why are there so many dragonflies this year 2023

There are so many dragonflies in 2023 primarily because of unusual weather patterns, especially hotter and drier conditions in southern Europe and parts of the UK. Severe droughts in the Mediterranean have dried out wetlands, forcing dragonflies to migrate northward in search of suitable habitats. Meanwhile, the UK and regions like Devon have experienced warm, sunny, and dry weather with favorable winds, creating ideal conditions for adult dragonflies to disperse widely and colonize new areas. This has led to spectacular movements and an increase in dragonfly populations in these northern regions. Additionally, warmer weather accelerates dragonfly development, leading to more adults emerging at the same time. However, there is concern that ongoing drought could threaten wetlands necessary for their lifecycle in the long term.