A 2019 survey of Dragonflies and Damselflies in Hull.
Co-ordinated by Africa Gómez and Richard Shillaker.
Published 2020
Large file 13.8 MB
Author: Paul Ashton
VC61 Recorder
Willow Emerald Damselfly Chalcolestes viridis
A recent colonist, the first record in 2019 coming from Harwood Dale, North Yorkshire.
First record for Yorkshire at Harwood Dale, courtesy of Steve Beevers
Photo courtesy of Keith Gittens
2019 Skimmer Magazine
- Notes from the Chair
- Recorders Reports
- Skipwith Field Trip Report
- Dragonflies of Sardinia
- Yorkshire Dew Ponds
- Worlds End Conservation Management
- Where to Observe Odonata at Spurn
- Recorders Needed for Hull City Dragonflies
- Dragonflies of Lincolnshire
- New Dragonflies of Lesbos
- Upcoming Events
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2018 Skimmer Magazine
- Notes from the Chair
- Recorders Reports 2017
- Upcoming Events for 2018
- Field Trips and Events Summary 2017
- Colonisation of New Water Areas
- Unusual Interaction between a Darter and a Skimmer
- Dragonflies at Dawn
- The Migrant Hawker Unusual Life History
- Watcher’s Watch
- Wandering Glider
Skimmer magazine is only available to members and is password protected, so why not join the group now.
2017 Skimmer Magazine
- Notes from the Chair
- Field Trips and Events 2016
- Banded Demoiselles at Claxton Norfolk
- 2017 Field Trips and Events
- Dragonflies a la Francais
- Dragonflies and Shopping – a Brief Update
- Recorders Reports 2016
- A Review of Odonata at Thorpe Marsh 1983 to 2016
- What’s in a Name
- Blue-tailed Damselfly as Predator and Prey
- Return Visit to Brittany 2016
- Timble Ings
- North Cave Wetlands YWT Reserve
- BDS Press and Media
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Moorgates Quarry LNR
Habitat
Former quarry with woodland walk and several ponds.
Access
Uppermill (Grid Ref: SD992053).
More Information
OS Map on Bing
Moorgates Trail Leaflet
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
2016 Skimmer Magazine
- Notes from the Chair
- Field Trips and Events – 2015 Summary
- Events and Field Trips 2016
- Shopping for Dragonflies
- Dragonflies on a Brittany Canal
- VC61 South-east Yorkshire Report
- VC62 & VC65 North-west & North-east Yorkshire Report
- VC63 South-west Yorkshire Report
- VC64 Mid-west Yorkshire Report
- Demoiselles in Poetry
- A guide to on-line recording using iRecord
- Sri Lanka
- Species List for Yorkshire
Skimmer magazine is only available to members and is password protected, so why not join the group now.
2015 Skimmer Magazine (Free Sample)
- Notes from the Chair
- Field Trips and Events – 2014 Summary
- Events and Field Trips 2015
- Dragonflies & Wildlife in North Cyprus Sep/Oct 2014
- Ponds away from home
- How Many Damselflies?
- Red-veined Darters at Spurn 2014
- And we think Emperors are big …………..!
- VC61 South-east Yorkshire Report
- VC62 & VC65 North-west & North-east Yorkshire Report
- VC63 South-west Yorkshire Report
- VC64 Mid-west Yorkshire Report
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Bookcase Essentials
- Guide to Chalk Rivers of England
- Recorders’ Day 2015 Saturday 14th March 2015
- Species List for Yorkshire
Skimmer magazine is normally only available to members and is password protected, this copy has been made available to all to view as a sample copy. Why not join the group now.
2014 Skimmer Magazine
- Notes from the Chair
- Minutes of the AGM/Indoor Meeting
- Field Trips and Events – 2013 Summary
- Events and Field Trips 2014
- Corfu, Dragonflies and Wildlife, September 2013
- Environmental DNA (eDNA): a new detection technique
- Whitefaces
- VC61 South-east Yorkshire Report
- VC62 & 65 North-west and North-east Yorkshire Report
- VC63 South-west Yorkshire Report
- VC64 Mid-west Yorkshire Report
- New Hobby and Loving It!
- Macro Photography without a DSLR
Skimmer magazine is only available to members and is password protected, so why not join the group now.
2013 Skimmer Magazine
- Notes from the Chair
- Minutes of the Indoor Meeting
- BDS Recorders Conference and BRC Workshop
- Field Trips and Events – 2012 Summary
- Events and Field Trips 2012
- VC61 Report
- VC62 & 65 Report
- Dragonflies and Wildlife in the Dordogne (23rd-29th June 2012)
- An Update to PondNet 2013
- It’s not all Dragonflies
- Yorkshire Branch on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr
- The Odonata of the Scarborough District
- Species list for Yorkshire
Skimmer magazine is only available to members and is password protected, so why not join the group now.
Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
Habitat
Former peatland extraction site, currently being restored to heathland.
Access
Grid Reference: SE664094
The nearest large towns to the reserve are Doncaster and Scunthorpe. Follow the signs for Thorne on the A18/M18/M180. Park with care along Grange Road or at the Winning Post Centre in the village of Moorends. The moors can also be accessed from the East via Crowle Moors Grid Ref: SE 759145
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
Thorpe Marsh
Habitat
A Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Site – Pastures lined with hedgerows, ponds, lakes and small woodlands.
Access
Grid Reference SE594088
Approach from Arksey or Barnby Dun along Forstead Lane parking near the Norwood Pumping Station.
More Information
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust – Thrope Marsh
Bing OS Map
Species List
- Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Latest Sightings and News
Latest news and sightings can be found on our Facebook Group which is view-able to the public. If you would like to share and interact with the group you will need to be signed in with Facebook, and sign up to the group.
Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
Access
Leave the M62 at junction 36 and head towards Goole on the A614. Parking is along Tom Pudding Way near the Tesco distribution centre. A site plan can be downloaded from the Friends of Oakhill Nature Reserve website at the following link:-
http://oakhillnature.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Maps.pdf
More Information
A plan of the site can be downloaded from East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s website.
OS Map from BING Maps
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Paull Holme Strays
View Paull Holme Strays in a larger map
Habitat
Small pond adjacent to car park.
Access
Park in the car park off Thorngumbald Road, east of Paull village, and just east of the gas compound.
More Information
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma viridulum
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
2012 Skimmer Magazine (Free Sample)
- Notes from the Chair
- Changes to the Committee
- Minutes of the Indoor Meeting
- BDS Dragonfly Recording Network Meeting 2011
- Field Trips and Events – 2011 Summary
- Yorkshire Branch now on Facebook and Twitter
- Events and Field Trips 2012
- VC Reports
- Trip Report: Nerja, Spain
- Seeking Out the Scottish Specialities
- Erasipteron Bolsoveri; The Gracefully Winged of Bolsover
- Some Pond and East Riding News
- Species List for Yorkshire
- Green Heart Nature Improvement Areas
- Species List for Yorkshire
Skimmer magazine is normally only available to members and is password protected, this copy has been made available to all to view as a sample copy. Why not join the group now.
North Cliffe Wood
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Habitat
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Reserve, mainly woodland with an area of heathland in the south-west corner, including a small pond.
Access
Take Cliffe Road from either Market Weighton or North Cave. Sands Lane runs west from the village of North Cliffe. Entrance to the reserve can be found at either end of the woodland fronting the lane. Best parking is found at the western entrance. Please stick to the footpath around the edge of the heath during the breeding season to avoid disturbance to ground nesting birds.
