tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72941554818612677372024-03-13T08:49:08.592+00:00BugBlogAfrica Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.comBlogger605125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-19404903558269166122023-10-10T18:04:00.003+01:002023-10-10T18:09:18.665+01:00Ivy bees in Hull<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsz-i3GHqbFKJOEiAguRDyqzVlz784yOWDoJADHffFwhyphenhyphenseWJp-5Og6tX4xg183KEBUewoZ2a8N52YW3x2fCM6IXarbLPxAFevgc1GKpf8Fe2OpEvCMqRCOfsgmVKihyOslql3YYS4J_rTo4kizmJuZ5T27HJDogD4XvjZnjjXD0sZDwplFzuP3WkxJ88e/s4608/IMG_5090%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsz-i3GHqbFKJOEiAguRDyqzVlz784yOWDoJADHffFwhyphenhyphenseWJp-5Og6tX4xg183KEBUewoZ2a8N52YW3x2fCM6IXarbLPxAFevgc1GKpf8Fe2OpEvCMqRCOfsgmVKihyOslql3YYS4J_rTo4kizmJuZ5T27HJDogD4XvjZnjjXD0sZDwplFzuP3WkxJ88e/w640-h480/IMG_5090%20(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p> I have spent some time watching mature Ivies lately. It is Ivy peak flowering season, and the couple last days have been warm and sunny, bringing the insects out, the ivies humming with insect activity. Droneflies, Red Admirals, Comma, Wasps, honeybees are attracted to flowering bees. I was actually looking for Green Mesh Weavers, on an Ivy in an untarmaced tenfoot (alleys between houses) when I noticed two stripy bees rummaging around the leaf litter at the bottom of the ivy. I couldn't believe they were Ivy Bees, <i>Colletes hederae</i>! I have previously seen Ivy Bees in east Yorkshire, at North Ferriby and at Flamborough, but I thought we wouldn't get them in Hull due to our clay soils, as this bee needs loose soils for nesting. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQyQW3ZTZ8H3p51ZKQNXJVpDNbHxbNwxXzcACeWOlIffsjH0unQVkjEQl5-eKaC2pt2DRrpA7UMccoc3y0f3xycsaKi2W9Wyvs69CLp4V1GkR3U6zmQTB53uAcO02odckNFCRB0RHnGyUoK1Zf3iTvg1wiX2tav9kS7rfa17Nepp1RishQPe_DZ2ep0iw/s3414/IMG_5066%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="3414" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQyQW3ZTZ8H3p51ZKQNXJVpDNbHxbNwxXzcACeWOlIffsjH0unQVkjEQl5-eKaC2pt2DRrpA7UMccoc3y0f3xycsaKi2W9Wyvs69CLp4V1GkR3U6zmQTB53uAcO02odckNFCRB0RHnGyUoK1Zf3iTvg1wiX2tav9kS7rfa17Nepp1RishQPe_DZ2ep0iw/w400-h300/IMG_5066%20(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two bees exploring the soil under the ivy, this is probably loose enough and sunny enough for a nest site?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>A winner from climate change</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ivy Bees started colonising the UK from 2001, after expanding in northern Europe, and in the last couple of decades its distribution range has rapidly expanded northwards, with the first Scottish records coming in 2021. The mail pollen source for its larvae is Ivy, and the bee flight period coincides with the flowering season of ivy, from September to early November, with a single brood. They are solitary bees but they tend to nest together, sometimes forming large nesting aggregations in suitable habitat. Females will excavate a nest and line the walls with a cellophane-like substance, which explains another name of the bee, Cellophane Ivy Bee. Ivy pollen is brought to the nest and an egg is laid atop a mound of pollen, before the cell is sealed and another load of pollen is collected for the next egg.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D3IcI-iRZZoE-05_RZbXol1SZ-HeCJO-zstba70TvzXnV7D11UDVKNnDc74yW8DJ7MqqLUm5eXpluqMZhv04rN6O5MCwtvlnF_wnFHGyKPQcX76fHaRZN2phleZWLfmPSXqqRwXEOD8BSSu1TXTokCkKdEQW-LnWKCVixvt9xxxkKWDbgntBYvkPkDoE/s2517/IMG_5071.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1888" data-original-width="2517" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D3IcI-iRZZoE-05_RZbXol1SZ-HeCJO-zstba70TvzXnV7D11UDVKNnDc74yW8DJ7MqqLUm5eXpluqMZhv04rN6O5MCwtvlnF_wnFHGyKPQcX76fHaRZN2phleZWLfmPSXqqRwXEOD8BSSu1TXTokCkKdEQW-LnWKCVixvt9xxxkKWDbgntBYvkPkDoE/w400-h300/IMG_5071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the Ivy Bees near the ground after some exploring.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFobulCb7GK9V8gX0rsLBBE7pXj1kR27bJHgIUjnwZl3TuoOg4Is4gSnPmC6oZf3X6Ig6IdMmsiIj7iqVr7PHuteccJw0RMPgl9wUqkTkaKpSgOyIJejwb6O2U3YUT7TsuzAgVBTsOoViMHrEIPogbeX3kJ7ysa0kC2qRAg2rOJWEXfHjaxEyaUpCthIEQ/s4608/IMG_5088.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFobulCb7GK9V8gX0rsLBBE7pXj1kR27bJHgIUjnwZl3TuoOg4Is4gSnPmC6oZf3X6Ig6IdMmsiIj7iqVr7PHuteccJw0RMPgl9wUqkTkaKpSgOyIJejwb6O2U3YUT7TsuzAgVBTsOoViMHrEIPogbeX3kJ7ysa0kC2qRAg2rOJWEXfHjaxEyaUpCthIEQ/w400-h300/IMG_5088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A female laden with pollen having a rest to clean its tongue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UZFOPUfztadShgFngJstf4syb4bSdvsLdweLYguBb54zXDcQxP9jRVFvniO1rHBCXf-LB4Y7bJ9iIRR8ZdcheYpMa1D8uUlbNfIkQxqSIWs3ji3p_eMPFirorY4fiV65xzj3pEIPD75dLXd_QfqBgkuKtd2UNAYmJGw68gkEtxbSwQ81JnqhHztfhfFY/s2858/IMG_5112%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2144" data-original-width="2858" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UZFOPUfztadShgFngJstf4syb4bSdvsLdweLYguBb54zXDcQxP9jRVFvniO1rHBCXf-LB4Y7bJ9iIRR8ZdcheYpMa1D8uUlbNfIkQxqSIWs3ji3p_eMPFirorY4fiV65xzj3pEIPD75dLXd_QfqBgkuKtd2UNAYmJGw68gkEtxbSwQ81JnqhHztfhfFY/w400-h300/IMG_5112%20(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A foraging female showing the banded abdomen. This bee is relatively large, the size of a honey bee, with orange hairs on the thorax, and contrasting broad buff bands in the abdomen, unlike its close relative the Sea Aster bee, which is smaller and has a white banded abdomen. Habitat, timing and foraging flowers can also help distinguish these bees.