5 minute read
Just around the river bend
Of dragons and damsels
This summer, enter a prehistoric world of predatory dragons, elegant damsels, aerial battles, territories and beauty, by getting up close to Suffolk’s dragonflies and damselflies. BY STEVE AYLWARD
Norfolk hawker dragonfly.
Dragonflies, along with their smaller, more delicate and rather less energetic cousins the damselflies, can be found in virtually every freshwater habitat, with many species also ranging widely in woods, heaths and gardens in search of insect prey. They typically start to emerge from the water in mid- to late-April, with numbers peaking during the warmest summer months. It is not unusual for one or two species to still be on the wing in early November, before cold weather finally brings their flight season to an end. Even their names evoke ancient history, stateliness blended with agility, prowess and weaponry: emperors, darters, hawkers, chasers, skimmers and clubtails.
The precise number of dragonfly and damselfly species recorded in Suffolk is a somewhat moveable feast these days, with climate change almost certainly being the driver for new colonisers and fascinating records of new migrant or vagrant species. Suffice to say, over 30 different species could easily be recorded in Suffolk in most years. Carlton Marshes claims the record for the highest number of species recorded on a British nature reserve, which currently stands at 26 and includes the first UK record of the yellow-spotted emerald dragonfly, in 2018.
It is easy to encourage dragonflies and damselflies to visit your garden. A small pond (without fish) is perfect for several species, including broad-bodied chaser or large red damselfly and one or two species will even use a minipond such as a half oak barrel.
Long-haul flyers
Dragonflies can travel long distances and prolonged southerly or easterly airstreams can enable several species to cross the Channel or southern North Sea with ease. This boosts the numbers of more migratory dragonflies in summer and early autumn, as well as bringing in vagrants. Add in the effects of climate change (notably milder winters and prolonged warm spells) and the conditions are perfect for more temperature sensitive European species to try their luck in the UK. To date, six species have successfully colonised Britain since 1996, including the willow emerald damselfly in 2007, which is now widespread in Suffolk, and the red-veined darter that is almost certainly now breeding in one or two locations in the county.
Although enabling new species to reach Britain, climate change may well have a serious negative impact on others. Extreme weather events are increasingly frequent and prolonged hot spells that dry out ponds and streams will result in local extinctions. Extreme flood events can kill large numbers of juvenile dragonflies, while sea-level rise will likely result in the loss or salinisation of many coastal freshwater habitats. More mobile species will quickly recolonise suitable habitats as soon as conditions return to normal, but undoubtedly the coming decades will be both a time of opportunity and considerable challenge for dragonflies.
Restoration and renewal
Restoring and improving the condition of wetland habitats across Suffolk is hugely beneficial for dragonflies and the Trust is leading the way with projects to restore ponds and rivers. The new and restored wetland habitats at Carlton Marshes are one reason why the reserve has such an impressive tally of species, and the new ponds recently dug at Black Bourn Valley and Foxburrow will soon be teeming with aquatic insects, including dragonflies and damselflies.
River restoration projects reshape the watercourse by creating riffles (shallow
ABOVE: Southern hawker female laying eggs. RIGHT: Four-spotted chaser.
FAR RIGHT: Ruddy darter.
SOUTHERN HAWKIER: ALAMY FOUR-SPOTTED CHASER; RUDDY DARTER: ALAMY
stony features), pools and natural deadwood features. This establishes the perfect conditions for many dragonfly species, while planting riverside trees creates shelter and helps regulate water temperatures during hot weather. More troubling and difficult to address are the issues around agricultural nutrients and pesticides found in many rivers and watercourses. Add in sewage discharges from treatment works and ultimately not a single river in Suffolk currently meets water quality targets.
Past and future
As with butterflies, encounters with dragonflies are uplifting experiences, and through the summer months, should be
5 SPECIES TO SPOT
EMPEROR DRAGONFLY EMPEROR DRAGONFLY
A 13x13cm hole at the base of the UK's bulkiest dragonfly. Males have a fence is all you need. blue abdomen with a central dark line.
HAIRY DRAGONFLY HAIRY DRAGONFLY
Emerges earlier than similar species. Long, thin wing spots.
Our most common red damselfly, with a red and black abdomen.
WHERE TO SEE IN SUFFOLK
Dragonflies and damselflies can be enjoyed at every Suffolk Wildlife Trust nature reserve, but Lackford Lakes and Carlton Marshes are hotspots for the variety of species and the best views. Redgrave &
Lopham Fen is similarly a great place to enjoy these wonderful insects. May through to August are the best months.
Steve Aylward is Head of Property & Projects for Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
Six species have colonised Britain since 1996
an everyday occurrence for anyone living in Suffolk. These fascinating creatures are among the fastest and oldest insects in the world. Fossils of very large dragonfly ancestors, like the meganeura, survive from 300 million years ago, with wingspans up to 75cm. Whilst modern day species may not be quite so large, they are just as special. We know what steps can be taken to help these insects recover and repopulate every corner of Suffolk, but it will take a concerted effort by landowners, farmers, Government agencies and others to make this happen.
Find out more suffolkwildlifetrust. org/suffolkdragonflies
BROAD BODIED CHASER BROAD-BODIED CHASER
Broad, ‘fat’ dragonfly. Males have a blue abdomen, females golden brown.
COMMON DARTER COMMON DARTER
Found into late autumn. Males are dull to bright orange-red.
