Fresh water reservoirs including lakes are a significant biotope or habitant group for various species of dragonflies. Though adult dragonflies live on land, their larcae hatch and develop in water for up to two years. Water reservoirs and their vegetation for adult dragonflies are also a significant feeding ground and a place to hide from attackers.
Lake Palpieris belong to the eutrophic lake type, in which the number of dragonfly species varies between 20 and 30. The lake has well development submerged and floating aquatic plants that create a suitable feeding, hiding and egg-laying environment for dragonflies.
Among other species af dragonflies, Lake Palpieris is the habitat for the yellow-spotted whiteface, Leucorrhinia pectoralis, whic is a widely spread species in Latvia but has been included in the Endangered species list as its population decreases in the western and southern parts of Europe. Male yellow-spotted whitefaces can be recognised due to their brightly yellow spot on the eighth segment of their abdomens. The lake is also inhabited by several bigger dragonfly species – the moorland hawker, Aeshna juncea, the brown hawker, Aeshna grandis, as well as the blue emperor, Anax imperator that is the biggest dragonfly in Latvia.
