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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

Bumble bee for lunch…

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Mark Underwood has sent in these great photos from the Long Mynd. Firstly a female Golden-ringed Dragonfly enjoying a light lunch and below a lovely inflight Emperor Dragonfly and a female ovipositing. The Emperors were…

Red-veined Darter at Newton Mere!

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Another day another Red-veined Darter! Harry Beaman recorded this fabulous male at Newton Mere yesterday (between The Mere at Ellesmere and Colemere). This is a textbook male with a single stripe on the side of…

Red-veined Darter and so much more in Ellesmere!

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Harry Beaman had an amazing days dragonfly recording at The Mere in Ellesmere yesterday! Firstly he saw this Red-veined Darter- the first recorded in Shropshire since 2012! The photos left and below left show the…

Lesser Emperors in Shropshire!

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It's all happening on the meres in Shropshire...Harry Beaman has seen around 15 (!) Norfolk Hawkers on Crosemere and 1 Lesser Emperor on 4th July. Lesser Emperor has only been recorded twice before in Shropshire…