</div>Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-47407291624676110262022-10-18T21:54:00.001+01:002022-10-18T21:54:05.469+01:00The Green Meshweaver gets to Hull<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwaKI9hyY_EfGaIC6QmsRJ9QXLbrXDV2zPypTj65Y-YwfFZ9-m44uB43Ac3wFHBeS_cDLiSpTCK4yniUh04iQjrkdDDVaJt4awbzHIH2zJZ6ui4j3MTEHyJBO5QBrJxi5ozFLWemUm240xCu5kp0EzkmCs-s2GOlzxG-SpnxtKXlBUlfHZAw0Alcmdg/s1069/IMG_8435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1069" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwaKI9hyY_EfGaIC6QmsRJ9QXLbrXDV2zPypTj65Y-YwfFZ9-m44uB43Ac3wFHBeS_cDLiSpTCK4yniUh04iQjrkdDDVaJt4awbzHIH2zJZ6ui4j3MTEHyJBO5QBrJxi5ozFLWemUm240xCu5kp0EzkmCs-s2GOlzxG-SpnxtKXlBUlfHZAw0Alcmdg/w640-h640/IMG_8435.JPG" width="640" /></a> </p><p>Another post on a rapidly expanding species, this time a small spider, the Green Meshweaver, <i>Nigma walckenaeri.</i> All started on Saturday, during the YNU AGM in the University of Hull, where spider expert Geoff Oxford, showed us a specimen he had just collected from the university grounds, a tiny green spider that is currently expanding its range across the UK and now colonising Yorkshire. We all admired the individual, which had been collected with its web on a leaf. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2VqGdOAkOwExseO0h4rbRCp5cVhZjOGhX1ti3OLY-apZWJGApI7uHWZxATqZ82cFDaaz7k-vz6WQN7gRnoRH75OxX3LoHU9ws5mrbaa1SwqDwvMoDgTjEuPnO71rULFgE0Ra1BPbLznBvI6AoABkQNQAsbDWfIcr3AL9VT7A55ur-NN98mNIcBwXyg/s2215/20221015_153009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="2215" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2VqGdOAkOwExseO0h4rbRCp5cVhZjOGhX1ti3OLY-apZWJGApI7uHWZxATqZ82cFDaaz7k-vz6WQN7gRnoRH75OxX3LoHU9ws5mrbaa1SwqDwvMoDgTjEuPnO71rULFgE0Ra1BPbLznBvI6AoABkQNQAsbDWfIcr3AL9VT7A55ur-NN98mNIcBwXyg/s320/20221015_153009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first <i style="text-align: start;">Nigma walckenaeri</i> record from Hull.</div><p>After returning from the meeting, I searched the garden ivy, and since I've been searching ivy and holly, which are favoured leaves to weave it's mesh. <i>Nigma</i> <i>walckenaeri</i> chooses curled leaves, so it can take advantage of this to hide under its little web. As other regular character in this blog, <i>Amaurobius</i>, <i>Nigma</i> is a cribellate silk weaver. </p><p>Today, I took a local walk and came across a magnificent mature ivy, south east facing. I started searching its leaves, wondering if I had the wrong search image in my mind. It didn't take long to find a <i>Nigma</i>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQQnTpggSGqCtM4EQCW3gk_Sdl2G-248JFGEPpUfQsF6FKwRCv1E7kvigr50DsBPVgxzqecI1DadhOOoMcDGiSZDnqsi0hYd0bT6YM9l92o0L447flurjgIwh4ZuVuQhDpYPuWlvBf3jrmmyNx0JYoBoPTamxYGz5O1X9I9iM7PdI7H5w2A6Io5S47g/s4608/20221018_104400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQQnTpggSGqCtM4EQCW3gk_Sdl2G-248JFGEPpUfQsF6FKwRCv1E7kvigr50DsBPVgxzqecI1DadhOOoMcDGiSZDnqsi0hYd0bT6YM9l92o0L447flurjgIwh4ZuVuQhDpYPuWlvBf3jrmmyNx0JYoBoPTamxYGz5O1X9I9iM7PdI7H5w2A6Io5S47g/s320/20221018_104400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;">Nigma</i><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><i style="text-align: start;">walckenaeri</i><span style="text-align: start;"> habitat.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLiDdcys-Qw62xMfJHfMwtAsjQHmyrSFCeQH7dmaEGB_pRECKf29cO1b7FWJJf-CSALaH3YqdzZnrka763A24LrjFJw5K0_UpqjjdI4h624wlMRbIjfo-EhxL77WgN0ubAJqBIbounyjOnDtCb9AA1ZPu4avdq96fct-6m81AnzO8jmRa_5TffR2vfQ/s4608/IMG_8432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLiDdcys-Qw62xMfJHfMwtAsjQHmyrSFCeQH7dmaEGB_pRECKf29cO1b7FWJJf-CSALaH3YqdzZnrka763A24LrjFJw5K0_UpqjjdI4h624wlMRbIjfo-EhxL77WgN0ubAJqBIbounyjOnDtCb9AA1ZPu4avdq96fct-6m81AnzO8jmRa_5TffR2vfQ/s320/IMG_8432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There it was! A light-touch web of blueish threads with the green spider sitting, well camouflaged, underneath.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsrWCqul1hlWZMX7N6FB2GKXXUJLCz5rrTolhr9_1h-dmPgF7zSslr4WtkOio0O-U3ULEFh5HC56iYt7UEnR6kSH8twUIgucB5e8B98CWxXSdoRMjqSlCq8_qj2jiXEjbF77B2NsGpfhIkWm-nYUPNyXbM_wY34OAzYOApqQ9AQdmlAEfbceF3A6bKg/s4608/IMG_8439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsrWCqul1hlWZMX7N6FB2GKXXUJLCz5rrTolhr9_1h-dmPgF7zSslr4WtkOio0O-U3ULEFh5HC56iYt7UEnR6kSH8twUIgucB5e8B98CWxXSdoRMjqSlCq8_qj2jiXEjbF77B2NsGpfhIkWm-nYUPNyXbM_wY34OAzYOApqQ9AQdmlAEfbceF3A6bKg/s320/IMG_8439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I moved part of the web aside to have a closer look (also top shot). This is a female, with her whole body green. Once I had seen one, I found another, and another, almost every ivy leaf had it's little Nigma in it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS9HjbpwvU4D2KaIoOSZ3CMeawyz20AQrSd3DH4UF-dlVrKiM-KyOJ3ojAlYWaBmGQN7FvrqzpXKk_IAboqBrufwk0HoXN3GYHNZGO7I9e7Q9cnL-JfkBAmvXw4bDUA5Ilg8hyumPMZTDZxojtcZgZHKVl9pCMXFNNfOZJAlSavv-xmHd92r9M1iGqQ/s4608/IMG_8450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS9HjbpwvU4D2KaIoOSZ3CMeawyz20AQrSd3DH4UF-dlVrKiM-KyOJ3ojAlYWaBmGQN7FvrqzpXKk_IAboqBrufwk0HoXN3GYHNZGO7I9e7Q9cnL-JfkBAmvXw4bDUA5Ilg8hyumPMZTDZxojtcZgZHKVl9pCMXFNNfOZJAlSavv-xmHd92r9M1iGqQ/s320/IMG_8450.