🦋 Dragonflies of the Sella River: Primitive Aerial Hunters
Dragonflies are among the oldest insects on Earth and one of the most spectacular creatures you can observe in the natural surroundings of the Sella River. They belong to the order Odonata and are characterized by their elongated bodies, two pairs of large membranous wings, highly developed compound eyes, and spiny legs used to catch prey in flight.
Worldwide, there are over 5,000 species of dragonflies, and Asturias is home to nearly 1 % of this diversity, many of them linked to rivers, ponds, and well-preserved wetlands like those found along the middle and lower stretches of the Sella.
🪲 Aquatic–Terrestrial Life Cycle
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Eggs: Laid on vegetation or directly in the water.
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Aquatic larvae: Live in the water for one to two years, feeding and growing.
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Metamorphosis: Emerge from the larva, shed their exoskeleton, and develop wings.
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Adults: Fly over the river, reproduce, and lay eggs.
📍 Where and When to Spot Them
- Dragonflies are best seen in spring and summer, when the Sella’s waters run clear and calm.
- They concentrate in areas with riparian vegetation and backwaters.
- An ideal spot to observe them is near the Puente de Llovio (km 16), where roots and aquatic plants abound.
🧬 Territorial and Fascinating Insects
Dragonflies are highly territorial: males defend specific hunting and breeding areas, repeatedly perching in the same spots—called perches—from which they launch attacks to catch flying insects.
One of their most striking behaviors is tandem mating: the male grasps the female by the neck while both fly coupled through the air. This unique posture can often be seen along the riverbanks on warm, sunny days.
🧭 Where to See Dragonflies on the Sella River
The best areas to observe dragonflies in the wild are the calm stretches with riparian vegetation, such as:
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Banks near Arriondas and Cangas de Onís
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River backwaters in the lower section toward Ribadesella
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Ponds and secondary channels with slow currents
The best time for spotting them is between May and September, when conditions are warm and vegetation is most developed.
tag: wildlife river sella – dragon – fly