More Information
OS Map from BING Maps
North Cliffe Wood – YWT
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Heathland Pond
Treeton Dyke
View Treeton Dyke in a larger map
Habitat
Large Lake with surrounding meadow and scrubland.
Access
Park at the end of Washfield Lane, Treeton, near the railway line. Follow path south along the edge of the Railway to reach Treeton Dyke.
More Information
Species List
- Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
Rabbit Ings
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Habitat
Former colliery yard and spoil heap of the Monkton Colliery .
Access
Car parks can be found along Lund Hill Lane, East of Royston.
More Imformation
Species List
- Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
2011 Skimmer Magazine
- Notes from the Chair
- Minutes of the Indoor Meeting
- Field Trips and Events 2010 Summary
- Cleveland Naturalists Field Club /Yorkshire Dragonfly Branch Joint Field Meeting
- Events 2011
- Dragonfly Recording Networks Meeting – 20th March 2010
- VC62 North East Recorders Report 2010
- Yorkshire Ponds Workshop, York, 22nd April 2010
- Attempted Sub-aquatic Predation on and Egg-laying Damselfly
- Red-veined Dropwing
- Balinese Gems
- Damsels in a Rock Pool?
- Species List for Yorkshire
Skimmer magazine is only available to members and is password protected, so why not join the group now.
2010 Skimmer Magazine
- Notes from the Chair
- Minutes of the Indoor Meeting – 30th January 2010Vice County Recorders
- 2010 Branch Field Trips
- Field Trips and Events Summary – 2009
- Dragonfly Recording Network Meeting – 28th March 2009
- VC61 South-east Yorkshire 2009
- Annual General Meeting
- Englands Newest Nature Reserve Cleared for Take-off
- Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve
- First Year of Dragonfly Recording
- Small Red-eyed Damselfly moves to Scarborough!
- Old Records of Dragonflies inYorkshire and Humberside
- In Search of the Magnificent Emperor
- Request from the Editor
- Species List for Yorkshire
- The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s River Hull Wetlands Project
- Unusual Sightings and Behaviour
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River Foss, Towthorpe Bridge
View River Foss, Towthorpe Bridge in a larger map
Habitiat
Well vegetated section of the Foss.
Access
Park east of the bridge SE621591, there is footpath access.
More Information
Forge Valley NNR
View Forge Valley NNR in a larger map
Habitat
Wooded river valley of the Derwent.
Access
Park at the Old Man’s Mouth Picnic area SE984870. Cross the river on the board walk and walk upstream keeping an eye out for the demoiselles in sunny spots along the river.
More Information
Species List
Walton Colliery Nature Park
View Walton Colliery Nature Park in a larger map
Habitat
A former colliery site with ponds, grassland and a good path network. In 2008 it was designated a Local Nature Reserve. Numerous small ponds and disused canal.
Access
Car park off Shay Lane, between Walton and Crofton on the B6378.
Grid ref. SE363176
More Information
Walton Colliery Nature Park Leaflet
OS Map from BING Maps
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
Pugneys Country Park
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Habitat
A 250 acre site which was previously an open cast mine, as well as a sand and gravel quarry and was turned into a country park in 1985. The park has two lakes, the largest of which is a 100 acre watersports lake. The smaller of the two lakes is only 24 acres and is a nature reserve which is overlooked by 2 bird hides. There are also many other streams and waterways on the site.
Access
East from junction 38 of the M1. Entrance from the A636 and A6186 junction roundabout.
Grid ref. SE330171
More Information
Species List
- Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
Scotland – Loch Maree Area
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The Yorkshire Arboretum
View The Yorkshire Arboretum in a larger map
Habitat
A series of four artificial water bodies set within the grounds of the arboretum.
Access
Situated between York and Malton, the arboretum is opposite the main entrance to Castle Howard.
There is an admission fee.
Grid ref. SE705699
More Information
The Yorkshire Arboretum
OS Map from BING Maps
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Hurst Dam
View Hurst Dam in a larger map
Habitat
Remains of a small reservoir constructed in the 19th century for the lead industry. It’s surrounded by heather moor and rough grassland, at an altitude of aroud 380m.
Access
Hurst Dam is at NZ042023, in Swaledale just west of Hurst. It’s a little off the public right of way but on Open Access land, so it’s accessible at most times of the year, but not with a dog.
More Information
2009 Skimmer Magazine
Notes from the Chair- Million Ponds Project Launched
- Minutes of the Indoor Meeting February 2009
- 2009 Branch Field Trips
- Field Trips – 2008 Summary
- A Few French Dragonflies to Identify
- East Riding Dragonflies 2008
- The Variable Damselfly
- Identification of male Variable and Azure Damselfly
- Species List for Yorkshire
- The National Dragonfly Atlas – 2008 to 2013
- The Birth of a Dragonfly
- Dragonfly Fauna of the Arboretum at Castle Howard
Skimmer magazine is only available to members and is password protected, so why not join the group now.
2008 Skimmer Magazine
Notes from the Chair- March Indoor Meeting – 2008
- 2008 Field Trips
- 999 – Try 112 instead
- Review of 2007 Field Trips
- Species list for Yorkshire
- Odonata Ova
- Bulgaria – Dragonflies and other things
- First and Last dates for Odonata in Yorkshire 2007
- Male-male tandem in the Banded Demoiselle
- Five Ways to Get More Involved
Skimmer magazine is only available to members and is password protected, so why not join the group now.
2007 Skimmer Magazine
Editorial- Minutes from the March 2007 Indoor Meeting
- First and Last dates for Odonata in Yorkshire 2005
- Offer
- Review of 2006 Field Trips
- Occurance of Hairy Dragonfly
- Species List
Skimmer magazine is only available to members and is password protected, so why not join the group now.
2006 Skimmer Magazine
Editorial- Minutes from the March 2006 Indoor Meeting
- Review of the 2005 Field Meetings
- Identification of Small Red-eyed Damselfly
- Dragonfly Suduko
- Species List
- First and Last Dates for Odonata in Yoekshire 2005
- Yorkshire Odonata Recording – The Way Forward
- Recording Form
Skimmer magazine is only available to members and is password protected, so why not join the group now.
2005 Skimmer Magazine
Editorial- Minutes from the March 2005 Indoor Meeting
- Review of the 2004 Field Meetings
- Dragonfly Ponds at Rodley
- Atlas – West Yorkshire
- The Dragons and Damsels of Stockbridge
- First and Last Dates for Odonata in Yorkshire 2004
- Species List
Skimmer magazine is only available to members and is password protected, so why not join the group now.
2004 Skimmer Magazine
Editorial- Lesser Emperor – Wintersett 9th August 2003
- Breeding of Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator at Loversall Delph, Potteric Carr
- Letters, Questions and Answers
- Dragonfly life in a Moorland Pool
- Observations of Southern Hawker
- Don’tgive in when the sun doesn’t shine!
- Wildlife of Lower Hopton, Mirfield
- Dragonfly ~ a poem
- Strange Common Darter
- Bransholme Fishing Lake, Hull, East Yorkshire
- Filey Dams Nature Reserve
- First and Last dates for Odonata in Yorkshire 2003
- Species List
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Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo
Length
45-49mm; Wingspan: Male 58mm; Female 63mm; Hindwing 24-36mm; Larva: 30-35mm
Male
Dark brown-black wings, with iridescent blue veins making the wings appear metallic cobalt blue. Extreme tips and bases may be paler, there is no pterostigma. Wings are broader than the similar Banded Demoiselle. Body is metallic blue-green. Immatures wings are browner.
