent colonist. In 2003 over 400 were seen around Brook Farm, but numbers seem to have dropped off recently. |
| Hairy Dragonfly | Fairly regular with records scattered across the whole area. The wider dykes seem to be their favoured habitat. |
| Southern Hawker | Uncommon. One or two records each year. |
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Southern Hawker © Derek Smith |
| Migrant Hawker | Abundant. In August and September hundreds can be seen hunting along hedgerows and in sheltered spots. |
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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. |
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Four-spotted Chaser © Tim Hodge |
Broad-bodied Chaser |
Seen most years, mainly around Shuart Farm, but not common. |
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Broad-bodied Chaser © Chris Hindle |
| Black-tailed Skimmer | Regular and seen in all suitable habitats. |
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Black-tailed Skimmer © Chris Hindle |
| Common Darter | Abundant. Seen across the whole area in some numbers. |
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Common Darter © Derek Smith |
| Ruddy Darter | Uncommon with and an occasional individual. |
| Yellow-winged Darter | One record in July 2006. |