Dragonfly hunting at Wicken Fen

Ruddy Darters are a common sight at Wicken Fen

Springwatch presenter Chris Packham was at Wicken Fen in July 2009 to officially open a new dragonfly centre.

Wicken Fen is one of the best locations in the UK to spot dragonflies with 21 species breeding on the fen.

Many species are under threat of extinction and the new centre will show visitors how to help conserve them.

The centre was developed jointly by the National Trust, the Dragonfly Project and the British Dragonfly Society. It is open at weekends during the summer.

My hope is that one of today's young visitors will have a passion implanted and enjoy a lifetime of interest in the natural world. Chris Packham

On a warm summer's day at Wicken Fen, thousands of these beautiful highly coloured insects can be seen performing their aerobatic flying displays along the waterways and ditches.

Here are some of the species you might be able to spot:

Hairy Dragonfly

The 'hairy' bit is actually on the thorax and it's sometimes called the hairy hawker. It loves the fenland habitat at Wicken and generally hides in the grass to survive but also enjoys the open flat land. It's a fan of daylight and you'll struggle to spot it if it's not a sunny day.

This furry species is a master of catching bugs to eat in mid-flight. You can recognise it by its pairs of oval spots on the abdomen, yellow on the female and blue on the male.

Variable Damselfly

Variations in patterning are common which makes identification difficult

This species tends to stay clear of flowing water so expect to see it nearer the stagnant areas around Wicken. It's a lot happier around ponds.

Its name comes from the inconsistency across the species in its patterning but it's very recognisable thanks to the bright, almost neon, blue markings.

Red-eyed Damselfly

Use the name to spot this species. Its red eyes are deep and bulging and stand out on the damselfly's head.

The males usually hang out by themselves and can be very protective of their space. It prefers to be around still water so head to the pools and ponds to find it.

Scarce Chaser

Let Wicken Fen know if you spot the Scarce Chaser

If you see the Scarce Chaser at Wicken Fen, let them know! It's scarce by name, scarce by nature. The future of the insect is a concern to dragonfly lovers because its main habitat, floodplains and marshes, are in short supply.

It hasn't officially been recorded at Wicken as of yet so keep a keen eye out for it, it will usually be flying around until August. The grown male has a bright blue tummy with black patches while females and young males have an orange abdomen.

Emperor Dragonfly

The female Emperor Dragonfly has a green thorax and abdomen

The emperor is as big as you would expect, in fact it's one of the biggest dragonflies in Europe. It averages at 78 millimetres (3.1 inches) in length. The male is turqouise blue, the female green and neither have spots to separate the colour.

Slow running rivers like the Cam are a favourite habitat so you may catch a glimpse of one at Wicken. They're a nervy beast and may disappear as soon as you come near. It's also one of the most powerful dragonflies and is capable of catching and eating smaller dragonflies and butterflies.