Dragonflies
The Dragonflies of Lancashire and North Merseyside
Dragonflies and
damselflies (Odonata) are among the most spectacular of insects. This, together
with the recent publication of several excellent field guides and the fact that
they can readily be observed and identified using binoculars, has made them
increasingly popular with birdwatchers.
Of the 38 species
that breed in Britain, only 20 have so far been seen in the Lancashire Bird Club
recording area. However, five of these have been added to the list in the last
decade and a glance at the most recently published distribution maps show that
there are large gaps in the coverage of even quite common species. There are,
therefore, opportunities for the keen observer to make important contributions
to our knowledge of these fascinating insects.
Please submit your records by following the link.
Eighteen of the
20 recorded species breed in our region; one (Aeshna
mixta) is a possible breeder and one (Sympetrum flaveolum) a rare
vagrant. Nine species are widespread and often common, while 11 have a
restricted distribution or are rare (Table 1). There follows a summary of the
status of each species as currently known.
Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
One of the largest and most colourful of the damselflies, this species has
long been known from the River Lostock at Cuerden Valley Park. For many years
this was thought to be its only Lancashire locality.
male
female
However, during the late 1990s a considerable expansion of its range has
taken place. The insect reached Savick Brook, west of Preston, in 1997 and, by
1999, was well established there. In 1998, it was recorded on the Lancaster
Canal north of Preston, on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal at Withnell Fold and on the
River Wyre near Churchtown. A survey of the River Lostock in May/June 1999 found
Banded Demoiselles on virtually every accessible stretch between
Clayton-le-Woods and Wade Hall, a distance of about 9km. A long-established and
flourishing colony is also present on the River Ribble just east of the M6
Motorway. Our only other records of the species are for the Leeds-Liverpool
Canal at Parbold in 1995 and at Litherland in 1997.
Common Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
Although one of the most widespread of British damselflies, this species
seems surprisingly scarce in much of our recording area. It is quite common on
the Sefton Coast sand-dunes and has been found at several sites around St.
Helens and Heysham but at rather few places in between.
This is an insect that could turn up almost anywhere, favouring water bodies
with dense emergent vegetation, particularly of rushes Juncus and
spike-rushes Eleocharis.
Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula
The only red damselfly likely to be seen in Lancashire, this species is
widespread in the north and east of our region but notably scarce in the south
and west, being largely absent from the coastal plain west of Ormskirk.
Within its range, the Large Red Damselfly can be found on many different
types of water-body from small ponds and lodges to ditches, canals and rivers,
providing these are relatively unpolluted. However, it often occurs in smaller
numbers than other common damselflies and may therefore take some finding,
usually in tall, sheltered vegetation near its breeding site.
Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas
Until recently, the northernmost locality for this species on the west side
of England was at Dunham Massey Park, Greater Manchester. Then, in 1998, a
remarkable discovery was made of a sizeable population at Eccleston Dams, St.
Helens. One of several Odonata moving northwards, this distinctive insect should
be searched for on ponds supporting water-lilies, on whose leaves the males
perch.
Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
Very similar in appearance to the Common Blue Damselfly, this is a numerous
and widespread species in our recording area, though it has only recently spread
to most of the Sefton Coast ponds.
It is particularly characteristic of small water-bodies and will be found in
most field ponds, provided these are not polluted or heavily shaded. A rather
weak flyer, the Azure Damselfly will usually be located among the tall stems of
emergent water-plants around pond margins. The two slightly curved, narrow blue
stripes on top of the thorax are perhaps the easiest distinguishing feature from
the Common Blue Damselfly which has broader, straight stripes.
Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
Living up to its name, this is one of our most ubiquitous species. It has
been recorded throughout the region but generally favours larger water-bodies
than the similar Azure Damselfly. It is also a rather stronger flyer and males
can often be seen patrolling their territories far out from the water's edge.
This behaviour is a useful pointer to its identity if the details of the
markings cannot be seen.
Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
Easily the commonest damselfly in the recording area, this distinctive
species can be found in almost any type of freshwater habitat, even those that
are somewhat polluted or brackish. Often, this insect will be found even where
conditions are unsuitable for all other Odonata.
Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
This fine insect is scarce in the south and west of our region but becomes
increasingly frequent in east Lancashire, favouring more acid waters. It breeds
in a variety of water-bodies, including reservoirs, lodges, flashes and mossland
pools. However, being a strong flyer, this species may be seen far from water,
hawking along sheltered, sunny woodland edges and hedgerows. The clear wings and
generally dark appearance with blue abdominal spots set it apart from other
large, late summer dragonflies.
Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
In 1990, the nearest Migrant Hawkers to our recording area were in South
Yorkshire, but they are rapidly expanding north and west. The first records we
have received for this small hawker were at Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve,
Rufford, in September 1996; the next two years saw small numbers widely reported
from Seaforth in the south to Heysham in the north. Probable breeding has been
recorded near St. Helens, at Mere Sands Wood and, in 1999, at Heysham.
Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
Though nowhere common, as befits its name, this large, late-summer dragonfly
seems to be more frequent in the southern half of our region. However, it has
been found breeding as far north as Silverdale. It favours neutral to alkaline
waters and sometimes uses garden ponds. Notably tame, the males will often
approach an observer when the apple-green markings with bright blue on the
terminal abdominal segments can easily be seen.
Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
With its tawny wings and brown body, this is the easiest large dragonfly to
identify. It is also one of our commonest and most widespread species, breeding
in a great variety of water-bodies throughout the region, including garden
ponds.
male
Quite likely to be seen in an urban or suburban setting, this species
often seems to fall victim to domestic cats. The adults are powerful flyers and
can be found patrolling hedgerows far from water.
Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
Our largest dragonfly has a mainly southern and eastern British
distribution. It first bred in our area in a recently excavated pond at Ainsdale
Sand Dunes NNR in 1976, establishing a small colony which survived until the
late 1980s. The species was next seen at Birkdale in 1994, reappearing in good
numbers during the glorious summer of 1995, especially on the Sefton Coast.
male
It has since spread widely, being seen in St. Helens, Mere Sands Wood, near
Marton Mere, the Heysham/Middleton area and as far east as Blackburn, as well as
sporadically in central Lancashire, including Cuerden Valley Park and Withnell
Fold LNR.
Golden-ringed Dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii
This is an upland specialist in our region, having been recorded
sporadically in Bowland but also occasionally on lower ground towards the shores
of Morecambe Bay.
Further exploration of small streams and peaty runnels in the
northern part of our recording area could well be rewarded by further sightings
of this elusive but magnificent insect.
Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
This species has a strangely disjunct distribution in the northwest, with many
gaps between known localities. It is common on the Sefton Coast and occurs as
far north as Heysham, Middleton and Hawes Water but only at about a dozen sites
in between. No doubt many more remain to be discovered.
Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
Another southern species on the limits of its range here, there are recent
indications of a northwards expansion. In the last few years, breeding has been
proved at Seaforth Nature Reserve, the nearby Brookvale LNR, at Sankey and near
Charnock Richard, while sightings have been made as far north as Heysham and
east to Burnley. Counts of up to seven adults on ponds at Birkdale in June 1999
provide further evidence of a welcome colonisation of our area by a particularly
striking dragonfly.
male
Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
One of the events of the decade was the appearance in 1997 of Black-tailed
Skimmers at Mere Sands Wood and the nearby Platts Lane Pits, Burscough, about
100km north-west of where they should have been. Breeding took place at Mere
Sands Wood and, by 1999, the species was well-established here. A noted colonist
of sand and gravel-pits in southern Britain, this species should now be looked
for in appropriate habitat throughout our region.
Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
This is easily the commonest of the true dragonflies (Anisoptera), occurring
on a wide range of fresh-waters throughout the recording area. A small,
orange-red darter will almost always be the male of this species.
Yellow-winged Darter Sympetrum flaveolum
Formerly unknown in our region, this migrant from continental Europe
appeared here during a national influx in August 1995. We have records for
Lifeboat Road and Birkdale Sandhills on the Sefton Coast and also Lytham St.
Annes, Brinscall Lodge and Heysham but there were probably others not officially
notified. Almost all were males.
Remarkably, small numbers were found again at Middleton and Birkdale in
August 1999.
Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum
First recorded in our area at Ainsdale NNR in 1989, this is yet another
classic example of an insect invading from the south. Well-established on the
Sefton Coast by the mid-1990s, the Ruddy Darter has spread north to Mere Sands
Wood, Burscough, Cuerden Valley Park, Bamber Bridge and the Heysham/Middleton
area and east to Rainford. There are also reports of its occurrence in the
Fylde.
There seems little doubt that this species awaits discovery on well-sheltered
lowland ponds throughout the recording area. The blood-red, waisted abdomen, red
face and black legs need to be well seen to separate the male of this species
from the Common Darter. Females are tricky!
Black Darter Sympetrum danae
This is a peatland breeding specialist which is now known to have good
powers of dispersal and may appear at almost any wetland during its late-summer
flying season.
Known breeding sites in our region include Lord Lot's Bog near Carnforth,
Middleton and Bold Moss, St. Helens, but there must be many others waiting to be
found, particularly in the uplands.
Red-veined Darter
Sympetrum fonscolombii
First recorded in 1999 at Middleton and then Seaforth, this species is
rapidly becoming established at the former site.
male
There has never been a more exciting period for recording dragonflies in the
northwest. We are right on the range limit of so many species apparently
responding to global warming. One is almost tempted to use the old adage that
"Anything can turn up" (within reason!). It is certainly worth keeping a look
out for the Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense moving north from
Cheshire and could the rare Variable Damselfly Coenagrion pulchellum be
hiding in a field pond somewhere in Lancashire? Vagrants from Europe, such as
the Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii, are becoming increasingly
regular in southern Britain and may spread north.
Then there are lots of gaps to be filled in the distributions of many common
species. It is important to ensure that personal observations are recorded for
posterity. This can be done on RA70 cards available from the Biological Records
Centre at Monks Wood, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon PE17 2LS. The national recording
scheme organiser for northern England is David Clarke, Burnfoot, Cumwhitton,
Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 9EX.
Steve White and I are considering organising a Dragonfly Atlas Project for
north Merseyside, Lancashire and Greater Manchester and would welcome discussion
with others about how to achieve this. Meanwhile, a database for the region has been established at Seaforth NR
where all records can be held in one place. Groups or individuals are welcome to
consult this. We would be pleased to receive Odonata records on an annual basis
- either sent directly (Seaforth Nature Reserve, Port of Liverpool L21 1JD) or
submitted in the normal way with bird records.
Ideally, these should take the form: date; site name & grid reference;
species; status (i.e. number of individuals, male or female, any evidence of
breeding).
As with bird-watching, a great deal can be achieved by regularly covering a
"local patch". Visits should be made on sunny days, ideally two hours either
side of solar noon, at regular intervals from May to September.
Recommended field guides are: Lewington & Brooks (1997) Field Guide to the
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland. British Wildlife
Publishing; and Powell & Twist (1999) A Guide to the Dragonflies of Great
Britain. Arlequin Press.
Philip H. Smith
TABLE 1
ODONATA Found in Lancashire & North Merseyside up to 1999
