Willow Emerald Damselflies

[Fourwings]

It really seems like this species is the latest to colonise our shores with regular sightings now being made at several reserves in Suffolk.

Definately one to look out for if you live in East Anglia, I can feel a trip down that way coming on

Have a look at this fantastic video footage of them at Staverford Lakes in Suffolk.
Surfbirds Video - Bird Videos - Female and Male Willow Emerald Damselfly at Staverton Lake, Suffolk, August 16th 2009. Good numbers of people turned up to see these recent colonisers.

It will be interesting to see how long we have to wait befoire we get an image of one in the WAB Dragonfly & Damselfly Gallery.

[aeshna5]

Reading on other forums it appears they may have been present since 2007. Let's hope they spread. They've survived a couple of lousy summers, so hopefully will consolidate this year.

[Fourwings]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Reading on other forums it appears they may have been present since 2007. Let's hope they spread. They've survived a couple of lousy summers, so hopefully will consolidate this year.

Fingers crossed for them, as you say they may have already survived to lousy British Summers so potentially its looking good

Having watched the video it becomes very obvious that these could be easily over-looked if they are found in the same area as Lestes sponsa, it will be very interesting to see just how far they have spread now there are lots of Odonata enthusiasts out there looking for them.
I dont think I'll be checking any Leicestershire or Rutland sites for them just yet though.

[Jason Green]

Good news indeed - let's hope. OK, is it worth looking out in London yet - or is that being too optimistic? What is their preferred habitat; freshwater, slow/fast-moving ponds/rivers, a park species, etc...

[Fourwings]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Good news indeed - let's hope. OK, is it worth looking out in London yet - or is that being too optimistic? What is their preferred habitat; freshwater, slow/fast-moving ponds/rivers, a park species, etc...

I guess North London/Essex cannot be ruled out Jason, they are certainly being found in the South of Suffolk which isnt a million miles away.
Look at lakes with good Sallow/Willow growth at the fringes, they like sunny sheltered areas and have a liking for perching on bare twigs etc....

[Jason Green]

Ah, right. Thanks Steve, a very helpful reply. I'll look into it...

[Colin Pumfrett]

Did anyone see the programme which was on tv two years ago called Micro safari. Journey to the bugs starring Nigel Marvin where he was shunk to bug size and had to make his way across a suburban garden in the south of England. He came across the garden pond where two willow emeralds were filmed in tandem.

Colin.

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by Fourwings

It really seems like this species is the latest to colonise our shores with regular sightings now being made at several reserves in Suffolk.

Definately one to look out for if you live in East Anglia, I can feel a trip down that way coming on

Have a look at this fantastic video footage of them at Staverford Lakes in Suffolk.
Surfbirds Video - Bird Videos - Female and Male Willow Emerald Damselfly at Staverton Lake, Suffolk, August 16th 2009. Good numbers of people turned up to see these recent colonisers.

It will be interesting to see how long we have to wait befoire we get an image of one in the WAB Dragonfly & Damselfly Gallery.

We'd definitely join you to look for these.

[DavyG]

Could anyone please tell me where exactly Staverton Lakes are?

Am I correct in thinking that they're not too far from Woodbridge?

If so, we'll visit them next week as it's only a short distance from where we live.

Dave

[Wild-Woman]

I believe, south of Minsmere, so a good excuse for doing both areas in one hit?