Female
Dark brown iridescent wings with a white ‘false pterostigma’, larger on forewing than hindwing. Wings are browner than the similar Banded Demoiselle. Body is metallic green with a bronze tip to abdomen. Homeochrome, (male coloured females) are sometimes recorded.
Gallery
Behavior
Territorial males perch on bankside vegetation. They will flick their wings open and shut, occasionally chasing off passing insects, often returning to same perch. Females only visit water for egg-laying or seeking a mate, both sexes frequently stray well away from water. Flies slowly with a butterfly like flight and frequently settles on bankside vegetation or trees.
Habitat
Restricted to faster running clear water, found only along streams and rivers, often acidic, with sand or gravel bottom. Mostly found along heathland or moorland streams, though can also occur in farmland and woodland, including well shaded streams. Prefers cooler water than Banded Demoiselle. As streams broaden this species gives way to Banded Demoiselle, where there may be a broad overlap. Occasional hybridisation may take place. Sensitive to waterway management (clearance of vegetation) and pollution.
Flight Period
National: Late April to early October, though generally May to late September, being most abundant during June and July.
Yorkshire: Mid June to early August.
Status
VC61 – Only finds its way into the Vice-county due to the new course of the River Hertford being cut south of the old North and East Riding County Boundary. In many places this is within metres of the boundary.
VC62 – Extremely localised to the south-eastern area of the North Yorkshire Moors.
Locations
Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
View Nosterfield LNR in a larger map
Habitat
A former sand and gravel quarry, owned and managed by the Lower Ure Conservation Trust since 1996. Primarily a wetland, grassland habitat, with four permanent bodies of water, the dragonfly population is continually expanding. To date, 16 species have been recorded, most recently Emerald Damselfly and Four-spotted Chaser. A permissive footpath from the main car park runs in one direction to West Tanfield village, and in the opposite direction towards Nosterfield village, from which it is possible to view the Silt Lagoons. Two hides overlook the Main Lake and a viewing screen overlooks the North Lake. In summer, the footpath is a favoured ‘sunning’ area for Black-tailed Skimmers and in the autumn is frequented by Migrant Hawkers and Common Darters.
Access
Access is from the B6267 (Moor Lane), east of West Tanfield, which follows the boundary of the reserve, signed at the car park entrance (SE278795).
The site is open all year round but visitors are requested to keep to the permissive footpath at all times. To arrange a group visit, please contact Simon Warwick, LUCT Trustee: email simon@luct.org.uk or telephone 01765 602832
More Information
Timble Ings
View Timble Ings in a larger map
Habitat
Woodland, shallow moorland streams, ponds and ditches.
Access
Access is of the minor road south of Blubberhouses. Parking for a couple of cars opposite Anchor Farm at grid ref: SE170542, or four cars along the unmade road at grid ref: SE166530.
More Information
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Golden-ringed Dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Fairburn Ings
View Fairburn Ings in a larger map
Habitat
Range of open water and marsh.
Access
Visitors centre is 3/4 of a mile west of Fairburn village.
More Information
Fairburn Ings – RSPB
OS Map from BING Maps
Species List
- Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
Johnny Brown’s Common
View Johnny Brown’s Common in a larger map
Habitat
Former colliery site with ponds, marsh and scrub.
Access
Park in layby on B6474 between Upton and South Kirby. Walk west along track to reach common.
More Information
Potteric Carr
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Habitat
Range of open water, marsh and woodland.
Access
Located half a mile from Junction 3 of the M18, just south of Doncaster. Access into the reserve is via Sedum House, the head office of the BTCV.
More Information
OS Map from BING Maps
Potteric Carr – YWT
Species List
- Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Lesser Emperor Dragonfly Anax parthenope
- Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense
- Golden-ringed Dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Dundale Pond
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Habitat
Moorland pond and stream.
Access
Take Braygate Lane north from Levisham. Park at the end of the lane and walk down to the pond.
More Information
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Golden-ringed Dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
The Tarn, Goathland
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Habitat
Acidic bog and standing open water.
Access
Park at the T junction at the western end of Goathland. Follow the footpath up onto the moor in a south-westerly direction.
More Information
Species List
Tranmire Bog
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Habitat
Bog.
Access
Roadside bog on Wheeldale Moor at SE803970
More Information
Species List
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Golden-ringed Dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Keeled Skimmer Orthetrum coerulescens
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Fen Bog
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Habitat
Valley mire.
Access
The reserve is situated to the west of the A169 Pickering-Whitby road, about ten miles north of Pickering and three miles south of Goathland.
More Information
OS Map from BING Maps
Fen Bog – YWT
Species List
- Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Golden-ringed Dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Keeled Skimmer Orthetrum coerulescens
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Spurn Point
Habitat
Shallow scrapes and former canal.
Access
Park in the Canal Scrape car park before the entrance to Spurn Point.
More Information
Species List
- Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Scarce Emerald Damselfly Lestes dryas
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma viridulum
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Southern Migrant Hawker Aeshna affinis
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Norfolk Hawker
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Lesser Emperor Dragonfly Anax parthenope
- Vagrant Emperor Anax ephippiger
- Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense
- Downy Emerald
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Keeled Skimmer Orthetrum coerulescens
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii
- Yellow-winged Darter Sympetrum flaveolum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
- Vagrant Darter
Skipwith Common
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Habitat
Dry and wet heathland, mire bogs.
Access
From the west off the A19 along King Rudding Lane, the east from Common Lane in Skipwith.
More Information
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Saltmarshe Delph
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Habitat
A Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Site – Open fresh water and reedbed.
Access
South of Howden (SE774248).
More Information
OS Map from BING Maps
Saltmarshe Delph – YWT
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
- Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma viridulum
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
River Hertford
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Habitat
Canalised river draining into the River Derwent.
Access
Car park just north of the bridge over the A64 and also the bridge at Folkton Carr.
More Information
Species List
Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
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Habitat
A Yorkshire Wildlife Trust site consisting of High Eske borrow pit and Pulfin reed fen.
Access
Accessed via Tickton by walking along the River Hull bank (TA050440).
More Information
OS Map from BING Maps
Pulfin Bog – YWT
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Yellow-winged Darter Sympetrum flaveolum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
Pocklington Canal
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Habitat
Slow flowing fresh water of high quality with plenty of floating and emergent vegetation.
Access
Access is possible from a number of locations along the canal.
More Information
Species List
- Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
Pocklington Canal
Oak Road Lake, Hull
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Habitat
Borrow pit formed by extraction to strengthen the banks of the River Hull.
Access
From Beverley Road, Hull via Beresford Avenue (TA092322).
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma viridulum
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
North Cave Wetlands
Habitat
Former site of sand and gravel extraction turned back to nature. A Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Site – The site is still being developed, primarily for birds. A series of five ponds have been created for dragonflies along the northern path of the reserve.
Access
Leave the M62 at junction 38. Reserve is signposted from North Cave village. Reserve is also signposted from the A1079 at Market Weighton.
More Information
OS Map from BING Maps
North Cave Wetlands
North Cave Wetlands -YWT
Species List
- Willow Emerald Damselfly Chalcolestes viridis
- Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
- Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma viridulum
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Market Weighton Canal and Newport Ponds
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Habitat
Canal and ponds complex with floating vegetation.
Access
A car park can be found along Canal Side West off the B1230 in Newport Village.
