Britain’s longest dragonfly lands on woman’s thumb near Welsh River
Wales: A woman had an unexpected encounter when Britain’s longest dragonfly species landed on her thumb during a morning walk.
Sarah Hawkes came across the Golden-Ringed Dragonfly near the Ceiriog River in Wales. The insect stopped to perch on her thumb, what she called a “gorgeous girl” moment. Hawkes works as a conservation officer for Buglife Wales.
The Golden-Ringed Dragonfly is Britain’s longest dragonfly species. The insects can grow up to 4 inches or 9cm, with a wingspan just as long. They can be seen on the wing from May to September, according to North Wales Wildlife Trust.
Hawkes spotted the dragonfly clinging to a grass stem by a hedgerow near the Ceiriog River, which tumbles down from the Berwyn Hills. She said her dog and she go out early when it is cool, and insects rely on external heat from the sun, so the dragonfly was still lethargic.
The species is found mainly in Wales, Scotland and North West England. That is where its special habitat occurs. They breed in more acidic rivers and streams coming off peat and crossing sandy soils and rock types. The Ceiriog River is part of the Dee River Catchment, which sits in one of Britain’s ‘Important Insect Areas’ known for special insect species.
Despite their delicate wings, Golden-Ringed Dragonflies are voracious predators. They feed on large insects including wasps, beetles, bumblebees, and even other dragonflies. They are fast, agile and powerful flyers.
Their larvae stage is equally predatory. The nymphs live buried at the bottom of streams and ambush prey as it passes by. They grow very slowly and may spend up to five years in water before emerging to become adult dragonflies.
