While walking near the Ceiriog River in Wales, a conservation officer experienced a rare moment when Britain’s longest dragonfly, the Golden-Ringed Dragonfly, paused to rest on her thumb.
- Golden-Ringed Dragonfly is Britain’s longest dragonfly.
- Found mainly in Wales, Scotland, and Northwest England.
- Larvae spend up to five years in streams before emerging.
What happened
Sarah Hawkes, a conservation officer from Buglife Wales, encountered a Golden-Ringed Dragonfly while walking early near the Ceiriog River, a tributary flowing from the Berwyn Hills. The dragonfly, notable for its length of up to 4 inches and striking yellow and black rings, was resting on a grass stem before lightly landing on her thumb.
This special moment took place in one of Britain’s Important Insect Areas, where habitats sustain rare and unique insects. The cool morning temperature made the dragonfly a bit sluggish, which allowed Sarah to closely observe this extraordinary creature in its natural environment.
Why it feels good
Witnessing a large and elegant dragonfly up close reminds us of the intricate and delicate balance in nature. These dragonflies are more than just beautiful; they play an important role by controlling insect populations as ferocious predators of wasps, beetles, and even other dragonflies.
Their presence in healthy river habitats signals clean water and balanced ecosystems. Moments like Sarah's encounter offer a sense of connection to nature and highlight the importance of conservation work to protect such species and their unique homes.
What to enjoy or watch next
The Golden-Ringed Dragonfly can be seen flying from May through September, so anyone exploring eligible habitats in Wales, Scotland, or Northwest England in these months may be lucky to spot this jewel of the insect world. For those interested, watching footage of nature’s smaller wonders or visiting local nature reserves can deepen appreciation for these hidden treasures.
Beyond dragonflies, consider exploring stories about other captivating wildlife encounters, such as moments when animals show unexpected curiosity and kindness to people. These stories encourage us to cherish and protect the biodiversity that enriches our planet.