More Information
Species List
Leven Canal
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Habitat
Former canal now designated as an SSSI. Fed by calcareous spring water of high quality and supporting a range of fenland plant species along its margin
Access
Off the Beverley to Bridlington Road A1035 in Leven (TA1045).
More Information
Species List
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
Hornsea Mere
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Habitat
Large shallow natural lake close to the coast.
Access
Parking at Kirkholme Point at (TA193470).
More Information
Species List
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
Filey Dams
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Habitat
A Yorkshire Wildlife Trust site consisting of fresh marsh.
Access
Accessed via Wharfedale road off the A1039.
More Information
Species List
- Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii
- Yellow-winged Darter Sympetrum flaveolum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Eastrington Ponds
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Habitat
Local Nature Reserve at (SE7829). The main pond is the former site of Eastrington Brick Works. There are several borrow pits foound along either side of the railtrail, the pits the result of building the former Hull and Barnsley Railway.
Access
There is a car park which is accessed off Howden Road, west of Eastrington village.
More Information
OS Map from BING Maps
A plan of the site can be downloaded from East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s website.
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
Broomfleet Washlands
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Habitat
Fenland type habitat with a series of fishing ponds.
Access
Leave the M62 at the North Cave junction. Take the B1230 to Newport. Before reaching Newport take the left turning to Broomfleet along Wallingfen Lane. At the end of the road turn right on to Common Road. Continue straight on, the road eventually turns in to a deeply rutted track which is passable with care, car park can be found before the track rises towards the railway. Alternatively turn left off Common Road on to Carr Lane. At the end of the road turn right on to Main Street. Take the right hand bend and follow the road until reaching the bridge over the Market Weighton Canal, don’t cross the bridge, the road is wide enough to safely park. Walk north towards the railway where there is an underpass on to the washlands complex.
Note: The site may be used for cattle grazing and could also be in use for shooting.
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Variable Damselfly Coenagrion pulchellum
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
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Habitat
A Hull City Council owned site. Fishing Pond.
Access
Take Bransholme Road off Noddle Hill Way (TA111348).
More Information
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
- Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma viridulum
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
Allerthorpe Common
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Habitat
A Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Site – acidic wet/dry heath, mire, grassland and woodland with ponds.
Access
From A1079 Hull -York Road, towards Sutton-upon-Derwent and Thornton; 1st left towards Thornton. Park 1/2 mile on right. Cross road and walk track by Forest Enterprise gate. Take ride on left to junction with line of pylons. Reserve is along track on right. Grid ref SE 761475.
More Information
Species List
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Heathland Pond
Tophill Low Nature Reserve
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Habitat
A wide range of freshwater habitats including marsh, lagoons, dykes and small ponds.
Access
From the A164 Beverley to Driffield Road. Leave the A164 at Watton, sign posted Tophill Low Pumping Station and follow the brown tourist signs along unclassified road for 6.5km/4 miles. Turn right at the main gates and follow the road round to the car park. Open Wednesday to Sunday 9am – 6pm during the summer months, and 9am – 4pm during the winter. The reserve is normally closed Mondays and Tuesdays, but is open on Bank Holiday Mondays.
More Information
OS Map from BING Maps
Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Species List
- Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
- Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
- Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
Length
45-48mm; Wingspan: Male 61mm; Female 65mm; Hindwing 27-36mm; Larva: 30-40mm
Males
Translucent wings with a broad, dark iridescent blue-black band on outer part of both wings, there is no pterostigma. Body is metallic blue-green. Immatures wing band is dark brown.
Females
Translucent pale green wings, white ‘false pterostigma’, larger on forewing than hindwing, metallic green body. Sometimes androchrome females are observed (male coloured females), these can be identified by the ‘false pterostigma’ which males lack.
Gallery
Behavior
Males are territorial, though large numbers can be found together. They attract females by flicking their wings open whilst performing an aerial dance in front of them, flopping down on to the egg-laying site. Females stay away from water unless looking for a mate or egg-laying. Adults will make use of nettle beds and tall grasses to rest.
Habitat
Mature, slow-flowing streams, rivers and canals, with muddy sediment. Can overlap with Beautiful Demoiselle where habitat contains patches of sand and gravel. Prefers open banksides, where as Beautiful Demoiselle will happily use shady areas. Adults of both sexes can be found well away from water and ponds where breeding is unlikely, thought they will breed in lakes adjacent to rivers. Sensitive to waterway management (clearance of vegetation) and pollution.
Flight Period
National: Mid-April to late September, though generally mid-May to early September, being most abundant during June and July.
Yorkshire: Mid-May to late August.
Status
Abundant along occupied rivers and streams. East of the Yorkshire Wolds it is a scarce visitor with single individuals irregularly recorded at well watched sites. There are small signs that it may be about to start to colonise the Hull Valley.
Locations
- Thorpe Marsh
- Treeton Dyke
- Rabbit Ings
- River Foss, Towthorpe Bridge
- Forge Valley NNR
- Pugneys Country Park
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Fairburn Ings
- Potteric Carr
- Spurn Point
- River Hertford
- Pocklington Canal
- North Cave Wetlands
- Market Weighton Canal and Newport Ponds
- Filey Dams
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
Length
35-39mm; Wingspan: Male 42mm; Female 45mm; Hindwing 19-22mm
Male
Metallic green in colour. This species has a slow maturation period of two to four weeks, over this period a blue pruinescence appears on the thorax between wings and segments 1,2, 9 and 10. Eyes blue. Confusion species is Scarce Emerald Damselfly which is extinct in Yorkshire. Both sexes rest with wings half open.
Female
Metallic green, with pale beige sides to the thorax. Distinctly thicker abdomen than male.
Gallery
Behaviour
Weak flyer usually remaining close to emergent vegetation, rarely going far over water. Copulation usually takes place close to breeding site and last from 30 minutes to over an hour. Females usually arrive to oviposit in tandem with the male. Oviposits in to stems of emergent grasses, rushes, sedges and horsetails, usually above surface, but can submerge, including the male. Fairly sedentary and can be absent from seemingly good sites.
Habitat
Still or slow moving water such as ponds, bogs, ditches, canals and lake edges with dense emergent vegetation. Tolerates brackish and acidic water. Sensitive to excessive clearance of emergent vegetation.
Flight Period
Nationally: Late May to early October.
Yorkshire: Late May, though more usually mid June to late September. Most abundant during late July.
Status
Found at many sites through VC61-64. Scarce or under recorded in VC65.
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Paull Holme Strays
- Treeton Dyke
- Rabbit Ings
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- Pugneys Country Park
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Hurst Dam
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Timble Ings
- Fairburn Ings
- Potteric Carr
- Dundale Pond
- The Tarn, Goathland
- Fen Bog
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- Saltmarshe Delph
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Oak Road Lake, Hull
- North Cave Wetlands
- Filey Dams
- Eastrington Ponds
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
- Allerthorpe Common
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Scarce Emerald Damselfly Lestes dryas
Status
Only records concerns those from 1951/52 at Long Bank Dyke, Kilnsea.
Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
Length
33-36mm; Wingspan: Male 44mm; Female 48mm; Hindwing 19-24mm
Male
The only red damselfly in Yorkshire and unlikely to be mistaken for anything else. Red abdomen, with black bands on segments 7 to 9. Thorax is black on the top with a red stripe (yellow in immatures). Black areas have a bronze tint.
