Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens)
Common in the nearby Rivers Lee and Roding, but only sporadically reported from the Forest. It
has been reported from a few Forest ponds and the Loughton Brook, where this species may have
bred, but seems now to be represented in the Forest mainly by occasional wanderers.
Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa)
A local species in Essex, but regularly recorded in the Forest since the last century.
Scarce Emerald Damselfly (Lestes dryas)
Apart from Doubleday's record published in 1871, this species has only once been reported from
the Forest. In July 1991 Andrew McGeeney discovered a colony here. The Scarce Emerald was thought
to have been on the verge of extinction in Britain in the late 1970s.but its 're-discovery' on the Essex
coast in 1983 was followed by it being reported in subsequent years from over twenty, mainly coastal,
sites. The Forest colony is the furthest inland yet to be discovered.
Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula)
In Essex a widespread but local species. It has been recorded regularly in Epping Forest since the
earliest 19th century lists. It is one of the earliest species on the wing, sometimes in late April.
Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans)
Perhaps the commonest dragonfly in Essex. It is widespread in Epping Forest and could probably
be found on all ponds.
Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella)
Another common and widespread species on the Forest ponds.
Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum)
Widespread, found especially on the larger Forest ponds. This species is adept at colonising new
sites, often with little or no marginal vegetation. This may go some way to explaining why it is
somewhat less general in its Forest distribution than either the Blue-tailed or Azure Damselflies. The
majority of Forest ponds are long-established and well-vegetated, conditions which tend to favour the
Azure Damselfly in particular.
Red-eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas)
Easily confused with the Blue-tailed Damselfly, this species may be under-recorded. In Essex it is
a very local species. It has been recorded, albeit intermittently, in the Forest since the 19th century,
but E. B. Pinniger noted a sudden increase in numbers in the Forest in 1933. Since 1980 it has been
regularly reported from several Forest ponds.
Common Hawker (Aeshna juncea)
The English name of this species is a misnomer as far as Essex is concerned. There are no known
breeding sites in the county, and only very occasional sightings of 'wandering' individuals. One was
seen at the Wake Valley Pond in 1983.
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea)
A common and widespread species in the Forest. It has been recorded at many Forest ponds. Adults
are often seen hawking along Forest rides away from ponds, and seen until well into the autumn.
Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis)
A conspicuous, widespread and common species in the Forest.
Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta)
Despite a few early records, this species appears not to have established itself as a breeding species
in the Forest until the mid-1930s. It is now common, often abundant and can be seen at most of the
larger Forest ponds and also hawking in groups about the rides.
Emperor (Anax imperator)
This large and distinctive species is a common sight at many Forest ponds.
Downy Emerald (Cordulia aenea)
This species is undoubtedly the Forest speciality. It formerly bred in Hatfield Forest, but now appears
to have its sole Essex breeding populations in Epping Forest, There are a few recent records of
individuals seen outside the Forest (e.g. near the River Roding) but it seems unlikely that these
represent breeding populations.
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