With their dazzling metallic colours and unmatched aerial agility, dragonflies and damselflies are some of the most ancient and efficient predators in our skies. This gallery documents the species observed across Lancing, tracking both the delicate damselflies dancing through garden borders and the robust dragonflies patrolling local territories. Take a moment to explore their brilliant details and learn more about these fascinating summer hunters.
Southern Migrant Hawker
Aeshna affinis
Location: Adur Levels
Extract from BDS Sussex
Newsletter No 17:
"In 2006... Sussex was host to only the second sighting of
Southern Migrant Hawker Aeshna affinis in the U.K... We are
indebted to a local photographer, Ray Hamblett, who found
the insect near the River Adur."
View Species Profile »
Emperor Dragonfly
Anax imperator
Recorded: August 2005 | Site: Bramber
Salterns
Azure Damselfly
Coenagrion puella
Recorded: 29.5.2005 | Site: Mash Barn Lane
(A27 end)
Large Red Damselfly (Female)
Pyrrhosoma nymphula
Recorded: 20.4.2005 | Site: Mash Barn Lane
Large Red Damselfly
Pyrrhosoma nymphula
Recorded: 4.5.2003 | Flight: April -
September
Notes: On Dogwood leaf in the garden in May.
Large Red Damselfly & Habitat
Click images to view full size. Includes a view of the
garden pond habitat.
Common Darter (Female)
Sympetrum striolatum
Recorded: 3.9.2004 | Site: Garden
Common Darter
Sympetrum striolatum
Recorded: 5.10.03 | Site: McIntyres Field,
Lancing Ring LNR
Common Darter (Male)
Sympetrum striolatum
Recorded: 3.9.2001 | Site: Home Garden
Flight time: June - late autumn.
Common Darter (View 2)
Sympetrum striolatum
Alternative recorded view.
Blue-tailed Damselfly (Male)
Ischnura elegans
Flight time: May - August
Blue-tailed Damselfly (Female violacea)
Ischnura elegans
Recorded: 24.7.2004 | Site: Garden
Blue-tailed Damselfly (Female)
Ischnura elegans
Flight time: May - August
Azure Damselfly
Coenagrion puella
Recorded: 27.7.2004 | Site: Garden
Azure Damselfly
Coenagrion puella
Recorded: 31.7.2004 | Site: Cokeham Reed
Beds
Azure Damselfly (Mated Pair)
Coenagrion puella
Recorded: 31.7.2004 | Site: Cokeham Reed
Beds
Common Darter Nymph
Recorded: 27.7.2004 | Site: Garden Pond
Migrant Hawker
Aeshna mixta
Recorded: 16.8.2001 | Site: Lancing Manor
Grounds
Notes: At rest on Buddleia seed head. Size: 45-50 mm.