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br style="text-align: start;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7bXaJ1Qg6I11QmH6mEroq2doG3opSfW8GNxwMah1c2R-NTgT9FRR45WXX0w12-FmK3sds_aatmZPgqQ1rG5bTmesOXaObyuVK7SLW20MAuTmtT-Ynug-CrqsrxAVu6EVEsHw9MGFeX5vTx5NqxR88ZlF0Ko_y5EP-MiRdT4dqXgnQ3xEuxF9cfvg0Q/s1775/IMG_8448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="1775" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7bXaJ1Qg6I11QmH6mEroq2doG3opSfW8GNxwMah1c2R-NTgT9FRR45WXX0w12-FmK3sds_aatmZPgqQ1rG5bTmesOXaObyuVK7SLW20MAuTmtT-Ynug-CrqsrxAVu6EVEsHw9MGFeX5vTx5NqxR88ZlF0Ko_y5EP-MiRdT4dqXgnQ3xEuxF9cfvg0Q/s320/IMG_8448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A male, with its brown cephalothorax.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPwrqEXehotQSH0BOWE8fmc8EFNjZ1II6MFcqGtMVC0iqqqeasesFCyxfLIZKopsk00O86sd1iCG0GWH4sBJnOpLHnXySDcSATIvI45SjeZjstUIjOc_mYHm0R8PqVO1Kl79AdncmWX_VqoCYOMtaVpoZ8WD-JBN1KkseRein4JxM-3WdhRlfMH_p3Q/s4608/IMG_8444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPwrqEXehotQSH0BOWE8fmc8EFNjZ1II6MFcqGtMVC0iqqqeasesFCyxfLIZKopsk00O86sd1iCG0GWH4sBJnOpLHnXySDcSATIvI45SjeZjstUIjOc_mYHm0R8PqVO1Kl79AdncmWX_VqoCYOMtaVpoZ8WD-JBN1KkseRein4JxM-3WdhRlfMH_p3Q/s320/IMG_8444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This individual was busy weaving its web.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ESl8mLfP3_yVwkUiQqPkuXtAIJPeLvYG4Xkj0uFIgRvAULULf_AbZquOh7LzqyuGuSzhvSVws5Yq9czElc-o4nbx60DhS1sQu1c_FBCLHSyiMRK32rOKaaD03NpWpjxNz-KUl_DsWgq4e79wQ-4b5I1686hhD6ouuTwUwJJxBiYefTfzCwcxR1qttg/s2977/IMG_8451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2233" data-original-width="2977" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ESl8mLfP3_yVwkUiQqPkuXtAIJPeLvYG4Xkj0uFIgRvAULULf_AbZquOh7LzqyuGuSzhvSVws5Yq9czElc-o4nbx60DhS1sQu1c_FBCLHSyiMRK32rOKaaD03NpWpjxNz-KUl_DsWgq4e79wQ-4b5I1686hhD6ouuTwUwJJxBiYefTfzCwcxR1qttg/s320/IMG_8451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I even spotted a male (with reddish-brown opistosoma) on the edge of a female's web.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until 1993 it was only found in London and the home counties, and it is associated to parks and gardens. Since then it has been steadily spreading north. I'll keep a look for it in the garden!</div>Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-55994870456749496212022-08-04T14:40:00.003+01:002022-08-04T14:40:41.080+01:00Urban Purple Hairstreaks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMyqnitVTBX1gWkUzVV73CTu2--cMYdnmgzVB83-XLIdNXm-uxYBwQWZJm4Q9n1-BxI5_16OokUDtaZogNrSpesvLqbMo7KSjuscNoYdcmpAJImEI50Hu_C3d8AI-VeyFCfi0luDjSvTgWByWtw4Y_gM0-8SvHo240Rq64Z7gNdvzpr9pZoKs_BJCAw/s2199/IMG_5747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1649" data-original-width="2199" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMyqnitVTBX1gWkUzVV73CTu2--cMYdnmgzVB83-XLIdNXm-uxYBwQWZJm4Q9n1-BxI5_16OokUDtaZogNrSpesvLqbMo7KSjuscNoYdcmpAJImEI50Hu_C3d8AI-VeyFCfi0luDjSvTgWByWtw4Y_gM0-8SvHo240Rq64Z7gNdvzpr9pZoKs_BJCAw/w640-h480/IMG_5747.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><p style="text-align: left;">I had a most unexpected and delightful walk to work this morning. As I was about to cross Westbourne Avenue, where a water leak has been repair, a passer-by flushed a small butterfly from the barriers. I thought it was probably a Holly Blue, but when it settled with wings closed on a privet hedge nearby, I realised it was a hairstreak! I fumbled for my camera as it fluttered along the hedge into a front garden, where it sat with wings open. With shaking hands, I was able to take a photo (below), confirming the id as Purple Hairstreak! </p><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGtCWu7thA_Oi5TYHvxnn6MhWqKhgFiizd9IsBy7EkLSLc-6FhPUEchNyqyoUBN1uk1jVpQaeaUnvnOeLerq4T8HKBR79AAp3RW0LIErrB2FnPezPAT44sFi4rZDW8TgBVtYVsqDGcBwU2Ln6gLO2BC3iiGaKpJVqbIhNF3xudlhejI2VOuxwIFCayg/s4608/IMG_5734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGtCWu7thA_Oi5TYHvxnn6MhWqKhgFiizd9IsBy7EkLSLc-6FhPUEchNyqyoUBN1uk1jVpQaeaUnvnOeLerq4T8HKBR79AAp3RW0LIErrB2FnPezPAT44sFi4rZDW8TgBVtYVsqDGcBwU2Ln6gLO2BC3iiGaKpJVqbIhNF3xudlhejI2VOuxwIFCayg/w400-h300/IMG_5734.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The first Purple Hairstreak</div><p style="text-align: left;">The Avenues is a very leafy part of Hull, with large gardens often holding large trees. In fact, there is a mature, spectacular oak at the back of the Adult Education Centre on Park Avenue not far away, and, as I walked past, I wondered if the wind might have blown the small butterfly away. I carried onto Jack Kaye fields. A Speckled Wood by the entrance to the fields, by an oak, reminded me to do a butterfly count, and I set an alarm on my phone to 15 min. I counted six Speckled Woods, as they squabbled around the trees. Then I moved onto the first glade. A small butterfly settled on a Whitebeam to bask in the sunshine. As I focused my camera, I got the feeling of being in a dream: it was another Purple Hairstreak! It has its wings closed and I took plenty of photos. </p></div><div><b>Tree canopy butterflies</b><p style="text-align: left;">Purple Hairstreaks are canopy specialists, they spend much of their time on tree tops, around oaks (the larval food plant) and nearby trees, where they feed on honeydew. Although other species that obtain most of their food from honeydew, like Speckled Wood and Holly Blue, can occasionally be found feeding on flowers, or resting or fluttering low down, Purple Hairstreaks rarely come down to the lower level of trees, but they have been seen feeding on bramble or hemp-agrimony. They live up in the tree tops, and it is for this reason that they are easily missed. There are only 18 records of this species in East Yorkshire, mostly in nature reserves, but also at Snuff Mill Lane, just outside Hull, where I saw them in July and in Beverley Westwood, which has a sizeable population. They are not only found in woodland, but also along lanes and in parks with oaks. But, as these lovely, tiny butterflies, spend their adult lives up in tree canopies gorging on honeydew, they are likely to be overlooked and under-recorded. In the last few weeks I've been looking for them at Jack Kaye, staring into that small oak by the entrance, so although I was beyond pleased to find it, I was a bit astounded that it had actually happened. