Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies) are fascinating insects with complex life-cycles and behaviours. About 5,300 Odonata have been described world-wide; Britain has only 38 breeding species.
Approximately 5,300 Odonata species have been described worldwide, but Britain has only 38 breeding species. Of these, 28 species are found in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. In Cornwall, 24 species are known to breed: 10 Zygoptera (damselflies) and 14 Anisoptera (dragonflies). The populations of resident species are often bolstered by migrants from Europe, with four species occasionally reaching the shores of Cornwall.
LOCAL GROUPS AND RECORDING SCHEMES
British Dragonfly Society is the national recording scheme for Odonata, find out more on their website.
