Large red damselfly
The large red damselfly is fairly common wherever there is water in the New Forest and can often be seen along streams or by ponds or bogs. It is widespread and common throughout the UK.
This beautiful little insect can be seen almost anywhere near water and breeds in bogs, pools, ditches, ponds and streams. The only habitat that it seems not to like is very fast-flowing streams. It is the earliest of the dragonflies and damselflies to appear in the year and can be seen in sunny weather from late April through to September. You are bound to see them at ponds such as Hatchet Pond, but many people often see them in their gardens – even if they have not got a pond.
Photo credit: David Ellis