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxEqDl_BH_q2p8zjEvGwvSuE604Pv6hLbRPdDWJUgv8SFt5d5LozfiUK7MH-r2EsTZrbUNBaaoqLGRM-73uoWTZr6AQvLXAxWZU3Q0dOesjJL3EFlTDDNaO7xQ02pHvxOmHJuL8k7gbgZLY0CEPM7TliwHc67bnRUx6WwSSm2AayV77HyTNnDspVS0Q/s4608/IMG_5744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxEqDl_BH_q2p8zjEvGwvSuE604Pv6hLbRPdDWJUgv8SFt5d5LozfiUK7MH-r2EsTZrbUNBaaoqLGRM-73uoWTZr6AQvLXAxWZU3Q0dOesjJL3EFlTDDNaO7xQ02pHvxOmHJuL8k7gbgZLY0CEPM7TliwHc67bnRUx6WwSSm2AayV77HyTNnDspVS0Q/w400-h300/IMG_5744.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I will keep an eye on this area to check if these are isolated individuals or if there is a colony, and I plan to keep looking at oaks, wherever they are!</div>Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-67416758334090355412021-08-12T11:35:00.003+01:002021-08-12T11:35:30.047+01:00Do Migrant Hawkers migrate in groups?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhjnqkpBVvhVcTm_AUxTL-hZQ4liDVgCBVj9cbIp9G_Z7hGNX-K0Ga68ZILeF5t0q58_YslyCotEo-r3Ytik6CMGohUM_-EBxVyPz4t-6H6eMwCDxdrv4AIVf9dJttTPnItI5t-yWk-2L/s2992/IMG_4967.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2992" data-original-width="2992" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhjnqkpBVvhVcTm_AUxTL-hZQ4liDVgCBVj9cbIp9G_Z7hGNX-K0Ga68ZILeF5t0q58_YslyCotEo-r3Ytik6CMGohUM_-EBxVyPz4t-6H6eMwCDxdrv4AIVf9dJttTPnItI5t-yWk-2L/w640-h640/IMG_4967.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This summer it appears to be a bumper year for Migrant Hawkers. Their sudden appearance in several places with several individuals present, and the huge numbers seen around makes me think that these are migrants, rather than locally bred individuals. Last week I took a clip of a large group feeding by a nearby wood, a photo would not have conveyed the feeling of watching these dragonflies hunting in groups, paying little notice to one another, in contrast to the two feisty Brown Hawkers in attendance, who squabbled every time they met.<p></p><p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1hyPKtfINeI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>A sunny spell earlier today brought out at least 10 individuals over the garden, the largest number I've had. They are not aggressive or territorial, but, is there more to it? When roosting, they actually appear to choose to rest near other individuals, despite an abundance of sites nearby with a similar aspect, even when breeding (top shot, two mature males basking close to one another at Hornsea Mere, 24 September 2018. </p><p>The following, much more spectacular image was shared on twitter by <span color="inherit" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; white-space: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/jwood_t" target="_blank">@jwood_t</a> on the 2nd of August shows 12 Migrant hawkers roosting side by side:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCO4yPoN8sq211MD-Joa0VgT2ai17lTgVlm3WyG6Uh54SO1a1MO7UJjLwgvUAXbaoARqagLTBpKIpQroJ0Hy4_P-KGpNkvHZn4u4PsJOUmYjdVNqafdNtGpXmppwtRT_u7CzJ3rAwHNS3f/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="680" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCO4yPoN8sq211MD-Joa0VgT2ai17lTgVlm3WyG6Uh54SO1a1MO7UJjLwgvUAXbaoARqagLTBpKIpQroJ0Hy4_P-KGpNkvHZn4u4PsJOUmYjdVNqafdNtGpXmppwtRT_u7CzJ3rAwHNS3f/w640-h360/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Given that they appear to be a sociaI species, feeding in groups and roosting close to each other, I wonder if they are attracted to one another during migration. Do they actively seek each other, migrating in a compact flock? And why are they social, is there an antipredator advantage, or a better timing and orientation of migration, a quorum decision on directions, or even an energetic advantage, when migrating in groups?</p><p>Migration in groups would not be a new phenomenon in dragonflies. A striking example is this amazing photo of migrating dragonflies shared by Dave Smallshire:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">My final offering for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/worldodonataweekend?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#worldodonataweekend</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Britnatureguide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Britnatureguide</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BDSdragonflies?