L.dryas is one of the few European dragonflies that has a circumboreal distribution; it could be found almost anywhere in the northern hemisphere south of the Arctic Circle and latitude 36 degrees.
In much of Europe L. dryas is closely associated with Sea Club Rush (Bolboschoenus). In UK the adults emerge from mid May onwards. There is no diapause and the adults commence ovipositing in June. They prefer to oviposit in plants from 20 cm to 3 cm above water. They avoid deep water areas and prefer to oviposit where the land is quite dry. The life cycle is very much dependent upon the weather; in good years the breeding activity is intense and the life cycle can be completed by the end of July. Normally periods of bad weather delay breeding and the life cycle extends into August. Doubtless there are records for September but I have never recorded it then.
Lestes dryas in UK and Iberia
I have spent more time studying this species than any other. I have looked for it for many years without success in Sussex. It was found on the Kent border (with Sussex) by John Luck, myself and others.
Since 2007 I have studied L. dryas at Benfleet in Essex and in recent years I have spent time traipsing the upland plains of Spain searching for Lestids in general and L. dryas in particular.
The case studies follow (sub-pages)
I have spent more time studying this species than any other. I have looked for it for many years without success in Sussex. It was found on the Kent border (with Sussex) by John Luck, myself and others.
Since 2007 I have studied L. dryas at Benfleet in Essex and in recent years I have spent time traipsing the upland plains of Spain searching for Lestids in general and L. dryas in particular.
The case studies follow (sub-pages)