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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: Hairy Dragonfly in Shropshire-see blog for details

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

Variable recording and Variable Damselflfies…

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A strange spring with a sudden heat wave seems to result in smaller shallower pools really getting underway, but larger waterbodies still with very few if any dragonflies. I checked a few larger sites yesterday…

Emerging Emperors…

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Sunday 24th May saw some of the first Emperors emerging. A teneral was seen in Chelmarsh and I was lucky enough to visit Anne Bradley's ponds in Pontesbury where we saw around 20 Emperor exuviae!…

Is it finally getting warmer?

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Seems it's been a long time coming, but things are picking up a little and I've had the first Chasers emerging from my pond finally. Jan Shields has sent in these lovely photos of Banded…

White-legged Damselfly on the wing…

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A record for a female immature White-legged Damselfly has been made near the River West Onny just East of Lydham. This record has come in via iNat to iRecord so sadly I cannot contact the…