Vagrant Emperors reach south-west England

There’s a bit of a buzz among dragonfly enthusiasts this week, as two Vagrant Emperors have been spotted in south-west England. Dave Smallshire has been monitoring their progress through Europe and can’t wait to get to Vienne, France on the 'Dragonflies of La Brenne & Vienne’ tour, where 10 have been seen …so far!

Male Vagrant Emperor by Dave Smallshire

The recent unprecedented influx of Vagrant Emperors through Europe, the Middle East and into southern England has probably been caused by bumper rains in sub-Saharan Arica at the end of last year. A number of Vagrant Emperors were seen in the UK in 1998, but before that only 20 were recorded in the UK during the previous 100 years! Vagrant Emperors are predominantly an African species, though some are seen each year in the Mediterranean.

A few weeks ago large numbers of the species were seen in Portugal, then a week or so ago they were seen in Spain by our tour leaders and we’ve had reports of about 75 reaching Aquitaine, France. Dave’s hoping to see this stunning species on his ‘Dragonflies of La Brenne & Vienne’ tour on 22nd June.