Discoveries in Dragonflies
27 February 2026 - 27 February 2026
7 pm start
Region(s): Wellington
Type(s): presentations
Recent summers have seen the Zealandia Eco-sanctuary humming with damselflies and dragonflies-a positive sign of their freshwater restoration projects. These incredible apex predators of the insect world are masters of flight, but aspects of their lives are still shrouded in mystery and intrigue, especially when it comes to some of the more elusive and unique species of Aotearoa.
Join this kōrero/talk led by dragonfly ambassadors Ruary Mackenzie Dodds and Kari de Koenigswarter to hear more about dragonflies and damselflies, and learn about their latest discoveries in the secret lives of the bush giant dragonflies!
Bush giant dragonfly
Uropetala carovei or kapokapowai (water snatcher) is New Zealand's largest dragonfly with a wingspan up to 130 mm, and it can be up to 86 mm long. It is relatively common and its favourite habitat is damp areas of native forests. Dragonfly larvae tunnel into soft earth by water to make their home in a chamber half-filled with water and emerge at night to seek prey near the entrance. They are long lived (estimated to be 5–6 years) and are very sensitive to disturbance so they are rarely observed. As adults, they are extremely effective aerial predators. They’re loud fliers, so you may hear one buzzing if you’re out near freshwater on a sunny day.
Image by Nick Goldwater, CC BY-NC 4.0. Sourced from iNaturalist NZ.
This event will be held in the Pāteke Room with refreshments provided. Overflow parking is available on Birdwood Street. Doors open at 6.45pm.
Venue: Pāteke Room, ZEALANDIA Eco-Sanctuary, Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington
For more information: www.visitzealandia.com/whats-on/conservation-k%C5%8Drero-discoveries-in-dragonflies.
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