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BDSdragonflies</a>: a unique image taken high over Gomatong Cave, Borneo showing a world first - 2 of about 10 migrating flocks of dragonflies! These can be identified as Rhyothemis obsolescens from their wing pattern. <a href="https://t.co/zLlUez9jEV">pic.twitter.com/zLlUez9jEV</a></p>— Dave Smallshire (@smallshire) <a href="https://twitter.com/smallshire/status/1259442630955581441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2020</a></blockquote>The Migrant Hawker is indeed known for migrating in large swarms - hence its name - but little experimental research has been carried out on this species. Recent research conducted at a bird observatory on the Baltic coast in Latvia starts to address this gap. Aline Knoblauch and collaborators took advantage of dragonfly 'by-catch' in Heligoland traps during a few weeks in August and September. These large funnel-like traps covered on wire-netting, widely used to investigate bird migration, also capture dragonflies, unharmed. The researchers also used field 'orientation experiments, releasing freshly caught dragonflies into a closed round arena made of mesh and analysing recorded videos to determined if they had a preferred flight direction. All dragonflies were released after the short trials. Their results showed that individuals captured during autumn migration orient themselves to a southerly flight direction irrespective of the prevailing winds, even though there were more captures in the Heligoland trap when the prevailing wind were northerly wind, indicating that the dragonflies were choosing to fly when wind direction was favourable. These results indicate true migration, rather than random accumulations of feeding individuals in suitable areas. This experiment, however, doesn't answer the question of orientation to other individuals.<div>An observational study on the related species, Southern Migrant Hawker, <i>Aeshna affinis</i>, provides some intriguing clues about group migration, likely to apply to Migrant Hawkers as well: <div><blockquote><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"In the late afternoon, thousands of immature individuals were flying above the swamp, mainly at a height of 5-10 m. They formed a huge compact bubble, which was spatially clearly defined on the outside, but with unorganised bee-like swarming inside. Individuals showed a distinctly jerking and dancing flying style, with a minimum space kept between individuals."</span></blockquote><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span></div><div>This indicates not just agglomeration due to being in the same area with the same intent of migrating, but active flock formation behaviour. The insects also appeared to follow geographical features, a river, to migrate. </div></div><div>Another interesting feature of Migrant Hawker migration has been noted in a study recording the numbers of Migrant Hawkers migrating on the Danube delta. A strong male-bias of 2 males to 1 female was found, which was also noted in the first study. Although sex-biased dispersal and migration is well known in many animals, it is unclear if this is due to different timing of migration of males and males, or to different geographical or altitudinal pattern of migration of sexes. Note that observational studies are limited to dragonflies flying low, and Heligoland traps only capture dragonflies flying just above ground (within about 3 m).</div><div>We are starting to understand Migrant Hawker migration, but there is still a lot of questions to answer.</div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>More information</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Knoblauch, A., Thoma, M. & Menz, M. H. M. <a href="https://paperpile.com/app/p/635a52cb-403c-054a-b77e-d540d3e94d7a" target="_blank">Autumn southward migration of dragonflies along the Baltic coast and the influence of weather on flight behaviour</a>. <i>Anim. Behav.</i> <b>176</b>, 99–109 (2021).</p><p style="text-align: left;">Schröter, A. <a href="https://paperpile.com/shared/gbthoF" target="_blank">A mass migration of <i>Aeshna affinis</i> in southern Kyrgyzstan: attempt to provide a spatial and temporal reconstruction (Odonata: Aeshnidae)</a>. <i>Libellula</i> <b>30</b>, 203–232 (2011)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dyatlova, E. S. & Kalkman, V. J. <a href="https://paperpile.com/shared/eBslz0" target="_blank">Massive migration of <i>Aeshna mixta</i> and <i>Sympetrum meridionale</i> in the Ukrainian Danube delta (Odonata-Anisoptera: Aeschnidae, libellulidae)</a>. <i>Entomol Bericht</i> <b>68</b>, 188–190 (2008).</p>Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-52975626764677747242020-10-31T17:56:00.000+00:002020-10-31T17:56:07.415+00:00Budapest slug mating<img border="0" data-original-height="1618" data-original-width="2049" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Gnw8RbEaTZ9lCer9wXrGldWweTlFuaoPQC2BSfU1FC2oy3gA2mOXXnykbSZ6thDwH5mbUogZie5UEymcI2Dj_Hl-mbK516cDETYw_VTND3aDPxaoX_RuJOrWYTJU6GqmYiU0dJKOhhPJ/w640-h506/20201031_104159.jpg" style="color: #0000ee; text-align: center;" width="640" /><p>It's the last day of October: damp, windy and mild. As I go out into the garden, pondering upon the impending winter lockdown, I find two Budapest slugs circling on a cherry leaf on the ground. Budapest slugs remind me of hedgehog poo, dark and shiny and all the right shape. If they had been on the path pebbles I would have easily missed them. I watch them for a few minutes. They keep slowly circling, head-to-tail for a while as they follow each other's mucus trails. This is slug courtship and it happens at slug pace. It's 10:40 and it doesn't look like much is happening any time soon. I regularly go out to check on them for the rest of morning and afternoon. As I'm typing this, I grab a torch and decide to check on them again. They are still there, exactly in the same position as 3 hours ago. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxcvFQBvBCjLMOrypgl4KYN5vLSQ9tK1GQOU3IOwvchINvFdsJP6_edrJGSNy5IOlHrb_RZTy-Dk-9SfrcYQUpiqJWqw1AkF8Ty8Yt8VwpdKO_oa6DwV666I5LvJOTU-_Hgqa6CYVn-77/s2849/20201031_104300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2137" data-original-width="2849" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxcvFQBvBCjLMOrypgl4KYN5vLSQ9tK1GQOU3IOwvchINvFdsJP6_edrJGSNy5IOlHrb_RZTy-Dk-9SfrcYQUpiqJWqw1AkF8Ty8Yt8VwpdKO_oa6DwV666I5LvJOTU-_Hgqa6CYVn-77/w400-h300/20201031_104300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">10:42</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7d1DRtyxfZM0lhcM5zVY0KlSOB-esIpu04OmYshtnJBhNom05ypX4Uws4BSs1K07noKfyUJtI2DLiMbpAQ_gxZzLiQ6vtPV7DJSJuEfN4IlIgBNq9Jo0Hx2ptsFhX2ADakCERWo9wMqD3/s2307/20201031_110638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="2307" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7d1DRtyxfZM0lhcM5zVY0KlSOB-esIpu04OmYshtnJBhNom05ypX4Uws4BSs1K07noKfyUJtI2DLiMbpAQ_gxZzLiQ6vtPV7DJSJuEfN4IlIgBNq9Jo0Hx2ptsFhX2ADakCERWo9wMqD3/w400-h225/20201031_110638.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">11:06. The pair have moved onto the path pebbles now, the circling has stopped. They are now finding each others genital openings at the right side of their heads.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Xb-ZjphpqhFEX3DPYAqJ9Mq_u1JCGPYnrWsJUKjxb2sTaKNxOw-8ijZK6d9Ig5WpCgHEm3klwMPcXdQjZBRdkceMqoMQhJgP9D09sH_U0gYZOd7v-kY9nM-EZA8IM-Ym0Tv8MqA8gOwZ/s2138/20201031_112049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="2138" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Xb-ZjphpqhFEX3DPYAqJ9Mq_u1JCGPYnrWsJUKjxb2sTaKNxOw-8ijZK6d9Ig5WpCgHEm3klwMPcXdQjZBRdkceMqoMQhJgP9D09sH_U0gYZOd7v-kY9nM-EZA8IM-Ym0Tv8MqA8gOwZ/w400-h256/20201031_112049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">11:20. Copulation proper appears to start.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWQ0luPi8kR2b-v5Eg9XVzI7vtyLXyLj0L_uvD8fTEO9oa6VGkqyUOQ5ygRfys4NzHxaTITsrEg8SPPY2d9E6R4ZmcHPlwD6NJ5_SfpupQXyOHbUyX9rBukWVaMDSdwtmtRoW0mKeip2g/s2090/20201031_122032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="2090" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWQ0luPi8kR2b-v5Eg9XVzI7vtyLXyLj0L_uvD8fTEO9oa6VGkqyUOQ5ygRfys4NzHxaTITsrEg8SPPY2d9E6R4ZmcHPlwD6NJ5_SfpupQXyOHbUyX9rBukWVaMDSdwtmtRoW0mKeip2g/w400-h300/20201031_122032.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">12:20</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHEodn_6yb7iNTwjLUnDMxgjlls6gWzfMfUjn0pkpGXHNl1antDsTdJyd5DntR7rFRqPFToS4gGTzwGzB-QCFDWxRUS6MfiBLlFL-D4bCkCrPV2vf8hy-ziO4tEQquRAlJ55WuUGix8FW/s2076/20201031_143159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1557" data-original-width="2076" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHEodn_6yb7iNTwjLUnDMxgjlls6gWzfMfUjn0pkpGXHNl1antDsTdJyd5DntR7rFRqPFToS4gGTzwGzB-QCFDWxRUS6MfiBLlFL-D4bCkCrPV2vf8hy-ziO4tEQquRAlJ55WuUGix8FW/w400-h300/20201031_143159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">14:31</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB45vnGK9VQMaVZY5pAEJdluwOZl3gGBUM-F5nYiX5VP9HgaZkdyHz9a368dknyA5_tsN7YKjd2RDI8EXXGhGGQG7FYMVODX8S5VV5LTjYKcfQul1OXdEkv7grZ8deWyCsmuwgyixeXfU/s1904/20201031_172030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1904" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB45vnGK9VQMaVZY5pAEJdluwOZl3gGBUM-F5nYiX5VP9HgaZkdyHz9a368dknyA5_tsN7YKjd2RDI8EXXGhGGQG7FYMVODX8S5VV5LTjYKcfQul1OXdEkv7grZ8deWyCsmuwgyixeXfU/w400-h300/20201031_172030.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">17:20. Very little change in the last few hours. The slugs are now entwined and practically immobile.</div>I pick the Slugs of Britain and Ireland and check the species account for info on their mating behaviour. Of note is that they are mainly subterranean and active year round.<div>This quote is fitting: </div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span><blockquote><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"in winter adults are often found almost motionless, mating. Mating lasts many hours and involves the production of elaborate spermatophores"</span></blockquote></div><div>I wonder if they'll be there tomorrow.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>More information</b></div><div>Rowson, Ben, James Turner, Roy Andreson and Bill Symondson Slugs of Britain and Ireland. 2014. FSC Publications. AIDGAP.</div>Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-10894206379733871232020-10-27T20:56:00.004+00:002020-10-27T20:58:32.365+00:00Emperor home ranges, habitat use and differences between sexes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpIKXOwk8wDhjIo6cNQEbfahdw8y1xQTjMnP37DQocTBqOXj6KCCCUO2PA74yfTZUIavFZuE3kldarnInOYddJfE_VaRro560ZFyCo1J-Tpr9xxBFWRKRZqK3MdwLI8vMzqFsbnazUpK6/s2632/IMG_5635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1974" data-original-width="2632" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpIKXOwk8wDhjIo6cNQEbfahdw8y1xQTjMnP37DQocTBqOXj6KCCCUO2PA74yfTZUIavFZuE3kldarnInOYddJfE_VaRro560ZFyCo1J-Tpr9xxBFWRKRZqK3MdwLI8vMzqFsbnazUpK6/w640-h480/IMG_5635.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Emperors (<i>Anax imperator</i>) have done very well this year in my local area, which has allowed me to become familiar with the different behaviours of males and females. Females are quite stealthy, entering ponds to oviposit on floating vegetation, often flying low over the water. In contrast, males display an obvious territorial behaviour, patrolling high over the water of the large pond, lake or slow running drains where they breed. Males move towards passing birds, and towards any intruders, with spectacular fights and clashes between the males, some times resulting on individuals falling on the water.