Male
Female
Occurs in three colour forms. The commonest form is typica, with black bands on most segments of the abdomen. Fulvipes is less well marked than typica and closely resembles the male. Melanotum is a dark from being mainly black, however the antehumeral stripes remain yellow (only yellow when immature in other forms).
Female – typica
Gallery
Behaviour
This is the first damselfly to emerge each year in Yorkshire. It has a synchronous emergence, all emerging within a three week period, it is therefore shortly after emergence that this species is most abundant. Males emerge slightly earlier than females and also mature more quickly. Copulation lasts for around 15-20 minutes. Eggs are laid in tandem, the female may submerge taking the male with her. The life cycle is two years, on initially occupying a new site there may therefore only be adults found every other year.
Habitat
Has a wide habitat tolerance, including brackish and slightly polluted water, though avoids fast flowing water. Higher abundance in well vegetated, standing water.
Flight Period
National: Mid April to early September.
Yorkshire: Mid April to late July.
Status
Evenly distributed across VC61-64, scarce in VC65.
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Rabbit Ings
- River Foss, Towthorpe Bridge
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- Pugneys Country Park
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Timble Ings
- Fairburn Ings
- Johnny Brown’s Common
- Potteric Carr
- Dundale Pond
- The Tarn, Goathland
- Tranmire Bog
- Fen Bog
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- Saltmarshe Delph
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Pocklington Canal
- North Cave Wetlands
- Filey Dams
- Eastrington Ponds
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
- Allerthorpe Common
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
Length
33-37mm; Wingspan: Male 43mm; Female 46mm; Hindwing 19-24mm
Male
Mainly bronzed black with bright red eyes. Top of thorax lacking any antehumeral stripes. Segments 1, 9 and 10 are blue. Sides of thorax are blue with black line and spur present. Legs are black. Immature male is similar to female. Similar to Small Red-eyed Damselfly which is smaller, differences occur in the blue markings. At rest the wing tips reach in to segment eight, in Small Red-eyed Damselfly the wing tips only reach as far as segment 6 or 7. Generally holds its abdomen level, where as Small Red-eyed Damselfly often holds its abdomen slightly upcurved towards the end.
Female
Mainly black with green sides to thorax containing black line and spur. Segments 9 and 10 are black with narrow blue divisions. Eyes are a dull red colour. Usually have short shoulder stripes, though some lack them all together and some may form as explanation marks.
Gallery
Behaviour
Strong direct flight over water. Spend lots of time resting on broad floating leaves such as water lilies. Mats of algae and debris are also used and males may use surrounding shrubs if there is little floating vegetation. After emergence they will spend time away from water to mature. The first three weeks of emergence is probably the best time to encounter this species at close quarters. Females usually only appear at water to breed. Copulation takes place over water or on nearby vegetation. Egg laying is mainly in tandem, both sexes often submerging. They are laid mainly on the underside of Water Lilies, though other floating vegetation will be used.
Habitat
Large lakes, ponds, canals and slow moving waterbodies with abundant floating vegetation.
Flight Period
Nationally: Mid May to early September.
Yorkshire: Mid May to late August.
Status
Species is at the northern edge of its range in Yorkshire. Current records confine it to VC61. To the east of the Wolds its is present at Tophill Low, Leven Canal and Brandesburton Ponds. To the west of the Wolds it is present on Pocklington Canal becoming more abundant to the southwestern end of the canal. It has also recently been recorded along Market Weighton Canal and several ponds in the southwest of the riding. It is possible that this species is present in the northeastern edge of VC63.
Locations
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Treeton Dyke
- Saltmarshe Delph
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Pocklington Canal
- North Cave Wetlands
- Market Weighton Canal and Newport Ponds
- Leven Canal
- Eastrington Ponds
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma viridulum
Length
29mm; Wingspan: Male 38mm; Female 38mm; Hindwing 16-20mm
Male
Similar to Red-eyed Damselfly though distinctly smaller, more likely to be overlooked as Blue-tailed Damselfly. Lacks spots behind the eyes which are reddish-brown. Pale brown pterostigma. Black top to thorax with thin, broken antehumeral stripes. Thorax side is blue with a ‘Spur’ often ending in a spot. Underside of legs are pale. Abdomen dark on top except for S1, S9- S10 and sides of S2-S3 and S8 which are blue. S10 has a black mark, rather like an X, on the top. Wing tips just reach past the join of segment 6 and 7, Red-eyed Damselflies reach into segment 8. Often holds it’s abdomen slightly upcurved, Red-eyed Damselflies hold their abdomen level.
Female
Lack spots behind the eyes. Pale brown pterostigma. Black top to thorax with complete antehumeral stripes. Thorax side is blue-green. Abdomen is predominantly black with a wedge of colour on S10.
Gallery
Small Red-eyed Damselfly Gallery
Behaviour
Mating occurs on floating plants or emergent vegetation, often well away from the margins, making them easily overlooked. Less partial to floating flat leaves than Red-eyed Damselfly. Whilst perched on vegetation the males often hold their abdomen slightly upcurved.
Habitat
Ponds, lakes and ditches clogged with floating mats of vegetation, particularly hornworts and water-milfoils.
Flight Period
National: Mid June to late September though mainly July to August. Later than Red-eyed Damselfly.
Yorkshire: Currently only recorded during August.
Locations
- Paull Holme Strays
- Spurn Point
- Saltmarshe Delph
- Oak Road Lake, Hull
- North Cave Wetlands
- Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
Length
29-34mm; Wingspan: 35-40mm; Hindwing 14-21mm
Male
Dark bronze-black metallic with blue segment 8. Blue or green sides to the thorax and antehumeral stripes. Blue eye spots. Pterostigma is distinctive being bi-coloured black and white. Tips of the lower appendages diverge.
Female
Occur in several colour forms dependent on age. Segment 8, though not always blue, is usually clearly different from the other sections. Start as either rufescens with a reddish-pink thorax and blue segment 8 or violacea with a violet thorax and antehumeral stripes, black humeral stripes and blue segment 8. After around eight days they mature and change colour, rufescens become greenish-brown of the form rufescens-obsoleta. The form violacea mature into two separate from. The first is infuscans which is a pale green colour, and retaining the black humeral stripes. The second is an andromorph form which adopts the same colours as a male.
Gallery
Behavior
Usually stays low down in marginal vegetation, or sheltered well vegetated areas when away from water. Can remain in copulation for up to six hours, making this the most commonly found species in tandem. Female oviposits alone into aquatic vegetation of debris. Less dependent on warm sunny weather, can still be quite active in windy and cool overcast conditions.
Habitat
Has a wide habitat preference making it the most widespread species in the county, though not necessarily abundant. Present at still, slow moving and even brackish waters. Can even tolerate pollution to a small degree. An early coloniser of new ponds.
Flight Period
National: May to mid-September.
Yorkshire: May to mid-September.
Status
Common and widespread throughout the area, though scarcer in the uplands.
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Paull Holme Strays
- Treeton Dyke
- Rabbit Ings
- River Foss, Towthorpe Bridge
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- Pugneys Country Park
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Hurst Dam
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Timble Ings
- Fairburn Ings
- Johnny Brown’s Common
- Potteric Carr
- Dundale Pond
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- Saltmarshe Delph
- River Hertford
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Pocklington Canal
- Oak Road Lake, Hull
- North Cave Wetlands
- Market Weighton Canal and Newport Ponds
- Leven Canal
- Hornsea Mere
- Filey Dams
- Eastrington Ponds
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
- Allerthorpe Common
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
Length
33mm, Wings 36-44mm
Males
Bright blue body with black markings; thorax black top with 2 thin antehumeral stripes; abdomen black U-shaped mark segment 2, segment 8 blue and 9 marked black; eyes bright spots not joined by a bar.
