Dragonflies and Damselflies talk

By David Beer

Eastbourne Local Members Group

Sarah Mackenzie is no stranger to our local group and a there was an excellent turn out from our members to listen to her lively account of these magical insects. Its southerly position and proximity to continental Europe help make Sussex one of Britain’s richest counties for Dragonflies with 39 species having been recorded. Sarah explained the life cycle, behaviour and ecology of these spectacular creatures and illustrated her talk with numerous stunning photographs. 

She finished on an encouraging note by describing how the nymph of the Lesser Emperor Dragonfly had been found in the dew pond at Seaford Head in 2022. This was a first for Sussex and hopefully we will see more of these impressive dragonflies breeding at various sites in the county.