Dragonflies and damselflies are amazing insects that bring colour and awe to the riverside. They zig-zag speedily across water, spreading or folding their colourful wings when they alight on plants.

One species that favours the River Thames is the Common Clubtail Dragonfly. This insect with its distinctive yellow and black markings flies in woodland near the river where it has spent most of its life beneath the water.

In spite of its name, this is not a commonly-seen dragonfly.  Between May and July it may be found among vegetation beside the Thames Path near Wittenham Clumps, and also near the Thames Path between Goring and Hartslock Woods.

Dragonflies are very agile, with two pairs of strong, transparent wings. Each wing is flexed separately to generate thrust and direction, turn sharply, fly forwards, backwards, up and down. They keep their wings open when they land.

Damselflies have a fluttery dancing flight. When they perch on vegetation they fold their wings over their bodies.

Dragonflies and damselflies spend 90% of their lives as nymphs under water, some for up to five years. We see just the final beautiful stage of their lives from spring through summer as they seek a mate, breed, lay eggs and die.

Find out more about these extraordinary flying insects with the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust https://www.bbowt.org.uk/blog/kate-titford/how-tell-difference-between-dragonflies-and-damselflies

Image by Wolfgang Hasselmann