What all dragonflies require Larvae All British dragonflies develop in water. Most breed only in habitats that contain free water all year, although a few can survive withdrawal of water for a month or more during late summer. The water must contain sufficient oxygen and be free from toxic substances.
Some species require still water, others flowing water.
No British species can live in fast-moving rivers and streams, so these are naturally without dragonflies. Many rivers, canals, lakes and ponds would be suitable were they not polluted by agricultural or industrial wastes. The larvae of many species prefer waters in which there is abundant growth of water plants in which the larvae can hide from predators and ambush their prey. However, dragonflies can breed in habitats that are sub optimal for them. Many require emergent water plants up which a larva, in its last stage, can climb in order to emerge as an adult.