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQf3AR5PVucZDq812H87o34US_NzyEqxgq9XjUh9_EK-9TqR7D7RCK7hwjTS7j3iLXpZuOCy4dz32UXB_ZQnvGlAUxrYPbCqPzMSA6pXAoEkgpTPf6tSdzeS-p1XrhNQAPyyCStWCBLER/s2617/IMG_6269.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1963" data-original-width="2617" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQf3AR5PVucZDq812H87o34US_NzyEqxgq9XjUh9_EK-9TqR7D7RCK7hwjTS7j3iLXpZuOCy4dz32UXB_ZQnvGlAUxrYPbCqPzMSA6pXAoEkgpTPf6tSdzeS-p1XrhNQAPyyCStWCBLER/w400-h300/IMG_6269.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ovipositing female emperor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbSm_6k0x9ZBz5d0q4_i_ud4fAoXgkoe7ycRe-gcLDDO326xc5TJwmRnjhqZxgHiYAXh7EhV-wPNmJiyEaEZ2l6v0F74g2jTAvGe-DX-5yCVzTqDbIpyV1h_GIz5gNNeXkMQpv49vhRlJ/s2669/IMG_9174.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="2669" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbSm_6k0x9ZBz5d0q4_i_ud4fAoXgkoe7ycRe-gcLDDO326xc5TJwmRnjhqZxgHiYAXh7EhV-wPNmJiyEaEZ2l6v0F74g2jTAvGe-DX-5yCVzTqDbIpyV1h_GIz5gNNeXkMQpv49vhRlJ/w400-h300/IMG_9174.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A male patrolling alongside the marginal vegetation of a large ditch.</div><p></p><p>All this means that we are biased in our understanding to these more obvious behaviours, ovipositing and territoriality. But many other questions remain about Emperor's behaviour and ecology, for example, where are females when they are not ovipositing? or males, when they are not patrolling a pond? how far do individuals roam or disperse? where do they roost? how is their behaviour affected by temperature? do they make use of the habitats around ponds? what about sex differences?</p><p>Capture-mark-resighting techniques have be used in dragonflies to study individual movements, behaviour or demographic parameters. Individuals of large dragonflies can be marked using alpha-numeric unique wing codes written with permanent markers, which could be read from a distance, with no need from physical recapture (for example using binoculars). This technique, however, requires an enormous field effort to relocate as many individuals as possible.</p><p>Another technique that has been used to study migration is to analyse location-specific isotopes in wing samples. These isotopes have signatures specific to geographic areas, which point at the area where the larval stage took place (as the wing tissue is formed during the larval stage). This method has been used to reveal the multi-generational migrations of the Green Darner (<i>Anax junius</i>) a North American relative of the Emperor that is a long-distance migrant. Hydrogen stable isotopes showed that the migration cycle comprises a north migrating generation, a south migrating generation and a resident generation that develops around the Gulf of Mexico. Another study using stable isotopes on the Global Skimmer, <i>Pantala flavescens</i>, revealed its multigenerational migration steps around the Indian Ocean. Although ranging from South Africa to Sweden, and still involved in natural colonisation towards the north, facilitated by global heating, the Emperor is a resident species, so this technique is not of much use.</p><p><b>Radio transmitters in dragonflies?</b></p><p>As technologies have resulted in the miniaturisation of radio-transmitters in recent years, they have increasingly been used to study more local movement patterns in large dragonflies, like the North American Tiger Spiketail (<i>Cordulegaster erronea)</i> a relative of our Golden-ringed Dragonfly and Green Darners. The individuals need to be captured and fitted with tiny transmitter before release, and they have to be found in the landscape using scanning receivers fitted with an antenna. Size matters as the transmitter must be less than 30% of the weight of the dragonfly not to impede normal behaviour. The Emperor, one of our largest dragonflies, weighs about 1 g, and can be fitted with such small transmitters (check the photo <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/downloadSupplement?doi=10.1111%2Ffwb.13632&file=fwb13632-sup-0001-FigS1.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> of an individual fitted with a transmitter). In an early small scale study (5 tagged individuals), researchers looked at home ranges and local movements between roosting sites and pond territories in male Emperors. The furthest moving male travelled 1.5 km from the tagging pond to another pond.</p><p>An article published recently sheds some light on home ranges and habitat use of Emperors using radio-transmitters. Marceau Minot and his collaborators chose five ponds in an urban/rural interface in northern France. Over the summers of 2017 and 2018 they marked 87 mature emperors with unique wing codes and visited the ponds at least once weekly to search for marked individuals. They also fitted 54 individuals with radio transmitters, and tracked them daily for up to 15 days.</p><div>Capturing individuals to fit radio transmitters or mark their wings has a cost. Both techniques increase mortality in the day after capture, probably due to the stress of the capture. </div><p><b>Sex differences in behaviour</b></p><p>Females had larger home ranges than males. The furthest distance a female travelled was 1.9 km while males moved less, with the maximum male movement 0.5 km. This could be related to male's territorial behaviour. Presumably females oviposit in several ponds.