Females
2 colour forms:-
1) Body green with black markings on upper surface; segment 2 with black thistle shape.
2) Blue form has “mercury” shape on segment 2; rest of black upper markings are more extensive; narrow pale antehumeral stripes.
Note: The shape of the pronotum is the only conclusive way to seperate this species from Variable Damselfly. Personal observations have highlighted that female Azure Damselflies lack the bar between the eye spots, compared to Variable Damselfly.
Comments
Initially this species is more abundant than the similar Common Blue Damselfly with which it can be easily confused. It is easy to make the mistake of identifying early blue damselflies as being Azure, then assuming on later visits that this is still the case. However after four of five weeks, Azure can suddenly become harder to find as Common Blue Damselfly become more abundant.
Gallery
Habitat
Widely distributed, prefers small sheltered sites, particularly garden ponds, ditches and canals with plenty of emergent vegetation.
Behavior
Copulation 30 minutes; egg laying in tandem into surface or submerged vegetation.
Flight Period
Mid-May to late August over southern half of Great Britain.
Status
Common
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Paull Holme Strays
- Treeton Dyke
- Rabbit Ings
- River Foss, Towthorpe Bridge
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- Pugneys Country Park
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Timble Ings
- Fairburn Ings
- Potteric Carr
- Fen Bog
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- Saltmarshe Delph
- River Hertford
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Pocklington Canal
- North Cave Wetlands
- Leven Canal
- Filey Dams
- Eastrington Ponds
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
- Allerthorpe Common
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Variable Damselfly Coenagrion pulchellum
Length
23-30mm; Wingspan: Male 42mm; Female 42mm; Hindwing 16-23mm
Male
Coenagrion Spur’ on side of thorax, also present on Azure Damselfly, but absent on Common Blue Damselfly. Antehumeral stripes are usually broken, sometimes they can be absent or complete. Wine glass marking on segment two of the abdomen. Segment nine contains a square with three points (three pointed crown). Overall appears more slender and darker than the similar Azure Damselfly. Can be confirmed by the strongly trilobate margins of the pronotum.
Female
‘Coenagrion Spur’ on side of thorax, also present on Azure Damselfly, but absent on Common Blue Damselfly. Antehumeral stripes are usually complete. Black thistle shape on segment two. Blue form, blue on top of the abdomen. Dark form, similar to Azure Damselfly is not as numerous. Overall appears bluer than the similar Azure Damselfly.
Note: The shape of the pronotum is the only conclusive way to seperate this species from Azure Damselfly. Personal observations have highlighted that female Variable Damselflies have a bar between the eye spots, which is absent in Azure Damselfly.
Gallery
Behaviour
Mainly encountered near the waters margins. Immatures often found in adjacent grassy areas. Shelter in the lee of bushes or hedgerows in windy weather.
Habitat
Stagnant or slow moving water such as grazing-marshes, ditches, ponds, lakes and canals which are well vegetated. Can be restricted to small colonies despite there being obvious surrounding suitable habitat.
Flight Period
National: Late April to mid-August, though more usually mid-May to early August.
Yorkshire: Mid-May to late June.
Status
After a tentative report in 2006, now confirmed as being present in East Yorkshire. Currently restricted to the Broomfleet Washlands complex. This is currently the only species present in Yorkshire that is of national importance due to its near threatened status.
Locations
Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
Length
32mm, Wings 36-42mm
Male
Bright blue body with black markings on upper surface of abdomen, segment 2 has lollipop mark; segment 8 and 9 all blue; broad antehumeral stripes on black thorax; eye spot linked by bar.
Female
3 colour forms:-
1) abdomen with black markings.
2) Green with black markings.
3) Brown with black markings. All have characteristic medial spine under segment 8, presumably puncturing plant material before inserting an egg.
Gallery
Habitat
Canals, gravel pits, lakes, ponds and slow moving rivers.
Behavior
Pairs lay eggs into stems of vegetation, female often immersing, when male will detach from her. Male will pull her out if she has difficulty. Larvae 2 years. Adults feed around grasses catching small insects.
Flight Period
Mid-May to late September.
Status
Occurs on a wide range of varying water-bodies. Can be more conspicuous than the similar Azure Damselfly. Blue damselflies ranging far over open water are usually this species. Generally the most abundant blue damselfly at sites, where the Azure can be absent.
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Paull Holme Strays
- Treeton Dyke
- Rabbit Ings
- River Foss, Towthorpe Bridge
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- Pugneys Country Park
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Hurst Dam
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Timble Ings
- Fairburn Ings
- Johnny Brown’s Common
- Potteric Carr
- Dundale Pond
- The Tarn, Goathland
- Fen Bog
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- Saltmarshe Delph
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Pocklington Canal
- Oak Road Lake, Hull
- North Cave Wetlands
- Market Weighton Canal and Newport Ponds
- Leven Canal
- Hornsea Mere
- Filey Dams
- Eastrington Ponds
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
- Allerthorpe Common
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Small Red Damselfly Ceriagrion tenellum
Southern Migrant Hawker Aeshna affinis
First recorded in 2018, with individuals present at Flamborough and Spurn.
Male Southern Migrant Hawker at Spurn, photographs courtesy of Daniel Branch
Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
Length
74mm, Wings 95mm.
Males
Thorax top is black , narrow yellow antehumeral stripes and sides are brown with 2 narrow yellow thoracic stripes; abdomen black with pairs of yellow and blue spots including segments 9 and 10; legs black; wings have brilliant yellow costa.
Females
Thorax brown; abdomen brown with paired yellow spots, sometimes green, rarely blue. Leading edge of the wing yellow.
Gallery
Habitat
Acidic moorland and heath land pools, of which there is little in the East Riding.
Behavior
Males seize upon females, mate for up to 1 hour in nearby vegetation. Female oviposits alone. Larvae 2+ years.
Flight Period
Late June – October. Found in Scotland, Wales and Western half of England including parts of Lincolnshire and North Yorks Moors.
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Hurst Dam
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Timble Ings
- Johnny Brown’s Common
- Potteric Carr
- Dundale Pond
- The Tarn, Goathland
- Tranmire Bog
- Fen Bog
- Skipwith Common
- Pocklington Canal
- North Cave Wetlands
- Filey Dams
- Allerthorpe Common
Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
Length
63mm, Wings 87mm
Males
Thorax brown with broad thoracic stripes, with short indistinct antehumeral stripes; abdomen brown, yellow triangle mark on segment 2, separate pairs of blue spots along rest of abdomen; legs brown; eyes bluish; wings have brown costa.
Females
Thorax antehumeral stripes very restricted, often missing; abdomen brown with small yellow-brown spots; long anal appendages. Brown costa, leading edge to the wing.
Gallery
Habitat
Canals, ditches, gravel pits, lakes, ponds rivers and streams.
Behavior
Males patrol just above water level. Copulation takes up to 2 hours in taller vegetation. Females lay eggs alone into floating plants. Larvae 1-2 years.
Flight Period
Late July – October. Found in Southern and Central England; gradually spreading through Yorkshire.
