New Forest Dragonflies and Damselflies - some other notable species

Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) Small Red Damselfly (Ceriagrion tenellum) Large Red Damselflies can often be seen in April, and remain on the wing until September. Bronze-black markings towards the end of the abdomen differentiate this species from the Small Red Damselfly. Small Red Damselflies are nationally scarce insects that are primarily found on wet, lowland heaths. They fly from June until September.

Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) Golden-ringed Dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii) Common Darters can be seen from June until October. Males are orange-red, whilst females are yellow. Older females, such as the insect illustrated, eventually take on some of the colours of the male. Golden-ringed Dragonflies are conspicuous creatures. On the wing from June until August, they can often be seen well away from water.

Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa)	White-legged Damselfly (Platycnemis pennipes)
Female Broad-bodied Chasers are a striking golden-yellow colour. Males are pale, powder blue. Look out for them from May until August.	White-legged Damselflies are on the wing from May until August. This is another nationally scarce species, and it is equally scarce in the New Forest.

Lots more information about New Forest Dragonflies
Doug Overton has spent many years compiling information on dragonfly species in the New Forest, and has built a comprehensive, excellent video/image gallery that is published on-line. Check it out at http://www.newforestdragonflies.com .