Vagrant Emperor Dragonfly

[LindaB]

Originally Posted by RoyW

Although the occurence of this dragonfly in Britain in January might seem unusual, I don't really see any reason to dismiss the likelihood of it having reached here through natural means.
This one was found following southerly winds, in a part of Britain that would be consistent with an arrival from north-west Africa/south-west Europe. Winter records of this species in northern parts of Europe are rare, but not unprecedented, and the species can be found on the wing throughout the year around the Meditterranean, and in north Africa (there have been records in Spain and Portugal in January 2011 as well).

I dont totally dismiss the idea, of course anything is possible, but thinking about the kind of weather we were having almost up to the point of this one being found, the winds had been northerly for some time - for at least 4 to 5 weeks I think.

Had we been having a milder winter I dont think I would be quite so sceptical. Its certainly interesting.

Does anyone know what they did with the dragonfly?

Linda

[aeshna5]

Last night the second ever Irish Vagrant Emperor recorded from a moth trap last night in Co. Wexford. Excellent record for the finder. The first record was apparently in 1913.

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Last night the second ever Irish Vagrant Emperor recorded from a moth trap last night in Co. Wexford. Excellent record for the finder. The first record was apparently in 1913.

Quite something. Must put my trap out more frequently!

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Quite something. Must put my trap out more frequently!

And another one caught in a moth trap over the last few days in Vice County 1 (Isles of Scilly/west Cornwall)!

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

And another one caught in a moth trap over the last few days in Vice County 1 (Isles of Scilly/west Cornwall)!

That's it. It's going out tonight!

[Bellow]

Having seen the Vagrant Emperor in Spain and getting some shots,I would say it is indeed a Vagrant,and the lack of blue band is,because it is a female,there is no triangular appendage between the claspers of the abdomen,they tend to have little or no band at all,which is actually just half a band on the male,but on viewing from the top appears to be a complete blue ring.A side and head on shot would have also been very useful,which would show extra i.d points.Nice find.!!!
Bellow.

[RoyW]

After the spring late winter and spring run of records, I was expecting there to be more during the autumn - and any period of southerly winds coming up from north Africa during the spring may well bring one or two during the forthcoming winter as well!

[aeshna5]

Just seen another confirmed record on the BDS website on Oct 2nd from Dumfies + Galloway area. Must be more out there!

[aeshna5]

Apparently there is a large movement of Vagrant Emperors being reported in Portugal at the moment + we are being advised to look for them here, especially with the current south/south west winds. I know there have been at least 2 UK sightings in recent days with probably more to come.

Check those hawkers carefully + ideally have camera at hand just in case!

[wint]

I see on the BDS site a female Vagrant Emperor was at Pett Levels (E Sussex) yesterday (13th Nov).