Dragonflies are the UK's largest insects. There are about 45 species of dragonfly and damselfly recorded in Britain however only 38 of these regularly breed. These insects form a family of insects of increasing size through Damselflies, Darter Dragonflies and Hawker Dragonflies. Male Darter and Hawker dragonflies are extremely territorial, guarding an area that seems to be typically 100 square meters. The darters have fatter and shorter bodies and they perch on long grasses and reeds waiting for the prey to come near and then they dart out and catch them. The hawkers are longer and thinner in structure and they patrol looking out for prey on which to swoop.
Dragonflies can be spotted along the various local walks (Damgate, Upton and Fishley) through the months of May to August. The nearest Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve (a leading site for dragonflies in Norfolk, as well as being home to Swallowtail butterflies, orchids and Hobbies) is Upton Fen.
So, do you know the common name for Coenagrion armatum? It's the Norfolk Damselfly. And what about the common name of Enallagma cyathigerum? It's the Common Blue Damselfly.
Happy spotting!