- Wildlife
- Invertebrates
- Dragonflies and damselflies
- Club-tailed Dragonfly
Mike Averill
About
The club-tailed dragonfly is a medium sized species, on the wing from early May to late June. This species is elusive as an adult, mostly seen on emergence from its riverine habitat. Meandering rivers with silty substrates over a rocky bed are favoured by the burrowing larvae. Adults have a tightly synchronised emergence with dense concentrations being found at favoured sites. Once emerged adults spend most of their time away from the river in adjacent woodland where they spend most of their time in the canopy of trees.
How to identify
The club-tailed dragonfly is unlikely to be confused with any other UK species, with its distinctly shaped abdomen. Extensive black and yellow markings are visible on both males and females, though the yellow areas on the males develop to green as they mature, apart from two bright yellow spots on abdominal segments 7 and 9.
Where to find it
England, notably the Severn, Wye, Thames and Dee
Habitats
When to find it
- May
- June
How can people help
The Wildlife Trusts manage many riverine and woodland habitats sympathetically for the benefit of all kinds of invertebrate, including the club-tailed dragonfly. By volunteering for your local Trust you can help too and you'll make new friends and learn new skills along the way.