Prehistoric hunting machines

Did you know that dragonflies were one of the first winged insects ever to exist on our planet?

In fact, the ancient relatives of modern-day dragonflies first evolved approximately 300 million years ago – that’s at least 50 million years before the arrival of dinosaurs on earth.

Despite their joyful appearance, dragonflies are fearsome predators. 

Their huge compound eyes allow them to essentially see the world in slow motion. Whilst their ancient wing design enables them to move with incredible dexterity, and even hover in place like a kestrel.

Fortunately, dragonflies are too small to hunt humans, but they can often be seen patrolling the skies above our wetland reserves, hunting and devouring flies, midges and mosquitos.

Forward planning for dragonflies

As global temperatures continue to rise year on year, the distribution of dragonflies is moving further north and west – that’s why we’re future proofing Yorkshires landscape.

Our work to create and restore wetlands means that when new species arrive in Yorkshire, there will be somewhere for them to colonise as temperatures in their southern habitats continue to rise.

Will you donate today and help us to build new homes for these ancient creatures?  Together we can ensure dragonflies aren’t lost from their southern habitats never to be seen again.

Southern hawker

The male has lime green spots all along its body, pale blue bands on the last three segments of the abdomen, blue-green eyes, and large green patches on the thorax.

The female is paler, with pale green spots and brownish eyes. 

Emperor dragonflies

Males are pale blue, with an apple-green thorax and a black stripe running the length of the body. Females are similar, but a duller greeny-blue. Both sexes have greeny-blue eyes. 
 

Four-spotted chaser

Both sexes of the are golden-brown, getting darker towards the tip of the body, with yellow spots along the sides. Two dark spots at the front edge of each wing give this dragonfly its name and an easily recognisable appearance.
 

Brown hawker

Even in flight, the Brown hawker can be easily recognised by its entirely chocolate-brown body, tiny yellow-and-blue markings and golden-orange wings.
 

Common darter

Male are bright red, while females and immature adults are golden-brown. There are several similar-looking red darters which can be very difficult to tell apart.