Managing Habitats for Dragonflies
What all dragonflies require
Larvae
All British dragonflies develop in water. Most breed only in habitats that contain free water all year, although a few can survive withdrawal of water for a month or more during late summer. The water must contain sufficient oxygen and be free from toxic substances. Some species require still water, others flowing water. No British species can live in fast-moving rivers and streams, so these are naturally without dragonflies. Many rivers, canals, lakes and ponds would be suitable were they not polluted by agricultural or industrial wastes.
The larvae of many species prefer waters in which there is abundant growth of water plants in which the larvae can hide from predators and ambush their prey. However, dragonflies can breed in habitats that are sub optimal for them. Many require emergent water plants up which a larva, in its last stage, can climb in order to emerge as an adult.
Most species are fairly catholic in their requirements and will occur in a variety of habitats if the climate is suitable for them. Climate is crucial in determining what species will occur in any one place. For example, the Shetland Islands contain numerous water bodies, which, if they were further south, would support many dragonflies, but nearly all lack dragonflies because of the climate. The larvae of some species have very exacting requirements that are not well understood.
Adults
Adult dragonflies need feeding and roosting areas near their breeding places. They and their prey require warmth and, therefore, sunny, sheltered places provided by trees and bushes. The trees and bushes should not be at the water's edge but a few metres away. Some species will make use of shelter some distance away from water. In the treeless fens and levels tall marsh plants provide reasonable shelter.
Most dragonflies disperse efficiently and quickly discover restored habitats and newly constructed ponds and gravel pits.
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