Dragonfly Species in Stafford Marshes

Stafford is home to significant wetland ecosystems, most notably Doxey Marshes and Radford Meadows along the River Sow and River Penk corridors. These low-lying marshlands, reedbeds, and ditch networks provide an ideal breeding ground for a diverse array of British dragonflies (suborder Anisoptera). This guide details the primary dragonfly species that inhabit the marshy regions of Stafford, Staffordshire, categorised by family and ecological presence.

Hawkers (Aeshnidae)

• Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis): One of the most prevalent species across Stafford's marsh systems. Easily identified by its amber-tinted wings and chocolate-brown body with subtle yellow and blue markings, it actively patrols open pools, marsh ditches, and canal margins throughout July and August.
• Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea): A large, inquisitive dragonfly frequently found near marsh borders, slow-moving channels, and adjacent scrub. Males display bold green and blue mosaic markings on a black abdomen, with distinctive apple-green bands on the thorax.
• Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta): A smaller hawker species that appears in high numbers during late summer and autumn. They often congregate in sheltered tree lines and tall reed margins flanking Doxey Marshes.
• Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator): One of the UK’s largest dragonflies, the Emperor dominates larger, open expanses of standing marsh water. The males feature a vibrant sky-blue abdomen and green thorax, rarely resting while they fiercely defend their territory from other insects.

Chasers and Skimmers (Libellulidae)

• Four-Spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata): Highly characteristic of well-vegetated marsh habitats, this species thrives in the peat-rich, reed-dominated pools of the local reserves. It is easily recognised by the two dark spots present on the leading edge of each wing.
• Broad-Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa): Often pioneering newly cleared ditches, shallow marsh scrapes, and temporary wetlands, the males of this species sport a flattened, powder-blue abdomen with yellow marginal spots.
• Black-Tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum): Commonly observed basking on open ground, muddy ditch banks, and bare paths throughout the Stafford wetland basin. Mature males feature an azure-blue abdomen with a prominent black tip.

Darters (Libellulidae)

• Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum): The most widespread late-season dragonfly in the region, visible from June well into November. Males have a bright orange-red abdomen and distinctive yellow stripes down their legs. They frequently perch on exposed reeds, boardwalks, and fences.
• Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum): Favours the densely vegetated, shallow marsh pools and swampy ditches typical of undisturbed wetland pockets. It is distinguished from the Common Darter by its all-black legs and a deep, blood-red, club-shaped abdomen in mature males.