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Paull Holme Strays
- Treeton Dyke
- Rabbit Ings
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- Pugneys Country Park
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Fairburn Ings
- Potteric Carr
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- Saltmarshe Delph
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Pocklington Canal
- Oak Road Lake, Hull
- North Cave Wetlands
- Market Weighton Canal and Newport Ponds
- Leven Canal
- Hornsea Mere
- Filey Dams
- Eastrington Ponds
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
- Allerthorpe Common
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
Length
70mm, Wings 98mm.
Males
Thorax – green and brown with broad green antehumeral stripes; abdomen – yellow triangle segment 2, green spots segments 3-8; undivided blue spots segments 9-10; wings brownish tinge; legs brown-black.
Females
Thorax – green and brown with broad green antehumeral stripes; abdomen brown with green spots, undivided green spots on segments 9-10.
Gallery
Habitat
Canals, ditches and ponds at lower levels.
Behavior
Males prefer to avoid competition with other males. Copulation takes up to 2 hours. Females lay eggs unaccompanied. Larvae 2 years.
Flight Period
Mid-July to end of September. Found throughout England and Wales, gradually spreading northwards.
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Paull Holme Strays
- Treeton Dyke
- Rabbit Ings
- Forge Valley NNR
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Timble Ings
- Fairburn Ings
- Potteric Carr
- Dundale Pond
- The Tarn, Goathland
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- Saltmarshe Delph
- River Hertford
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Pocklington Canal
- North Cave Wetlands
- Market Weighton Canal and Newport Ponds
- Leven Canal
- Filey Dams
- Eastrington Ponds
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Allerthorpe Common
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
Length
73mm, Wings 102mm.
Males
Thorax brown; abdomen brown with bright blue spots at sides; wings characteristically honey brown colour; legs pale brown.
Females
As males except blue spots on abdomen replaced with yellow markings.
Gallery
Habitat
Canals, ditches, lakes , ponds and slow rivers.
Behavior
Hunt late in day often catching prey by street light (photo of wings which were found on street pavement). Males patrol at head height. Females lay eggs alone into water plants or damp wood. Breeds in a variety of standing or slow moving water sites. Can be encountered several miles away from water feeding along woodland edges or rides.
Flight Period
The national flight period is from mid-June to early October. The East Riding flight period is detailed in the chart below and is based on current records.
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Paull Holme Strays
- Treeton Dyke
- Rabbit Ings
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- Pugneys Country Park
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Timble Ings
- Fairburn Ings
- Johnny Brown’s Common
- Potteric Carr
- Tranmire Bog
- Fen Bog
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- Saltmarshe Delph
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Pocklington Canal
- Oak Road Lake, Hull
- North Cave Wetlands
- Market Weighton Canal and Newport Ponds
- Leven Canal
- Hornsea Mere
- Filey Dams
- Eastrington Ponds
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
- Allerthorpe Common
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
Length
78mm Wings, 106mm.
Males
Thorax bright green; abdomen blue with black central line; legs black; eyes green; wings clear with yellow costa.
Females
Generally greenish with thicker black central abdominal line.
Gallery
Habitat
Canals, gravel pits, lakes and ponds.
Behavior
Males have strong flight, flying low over territorial waters. Females lay eggs alone into floating vegetation.
Flight Period
Late May to mid-August. In Great Britain found in most of England and Wales, south of Lancashire/ Humber. Gradually spreading through the East Riding.
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Paull Holme Strays
- Treeton Dyke
- Rabbit Ings
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- Pugneys Country Park
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Timble Ings
- Johnny Brown’s Common
- Potteric Carr
- Fen Bog
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- Saltmarshe Delph
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Pocklington Canal
- Oak Road Lake, Hull
- North Cave Wetlands
- Market Weighton Canal and Newport Ponds
- Leven Canal
- Hornsea Mere
- Filey Dams
- Eastrington Ponds
- Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
- Allerthorpe Common
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Vagrant Emperor Anax ephippiger
A rare vagrant with only a handful of records though becoming more regular.
Female at Hessle, photographs courtesy of Barry Warrington
Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense
Male
The only ‘Hawker’ species flying during May and much of June, with a slight overlap with Southern Hawker at the end of June. Thorax and abdomen distinctly hairy. Side of the thorax predominantly green, lacking the paired thoracic stripes of other ‘hawker’ species, with tapering green antehumeral stripes on the top. Abdomen has small blue paired spots.
Female
Thorax and abdomen distinctly hairy. Side of the thorax predominantly green, lacking the paired thoracic stripes of other ‘hawker’ species, with restricted, or absent, antehumeral stripes on the top. Abdomen has small yellow paired spots.
Gallery
Status
Recent colonist to VC61 with good numbers found along Leven Canal. Scarce in VC63 with recent records from Campsall Country Park and Potteric Carr.
Locations
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Potteric Carr
- Spurn Point
- Saltmarshe Delph
- North Cave Wetlands
- Leven Canal
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Golden-ringed Dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii
Male
Length 74mm, wings 100mm.
Predominantley black species, with yellow thoracic stripes and antehumeral stripes on the thorax, with yellow rings around the abdomen, slightly swollen towards the tip. Green eyes. Female Southern Hawkers sometimes confused with this species.
Female
Length 84mm, wings 100mm.
Predominantley black species, with yellow thoracic stripes and antehumeral stripes on the thorax, with yellow rings around the parallel sided abdomen, ovipositor extending beyond segment 10. Green eyes. Female Southern Hawkers sometimes confused with this species.
Both
Black with yellow markings, as rings on abdomen; eyes greenish; legs black; female has sharp ovipositor; wings clear with leading edges (costa) yellow.
Gallery
Golden-ringed Dragonfly Gallery
Habitat
Streams and rivers with silt, gravel or stone base in upland areas or lowland heath.
Behavior
Eggs laid in bed of stream, etc. Larvae 2-5 years.
Flight Period
Early June to end August. Basically a moorland species hence found chiefly in western side of Great Britain. Colonies present in North Yorkshire Moors. Occasional specimens seen in East Yorkshire are presumably vagrants. Has been recorded at Tophill Low and Flamborough Head.
Locations
Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
Length
43mm, Wings 76mm
Males
Thorax brown, no antehumeral stripes; abdomen brown, last 4 segments darker than the rest, yellow spots on sides; wings dark patches at nodes on leading edges and at bases of rear wings.
Females
Similar to males, main difference is the shape of the anal appendages.
Gallery
Habitat
All types of still water.
Behavior
Males often use 1 perch, fiercely territorial towards other dragonflies. Rapid mating in flight. Females drop eggs into water. Larvae 2 years.
Flight Period
Mid-May – mid-August.
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Paull Holme Strays
- Treeton Dyke
- Rabbit Ings
- Forge Valley NNR
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- Pugneys Country Park
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Timble Ings
- Fairburn Ings
- Potteric Carr
- Fen Bog
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- Saltmarshe Delph
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Pocklington Canal
- Oak Road Lake, Hull
- North Cave Wetlands
- Leven Canal
- Filey Dams
- Eastrington Ponds
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
- Allerthorpe Common
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
Length
44mm, Wings 76mm
Males
Thorax brown, pale, broad antehumeral stripes; brown patches at base of wings; broad abdomen blue with yellow spots at sides, legs brown, eyes brown.
Females
Thorax brown, pale, broad antehumeral stripes; abdomen yellowish brown with yellow spots along sides; wings brown base areas.
Immatures
Both sexes yellowish.
Gallery
Habitat
Occurs on areas of standing water, favouring small open ponds or ditches.
