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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: Red-veined Darter, Lesser Emperor, Norfolk Hawker & Willow Emerald in Shropshire again! See blog for details

Scarce Chaser & Hairy Dragonfly in Shropshire-see blog for details

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

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

Willow Emerald at The Bog…

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Just spent a lovely hour in the autumn sunshine at The Bog surrounded by good numbers of Common Darter and Black Darter as well as Brown, Migrant and Southern Hawker..and to my surprise Willow Emeralds!…

More Willow Emeralds!

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It seems that once the Willow Emeralds arrive they don't hang about. Laura and Kat Edwards-White have visited Lingcroft Pool near Plealey and seen at least 8 individuals including 2 pairs incop. This inspired Ron…

Willow Emerald at Discovery Centre…

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Laura and Kat Edwards-White have recorded 2 pairs of Willow Emeralds incop at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre- 1 pair on each of the 2 main ponds. This is great news as Willow Emeralds were seen…

Close up on Common Hawker…

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Harry Beaman has sent in this fabulous close up of a male Common Hawker illustrating a number of helpful diagnostic features; yellow narrow antehumeral stripes, a yellow costa, yellow thoracic side stripes, a broad contact…