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Larvae
A licence is required for dipping within the open access land of the national park, because of the possibility of encountering protected species such as Great crested newt and Southern Damselfly. Without an appropriate academic background, I found the hoops towards obtaining a licence to be too daunting. However, I have been privileged to be allowed to dip the various water bodies of Exbury Gardens, which lie within the national park but on private land. Most of the images of larvae are from Exbury, with a few extra from my garden pond in Dibden Purlieu and from Bartley Water where it flows beyond Ashurst Bridge towards the Test at Eling.
Beautiful Demoiselle
... Both Calopteryx species in GB and Ireland are easily distinguished from other genera by their long antennae. Lifted from Bartley Water by Simon Stone.
Large Red Damselfly
... The "X" pattern on the caudal lamellae is a distinguishing feature for this species in GB and Ireland. Not far short of metamorphosing and then emerging, I think I'm right in saying this is a female - given the appropriate tackle under segment 9 of the abdomen.
Azure Damselfly
... Colour isn't much help in identifying species; these three are all Azure Damselfly.
... The wing buds are tiny and the dark bands are still just visible across the abdomen
... Perhaps one or two moults to go before emergence
... Showing the lateral spines on segments 7, 8 & 9. The truncated volcano shape at the base of the epiproct (central projection) shows this to be a male
Emperor
Golden-ringed Dragonfly
Broad-bodied Chaser
Common Darter
... Compare the proportions of the legs with those of the Broad-bodied Chaser.
... Compare the size of the eyes (relative to the head) with the eyes of the Broad-bodied Chaser; darter larvae are active hunters while chasers tend to sit and wait.
... Showing the underside of the "mask", a hinged arrangement (tucked away in this shot) which shoots out to capture prey.
Caudal lamellae
These are the external gills of damselflies; the overall shape and patterning and the extent of the setae (tiny spines along each edge) are useful identification features. The lamellae are sometimes lost but new ones grow with each moult.
On the left is a Red-eyed Damselfly, centre is (I think) a Common Blue Damselfly and right is a Blue-tailed Damselfly.
... Three dark bands across each caudal lamella indicate this species.
Exuviae
... I think this was cast from an intermediate instar rather than being left at emergence, since there are no white filaments attached. The white filaments visible on other exuviae in this strip are plugs lining the future adult's breathing tubes to keep the water out; they are drawn out and left behind as the adult emerges.
... The "X" pattern on the caudal lamellae can still be seen.