Pond Debris

[BloomingMarvellous]

When I cleaned my pond this year I decided that everything that came out of the pond, I would save in a big red plastic container. Everything went in there, the overgrown weed, the leaves that had fallen in and that had started to decay, everything. Over the last couple of months I found at least 30 Damselfly Nymphs, which I would then replace back in the pond.

Over the last couple of weeks I have had a further 15 Damselfly's hatch from the red plastic box and well over a 100 from the pond.









I'm surprised at this outcome, so I'll definitely be doing this again next year.

[Dorts]

That's a lesson for anyone with a small pond.
Great stuff!
Dorts.

[Kayleigh]

That's brilliant great shots, I dont think I have any in my pond but I will never know unless I clean it out and a wildlife pond really has no right time to clear it out.

[BloomingMarvellous]

This film is one of them emerging, it's 4x faster. Made my day, when I watched it back on full screen, new life right in front of my eyes. I put wooden skewers in the red container, which they had no problem climbing up.


.YouTube - Large Red Damselfly Emerging ... Speeded up 4x


Some of them have emerged on the plastic container itself, without any problems.

[Red Robin]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

That's brilliant great shots, I dont think I have any in my pond but I will never know unless I clean it out and a wildlife pond really has no right time to clear it out.

....You'd be surprised. Damselfly nymphs tend to stay still for long periods. Lily stems seem to be a favourite hang out. When they swim they are very distinctive and noticeable in their movement.

Do you ever see Damselflies in your locality, Kayleigh?

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Red Robin

....You'd be surprised. Damselfly nymphs tend to stay still for long periods. Lily stems seem to be a favourite hang out. When they swim they are very distinctive and noticeable in their movement.

Do you ever see Damselflies in your locality, Kayleigh?

Yes often get blue ones in the garden I need to get some more flat leafed plants as mine died off..
I think it was frogbit it had yellow flowers similar to water-lily leaves and it spread round the outside of the pond.

[Red Robin]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Yes often get blue ones in the garden I need to get some more flat leafed plants as mine died off..
I think it was frogbit it had yellow flowers similar to water-lily leaves and it spread round the outside of the pond.

....As you often see blues in your garden I reckon you're highly likely to have some nymphs in your pond. You already know what they look like I think.. Or shall I post any pics?

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Red Robin

....As you often see blues in your garden I reckon you're highly likely to have some nymphs in your pond. You already know what they look like I think.. Or shall I post any pics?

I do know what they look like but you can post them they are nice to see as you dont get a chance very often..
My pond is so full of plants and weeds I cant see far into it.

[King Edward]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Yes often get blue ones in the garden I need to get some more flat leafed plants as mine died off..
I think it was frogbit it had yellow flowers similar to water-lily leaves and it spread round the outside of the pond.

Sounds like Nymphoides peltata (Fringed Water-lily). Frogbit is free-floating and has white flowers.

Even if you don't see damselfly nymphs in the pond, if they are present you should see them emerging, or at least see the exuviae (cast skins).

[Red Robin]

Originally Posted by King Edward

Even if you don't see damselfly nymphs in the pond, if they are present you should see them emerging, or at least see the exuviae (cast skins).

....I'm always spotting Damselfly nymphs in my pond - 12 has been my highest count. But this afternoon I got lucky! :



^ I witnessed the egg laying of a Sympecma fusca.



^ She took a break on a pondside rock (Devon Pink).

I've got more pics I'll post in the insect section of WAB. Meanwhile, here's some Damselfly nymphs pics for Kayleigh:



^ Young (green) Damselfly nymph with Caddisfly larvae.





^ Older (brown) Damselfly nymph.



^ Calopterix virgo Damselfly on local Himalayan Balsam which they seem to like.