A species of dragonfly which was formerly confined to the Broads is no longer considered endangered, after spreading as far as Devon amid hot weather.
High temperatures have led to “spectacular movements of dragonflies” across England, with some species possibly migrating away from severe droughts in southern Europe, as climate change brings hotter weather.
The Norfolk hawker was confined to the Broads but has recently started to spread, with multiple sightings and egg-laying in South Devon.
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In 2021, A British Dragonfly Society (BDS) report revealed that 19 of 46 dragonfly and damselfly species have increased in the UK since 1970, with just five in decline.
Our hot weather, paired with severe droughts in the Mediterranean drying out the wetlands in which dragonflies live, has forced them north.
Dave Smallshire, one of the authors of the report, said since then some dragonfly species appear to have spread further.
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He said: “This is a red-listed species that was actually so rare it had legal protection and the Norfolk hawker is now no longer as endangered.
“Hot, dry summer, sunny, and that is just fantastic news for adult dragonflies.
“I think it’s probably no exaggeration – spectacular movements of dragonflies into new areas, colonising new parts of the country.”
There is a concern however that ponds, streams, and rivers are under threat of drought and the dragonflies need the wetlands to survive.
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