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Shropshire Dragonflies

 

Shropshire Dragonflies

 

Shropshire Dragonflies

Welcome to the fascinating world of Shropshire dragonflies!

The aim of this website is to encourage all who have an interest in dragonflies to get to know them better and become involved in identifying and recording the species you see in Shropshire.

Only in this way can we establish those habitats of greatest importance in conserving our local populations. So grab your binoculars, cross your fingers for Shropshire sunshine and go out and enjoy these fabulous insects!

Click on the menus to find:

  • Photographs, descriptions and distribution maps of all Shropshire species
  • Top tips on identification and a guide to recording so you can join in!
  • The latest sightings in the Shropshire Dragonfly Watch blog and the annual Shropshire Dragonfly News
  • Local dragonfly events providing a chance to get some hands on identification experience
  • Information on Shropshire dragonfly habitats and  places to visit
  • Details of the incredible dragonfly life cycle

STOP PRESS: The Shropshire Dragonfly Newsletter 2026 has arrived! Follow this link Newsletter spring 2026 

Willow Emerald Damselfly in Shropshire! See blog for details

Norfolk Hawker in Shropshire again! See blog for details

SHROPSHIRE BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS MAP now available on the Recording-Where page. Take a look at this great interactive resource telling you what species are where and so highlighting those areas in need of more recording.

Dragonflies

Photograph © R.Stokes

Twenty- three species of dragonfly have been recorded in Shropshire. Click the link below to find out more.

More about Dragonflies

Damselflies

home-damelfly

Photograph © G. Hiatt

Thirteen species of damselfly have been recorded in Shropshire. Click the link below to find out more.

More about Damselflies

Identification

Photograph © G. Hiatt

Find out how to identify our Shropshire species and top tips to make life easier!

More about identification

Latest from our blog

Slowly but surely…

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Well it couldn't be more different to last spring when good numbers of damselflies were already out and about in early April. Here we have evidence from Stephen Barlow of the first individuals appearing up…

2026 flight season underway!

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Tricky April weather and tricky recording as I am unable to check iRecord for incoming records due to a security issue- hopefully soon to be resolved! Despite this the first Large Red Damselfly has been…

On your marks…

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Nothing reported yet, but keep your eyes open for the first Large Red Damselflies. 2025  saw the earliest ever Shropshire individuals emerge on April 5th! This exuviae was photographed by Jan Shields in previous years,…

Any more sightings?….

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It's that crazy time of year where people are already talking Christmas so I thought I'd post a reminder to please make sure you have all your records entered into iRecord or emailed to myself…