Dragonflies at Risley Moss

The large number of ponds and wet ditches at Risley Moss make ideal breeding areas for damselflies and dragonflies. Of the ~50 species in the UK, only about 20 species are seen this far north. Consequently, the 17 species recorded at Risley Moss make it an excellent local site for seeing dragonflies. The more common species that can be seen at Risley are shown below.

Damselflies: Sit with wings along body: Body length ~25mm: Very slim bodies: Fluttery flight

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small Dragonflies: Sit with wings at right angles to body: Body length ~30mm: Slim bodies: Strong flight, often return to a ‘perch’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medium Sized Dragonflies: Sit with wings at right angles to body: Body length ~35mm: Stout bodies: Strong flight, often return to a ‘perch’

Large Dragonflies: Sit with wings at right angles to body: Body length over 55mm: Stout bodies: Strong flight: ‘Perch’ at random