Dragonflies & Damselflies

Adult dragonflies and damselflies feed on live insects that they catch while in flight.

They frequent sheltered, sunny areas where prey is plentiful. 

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Discover more about Dragonflies & Damselflies

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Where to see

Scotland’s most common dragonfly and damselfly species breed in ponds and lochs. Such bodies of water are quite widespread but are at risk of pollution, infilling and being drained.

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Related species

Golden Ringed Dragonfly

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Did you know?

Compared to other insects, dragon flies have extraordinary vision. It helps them to detect other flying insects to avoid collision. With their huge compound eyes, they have 360 degree vision and can see a wider spectrum of colour than humans. 

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When to see

The earliest damselflies are on the wing in early May, and the last darter can be seen on warmer October days although the most amount of species can be seen in July and August.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Scotland’s most common dragonfly and damselfly species breed in ponds and lochs. Such bodies of water are quite widespread but are at risk of pollution, infilling and being drained.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Golden Ringed Dragonfly

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Compared to other insects, dragon flies have extraordinary vision. It helps them to detect other flying insects to avoid collision. With their huge compound eyes, they have 360 degree vision and can see a wider spectrum of colour than humans. 

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

The earliest damselflies are on the wing in early May, and the last darter can be seen on warmer October days although the most amount of species can be seen in July and August.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Scotland’s most common dragonfly and damselfly species breed in ponds and lochs. Such bodies of water are quite widespread but are at risk of pollution, infilling and being drained.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Golden Ringed Dragonfly

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Compared to other insects, dragon flies have extraordinary vision. It helps them to detect other flying insects to avoid collision. With their huge compound eyes, they have 360 degree vision and can see a wider spectrum of colour than humans. 

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

The earliest damselflies are on the wing in early May, and the last darter can be seen on warmer October days although the most amount of species can be seen in July and August.