Dragonflies and Damselflies

Last June, The Netherlands were flooded with large numbers of Vagrant Emperors (Anax ephippiger), a dragonfly species primarily found in Africa and the Middle East. This influx was unique for more than one reason: the number of Vagrant Emperors was higher than all previous sightings combined, ever, and it was the first time we saw a real influx before summer. Mating and oviposition was witnessed on many Dutch locations. Now, in August, we see the results: for the first time in history, Vagrant Emperors emerge in The Netherlands.

For more pictures of fresh imagos, exuviae and more, follow this link.

Right now The Netherlands are witnessing their largest known influx ever of Vagrant Emperor (Anax ephippiger). Vagrant Emperors are commonly found in Africa and southwest Asia but they are highly migratory and capable of travelling very large distances. There are several records from Iceland and even the Caribbean!

For the last week more Vagrant Emperors have shown up in The Netherlands every day and on many locations more than one individual was found. They show reproductive behaviour including ovipositing. The picture below was taken near the city of Weert in the south of The Netherlands. For more pictures of this stunning and interesting species, click here!

After a couple of weeks of hard work I feel my website is ready for public. While some parts (especially dragonflies 101) are still very much a work in progress, the most important parts are ready: pictures of 35 European species of damselfly and 72 species of dragonflies, a 107 species in total! On top of that I’ve thrown in some tropical species to show more of the diversity of this awesome insect order.

Enjoy!