“They flash like living jewels over the still waters of Maltese valleys — ancient hunters, delicate yet fierce, tracing sunlight with every beat of their wings.”

Grace in Motion

Dragonflies are among nature’s oldest survivors — elegant, aerial hunters that have danced above Earth’s waters for over 300 million years. In the Maltese Islands, they bring colour and movement to our freshwater valleys, reservoirs, and wetlands.

Despite Malta’s dry climate, these resilient insects flourish wherever water lingers — from Chadwick Lakes to Wied il-Għasel, and across Gozo’s hidden pools and rural watercourses. Here, shimmering wings and darting bodies transform the stillness of water into a stage for nature’s most exquisite choreography.

Where They Live

Dragonflies depend on freshwater ecosystems — vital oases in the Maltese landscape. They can be found in:

• Valleys (Wied) — Wied il-Għasel, Wied Qirda, Wied Babu
• Reservoirs & Watercourses — especially in rural Gozo
• Wetlands & Nature Reserves — Simar and Is-Salini

These areas offer what dragonflies need most: still or slow-moving water for breeding and open airspace for hunting. Their presence is a sign of clean, balanced habitats — living proof that even small water bodies support vibrant biodiversity.

Photo credit: Stephen Yardley

Fun Fact: Dragonflies can fly backwards, hover like helicopters, and change direction in a split second.

The Colours of Malta’s Skies

Over 15 species of dragonflies and damselflies have been recorded in Malta and Gozo. Each adds its own hue to the island’s natural palette — flashes of red, blue, and violet that shimmer above the water’s edge.

• Scarlet Darter (Crocothemis erythraea)
  Common and bold, the male glows a deep crimson while the female shines golden-brown. They often rest on sun-warmed stones, waiting for prey.


• Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator)
  The largest dragonfly in Malta. Its emerald and blue body glimmers in the sunlight as it patrols its territory with a regal, looping flight.


• Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii)
  A wandering migrant, known for its reddish wing veins and fiery abdomen. It appears after heavy rains, quickly colonizing new pools.


• Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata)
  A stunning newcomer to Malta, recognized by its vivid purple sheen. Its arrival reflects the warming trends of the Mediterranean climate.


• Blue-eye (Erythromma lindenii)
  A delicate damselfly with bright azure eyes — most often seen flitting among reeds in Gozo’s watercourses.

Life Beneath the Surface

Before taking flight, dragonflies live for months — sometimes years — as nymphs, hidden beneath the water. Fierce predators even in youth, they hunt tadpoles and insects with lightning-fast precision.

When the moment arrives, the nymph climbs a reed or stone and begins its metamorphosis. The outer skin splits, and the adult dragonfly slowly emerges, unfolding its wings in the golden morning light — a transformation that turns a creature of the depths into a master of the air.

Nature’s Miracle: The entire emergence process takes only a few hours — but marks the beginning of a dragonfly’s short, brilliant adult life.

Photo credit: Stephen Yardley

Guardians of the Wetlands

Dragonflies aren’t just beautiful — they are guardians of freshwater ecosystems. Because their larvae require clean, oxygen-rich water, their presence indicates healthy environments.

Sadly, these habitats are under growing pressure from:

• Urban expansion and construction
• Agricultural pollution and runoff
• Droughts and changing rainfall patterns due to climate change

Organizations such as BirdLife Malta and Nature Trust – FEE Malta are working to preserve the wetlands and valleys where dragonflies still thrive, ensuring these jewels of the air continue to grace our islands.

A Symbol of Transformation

In many cultures, dragonflies represent change, light, and renewal — fitting symbols for islands in constant transformation. Watching one skim the still waters of Wied Babu or hover above Gozo’s reservoirs is to witness balance — between air and water, fragility and strength.