ES Views: Wild London: Dragonflies are masters of the sky

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28 July 2017
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Across London, killers clad in dazzling, shimmering colours slice through the summer air. These are dragonflies, supreme aerial predators that like to hunt other insects.

With names such as darters, hawkers and chasers, these short-lived insects can be seen between May and September. They need water to breed but are strong fliers, capable of covering 2km in search of food or new territory.

Their elongated bodies can be up 8.5cm long, and each of their four transparent wings can move independently, making them supremely nimble in the air, capable of flying backwards and even upside-down. They cannot sting and are harmless to us.

In the mornings, some dragonfly species will warm up by angling their body at a 90-degree angle to the sun’s rays. If it gets too hot, they adopt a different position, pointing their backside towards the sun to reduce the amount of sunlight.

Most dragonflies lay their eggs on vegetation close to the water or in the water itself. The larvae will live underwater, some for only three months but others for up to five years. Dragonfly larvae are voracious predators with an appetite for aquatic insects, juicy leeches, snails, tadpoles and even small fish. However, despite a fearsome appearance they themselves can be eaten by fish, frogs, toads, newts and kingfishers.

At London Wildlife Trust, a team of “dragonfly detectives” is working with the British Dragonfly Society to record where these stunning insects can be found across London. That in turn will tell us how healthy our waterways and bodies of water are, guiding the ongoing conservation work and helping to ensure that many of our rivers, lakes and streams are beautiful, wildlife-friendly places and a joy to visit.

To join in the survey, visit wildlondon.org.uk

London Wildlife Trust campaigns to protect the capital’s wildlife and wild spaces. Backed by Sir David Attenborough President Emeritus of The Wildlife Trusts.

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