Behavior
Male aggressive, protects its territory, often resting on same perch. Females seized and rapidly mated. Female lays eggs alone, with male in vicinity. Eggs dropped into water. Larvae 2 years.
Status
A species that is expanding its range. Scarce in the East Riding, though breeding is probably taking place at several sites. Can visit garden ponds which could be a good source of records.
Flight Period
From mid-May to early August.
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Rabbit Ings
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Timble Ings
- Fairburn Ings
- Johnny Brown’s Common
- Potteric Carr
- Spurn Point
- North Cave Wetlands
- Filey Dams
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Allerthorpe Common
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
Length
50mm, Wings 78mm
Males
Thorax black, no antehumeral stripes; Abdomen top is blue with yellow spots towards sides, black tip; legs black.
Females
All yellow with 2 black bands on upper surface abdomen.
Gallery
Habitat
Prefers lakes, ponds, gravel workings, slow rivers or marshes, with exposed mud, stones or bare patches where the male can perch.
Behavior
Brief mating, female lays eggs unattended. Larvae 2-3 years.
Status
VC61 – A recent colonist to the area. Can be seen well at North Cave Wetlands were conditions are currently ideal for this species, however it may become less favorable as the site matures. Appears to be probably breeding at Tophill Low as numbers have increased over the last few years, though it is difficult to locate. Recorded with some regularity at Spurn with first records in 2004 from Welton Waters and Paull Holme Strays.
Flight Period
Nationally the flight period is from mid-May to late August.
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Paull Holme Strays
- Treeton Dyke
- Rabbit Ings
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- Pugneys Country Park
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Fairburn Ings
- Johnny Brown’s Common
- Potteric Carr
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- Saltmarshe Delph
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Oak Road Lake, Hull
- North Cave Wetlands
- Hornsea Mere
- Filey Dams
- Eastrington Ponds
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Keeled Skimmer Orthetrum coerulescens
Length
36-46mm; Wingspan: Male 57-63mm; Hindwing 28-34mm; Larva: 17-23mm
Males
Dark brown thorax with buff antehumeral stripes, which fade with age. When mature the abdomen is blue, except S1. Blue grey eyes. Wings have a yellow tint when immature which clear as they mature. Pale yellow costa and orange pterostigma. Blue grey eyes.
Females
Dark brown thorax with buff antehumeral stripes. The abdomen is a yellow/brown colour with a thin dark keel line down the centre. Pale yellow costa and orange pterostigma.
Gallery
Behavior
Males have small territories observing them from the ground or low perches. Copulation occurs on the ground and can last anything from 2-60 minutes. Flight is fast and erratic with brief spells of hovering. Wings are held well forward when at rest. Females spend a lot of time resting in vegetation not far from water.
Habitat
Acidic wet heath and peaty moorland sites typically with sphagnum mosses, frequents pools, runnels and streams.
Flight Period
National: Mid-may to late September, usually early June to late August.
Yorkshire: Mid-June to early August.
Status
Confined to VC62 where it appears to be present in suitable sites surrounding Fylingdales Moor.
Locations
Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
Length
37mm, Wings 57mm.
Males
Thorax brown with yellow patches on sides; abdomen orange/red with black central line last 2 segments ; legs black/yellow; eyes brownish; black line on top of the frons only.
Females
Thorax pale brown with yellow side panels; abdomen yellow with black central line segments 9-10 and along sides. Old females tend to take on male colours.
Gallery
Habitat
Any water.
Behavior
Find many males together over water. Eggs laid in tandem, eggs flipped into water. Larvae 1 year.
Flight Period
Mid-June to October. Found throughout England and Wales except very high ground.
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Paull Holme Strays
- Treeton Dyke
- Rabbit Ings
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- Pugneys Country Park
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Timble Ings
- Fairburn Ings
- Johnny Brown’s Common
- Potteric Carr
- Dundale Pond
- Tranmire Bog
- Fen Bog
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- Saltmarshe Delph
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Pocklington Canal
- Oak Road Lake, Hull
- North Cave Wetlands
- Leven Canal
- Hornsea Mere
- Filey Dams
- Eastrington Ponds
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
- Allerthorpe Common
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii
Length
40mm, Wings 63mm
Male
Brick red colour with central black line on segments 8 and 9; basal veins of wings near leading edges are red with a yellow patch at the base of the hind wing; underside of eyes are blue.
Females
Body yellow with central black line on segments 8 and 9; yellow patch at base of hind wings and veins at front edge of wings also yellow; underside of eyes blue.
Gallery
Habitat
Vagrant from Europe, although it has colonized some areas of Great Britain. In the East Riding the best site is the scrape in Clubley’s field at Spurn Point. Shallow ponds, pools and ditches.
Flight Period
June – August.
Locations
- Treeton Dyke
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Potteric Carr
- Spurn Point
- North Cave Wetlands
- Hornsea Mere
- Filey Dams
Yellow-winged Darter Sympetrum flaveolum
Length
34mm, Wings 55mm
Male
Thorax reddish-brown, and abdomen orange-red. Yellow suffusion to basal half of wings and veins.
Females
Thorax and abdomen yellow-brown. Yellow suffusion to basal half of wings and veins less extensive than males.
Gallery
Habitat
Vagrant from Europe, marshy pools, lakes and ditches.
Flight Period
June – September.
Locations
Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
Length
34mm, Wings 55mm.
Males
Thorax brown with 2 thin black lines on sides; abdomen narrow waist, rich red colour; face red; legs all black; line over frons spreads down the sides.
Females
Yellowish throughout with black markings on sides of thorax and abdomen; legs all black.
Gallery
Habitat
Canals, ditches, lakes, gravel pits and ponds.
Behavior
Males defend territory. Capture females to mate in taller vegetation. Egg laying in tandem, flicking eggs into water. Larvae 1 year.
Flight Period
Late-June to October. In Great Britain found in southern and central England, including the East Riding, and spreading northwards.
Locations
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Thorpe Marsh
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Paull Holme Strays
- Treeton Dyke
- Rabbit Ings
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- Pugneys Country Park
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Johnny Brown’s Common
- Potteric Carr
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- Saltmarshe Delph
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Pocklington Canal
- Oak Road Lake, Hull
- North Cave Wetlands
- Leven Canal
- Hornsea Mere
- Filey Dams
- Eastrington Ponds
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Noddle Hill Nature Reserve
- Allerthorpe Common
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Black Darter Sympetrum danae
Length
32mm, Wings 47mm
Males
Narrow waist on black abdomen with golden spots segment 1 and 2, 8 and 9; thorax 2 yellow bars on side, 1 of black panels has 3 yellow spots; legs black.
Females
Yellow with black triangle top of thorax; legs black.
Gallery
Habitat
Prefers shallow acidic pools or bogs, with abundant emergent vegetation on Lowland Heaths or Moorland Bogs.
Status
VC61 – In the East Riding, breeding populations are confined to Skipwith Common, where it is the most abundant species, and a small colony at Allerthorpe Common. Adults are wanderers and can turn up many miles away from known sites, however it is also an immigrant, which could account for the coastal records.
Flight Period
The national flight period is mid-July to mid-September.
Locations
- Moorgates Quarry LNR
- Thorne Moors – Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Oakhill & Goole Brick Ponds
- Paull Holme Strays
- The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Hurst Dam
- Timble Ings
- Potteric Carr
- Dundale Pond
- The Tarn, Goathland
- Tranmire Bog
- Fen Bog
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- North Cave Wetlands
- Filey Dams
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Allerthorpe Common
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
