Here be dragons and damsels

December 2025

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December 2025

The redcoat is the most common of New Zealand’s four species of damselfly. Photo: William Harland CC by 4.0
In Aotearoa, dragonflies and damselflies are limited in species but big on fascinating facts. The dragonflies and damselflies of Aotearoa are a fascinating bunch. With their iridescent wings, vivid colours and impressive hunting skills, they zip rapidly from place to place before hovering in mid-air like tiny drones.  These beautiful creatures belong to the insect […]
Lily Duval

About the author

Lily Duval

Lily Duval is an author and artist with a relentless enthusiasm for bugs, tramping and the natural world. She has a Master of Arts in English from the University of Canterbury. She writes and illustrates for a range of conservation organisations and creates content for RNZ’s Critter of the Week. Her favourite tramping treat is a stroopwaffle with a cup of hot chocolate.

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