Dragonfly larvae i.d. help

[Words]

Given the high level of activity in our pond (newts, frogs all active), I've been watching it closely and spotted this tiny larvae swimming around tonight. The snail is one of those tiny water snails so gives an idea of size. I'd estimate length at 1-1.5cm. I wondered whether it could be a damselfly, but it doesn't quite look like the images I've been able to search.

[Dogghound]

Not a Dragonfly but the larva of one of the Dytiscidae (A family of water beetles).

[Words]

Thanks! That it explains my failure to get a match. Now it looks like the photos I google

[Dogghound]

Unsure if you've noticed but it appears to be feeding on an even smaller larva of what looks like the same family. Looks like you've got a very rich diversity in your pond.

[Words]

I'd not spotted that! Thanks.

The pond is fairly small and choked with weed, and a got layer of leaves at the bottom (it's under small beech trees). It gets a semi-clean about once or twice a year (clear out weed/leaves) and the occasional top-up in hot summers. Other than that, I just let it sort itself out. Seems to do well.