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 quickly move away from the river, to woodland up to 10km away, 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 early emergence, separated eyes and 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 and Wales - restricted to mature stretches of seven British river systems; Thames, Arun, Wye, Dee, Tywi, Teifi and Severn.
How people can 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.
Statistics:
Length: 50mm
Wing span: 64mm
Conservation status:
Nationally notable species with local BAP's in Worcestershire, Shropshire and Cheshire.
Did you know?:
The larvae live in the silt and mud of riverbeds for 3 - 5 years and have a triangular shaped head; this makes them streamlined and difficult to dislodge, so they are able to withstand high levels of pleasure boat traffic on busy rivers such as the Thames.
