Dragonflies

There is little to compare to the sight of an Emperor Dragonfly patrolling a lake. These archaic insects are masters of the air and a delight to watch.

There has been a dramatic surge in interest in these insects with a wealth of literature and videos available to help with identification.

With a series of eight lakes on the main campus and four more on Phase 3, Keele is well placed for those interested in studying them.

Photo : Broad-bodied Chaser on Phase 3.

Aeshnidae

Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea Müller : common; often seen late into the autumn.     

Common Hawker Aeshna juncea Linnaeus : Common.

Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis Linnaeus : The commonest of the large dragonflies at Keele.      

Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta  Latrielle : one record 20/10/97.

Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator Leach : first noted on Lake 1 on 30/7/2000. It is not uncommon at Keele, the pools on Phase 3 are a good spot for them and they have been seen egg-laying there.

Libellulidae

Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa Linnaeus : Records come  from Lake 1 and Phase 3 .

Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum Charpentier:  frequently see at Lake 1 and also on Phase 3      

Agriidae

Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens  Harris: common; even seen over the centre of campus.

Coenagriidae

Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella Linnaeus : very common.                 

Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum Charpentier : common.

Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans van der Linden : common.

Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula Sulzer: common, particularly on Lake 3.

Lestidae

Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa Hansemann: first record on Phase 3 27/6/18 DWE, now regular there.