Bass

These large freshwater fish often stay near the surface of ponds during the few months of the year when adult dragonflies are flying topside. They are adept at snatching up any insects hovering over the water.

Mallard duck

Widespread across the UK, these ducks share the dragonflies’ watery neighbourhood. They paddle across ponds, regularly dipping their heads into the water for a snack, which may be a dragonfly larva if they’re lucky.

Water beetle

Water beetles live in freshwater systems like ponds, canals and rivers across the country. There are many different types and most have a larval stage, but unlike the dragonfly the adult phase also occurs in the water.

Water shrew

Found living in burrows on the banks of reed beds, ponds and streams, water shrews hunt underwater for insects and larvae. These solitary creatures have the unusual mammalian trait of venomous saliva.