IDENTIFICATION KEY TO IRISH DRAGONFLIES
This key only applies to adult male Dragonflies. Males are much more likely to be seen by water as females only visit the water to lay their eggs. By contrast the males tend to concentrate, often in large numbers, around the water, waiting for the arrival of females.
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| Damselflies
small typically to 3cm long, bodies 2-4mm in diameter, wings held closed over back when perching |
Dragonflies
larger, bodies long and slim or broad and short, wings held open when perching |