</p><p>Reproductive behaviour of males, but not females, is positively related to temperature.</p><p>Flying behaviour in females is positively related to temperature, while resting high in trees is negatively related to temperature.</p><p>Both sexes were mostly found on ponds or pond marginal areas, although males spend more time near water.</p><p>Resting happened in ponds and trees. Females tend to roost high on trees, more than males. While males tend to rest low in vegetation.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEjO1KzdYu5sChwsARBNqjpwQaAOMrqztb7QcxHXnzacCqi6SIjgVHx6WjQdtyeCxVL-f_Ubjx_KrHiXCVx1rzkaoOY44yiCjs9xOaDLawoolqG2nd5nWHSs2K2UugDxJMKIgqByIJOyb/s2357/IMG_0683.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1767" data-original-width="2357" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEjO1KzdYu5sChwsARBNqjpwQaAOMrqztb7QcxHXnzacCqi6SIjgVHx6WjQdtyeCxVL-f_Ubjx_KrHiXCVx1rzkaoOY44yiCjs9xOaDLawoolqG2nd5nWHSs2K2UugDxJMKIgqByIJOyb/w400-h300/IMG_0683.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A male emperor resting on marginal vegetation.</div><p>The researchers estimated the effect of marking protocol on survival of the dragonflies. The manipulation of the individuals affected their survival, possibly due to the stress during manipulation: 76% of individuals survived 24 after capture and wing marking, while just 56% survived 24h after being fitted with a radio-transmitter. Individuals with proportionally larger wings (not larger body mass) and younger in age survived better throughout the experiment.</p><p><b>Habitat management</b></p><p>The study also highlighted that both rural and urban ponds will benefit from the presence of neighbouring trees as suitable roosting sites, and emperors will benefit from the presence of a network of ponds, rather than isolated ponds.</p><p><b>More information</b></p><p>Hallworth, M. T., Marra, P. P., McFarland, K. P., Zahendra, S. & Studds, C. E. <a href="https://paperpile.com/shared/WbcjjO">Tracking dragons: stable isotopes reveal the annual cycle of a long-distance migratory insect</a>. <i>Biol. Lett.</i> (2018).</p><p>Hobson, K. A., Anderson, R. C., Soto, D. X. & Wassenaar, L. I. <a href="https://paperpile.com/shared/tKXaeX" target="_blank">Isotopic evidence that dragonflies (<i>Pantala flavescens</i>) migrating through the Maldives come from the northern Indian subcontinent</a>. <i>PLoS One</i> <b>7</b>, e52594 (2012).</p><p>Knight, S. M., Pitman, G. M., Flockhart, D. T. T. & Norris, D. R. <a href="https://paperpile.com/shared/6v6c4h" target="_blank">Radio-tracking reveals how wind and temperature influence the pace of daytime insect migration</a>. <i>Biol. Lett.</i> <b>15</b>, 20190327 (2019).</p><p>Levett, S. & Walls, S. <a href="https://paperpile.com/shared/BGo7ww" target="_blank">Tracking the elusive life of the Emperor Dragonfly <i>Anax imperator</i> Leach</a>. <b>27</b>, 59–68 (2011).</p><p>Minot, M., Besnard, A. & Husté, A. <a href="https://paperpile.com/shared/fgQLEY" target="_blank">Habitat use and movements of a large dragonfly (Odonata: <i>Anax imperator</i>) in a pond network</a>. <i>Freshw. Biol.</i> <b>46</b>, 207 (2020)</p>Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-17895998591324910062020-09-30T16:54:00.001+01:002020-10-21T15:16:41.574+01:00Hull Dragons 2020: September summary<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVUFpXbnsboQWLpMfX0epToCYtpN9zpKf3YQpO3PKstnZ7QyHMhqeDDFlt3K9VTMijd0zjL5HD3M0Ldnq5weQPLap2rbVUnkf4mPz62f0P1Bs7ctpsXBy18nl6_-tbcwQlrDFQuHCYiUg/w625-h469/IMG_8980.JPG" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Autumn is definitely on the air, after the warm and sunny days that have brought the dragonflies and damselflies out in the first three weeks of the month, cooler weather with northerly winds and more rain set in for the last part of the month. A total of 133 records from 8 species were submitted in September by 15 observers, covering 31 km2. Thank you all for your efforts. The survey is set to surpass the number of records submitted last year, with a total so far of 696 records. </div><b><div><b><br /></b></div>March of the Willow Emerald</b><div>The Willow Emerald Damselfly has <a href="https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/recording/willow-emerald-watch/" target="_blank">expanded through the UK since 2009</a>, after natural colonisation from Europe. A year ago Dick Shillaker found a male Willow Emerald at East Park, the first record for East Yorkshire. This year, we've had a number of records for the species in the Hull area, in fact, it has been the 3rd species in number of records for September after Migrant Hawker and Common Darter. A warm, breezy afternoon - one year to the day of the first record - I bumped into a mating pair, first flying and then settled on a buddleia branch, just under the pedestrian bridge at Abbey Way, over the Beverley & Barmston drain (top shot). Some distance away, a lone female basked on a Japanese Knotweed. A few days later, we had another set of records at a new location, Humber Bridge Country Park, where 6-7 individuals with two mating pairs in the same area and records for a number of days. A male was spotted at the Beverley and Barmston Drain by Beresford Avenue. The sudden increase in records from last year and their spread, and the number of individuals involved may suggest that the species may have been overlooked last year, when it might already have bred in Hull. Alternatively, there has been a massive influx of individuals arriving at suitable sites coinciding with the warm weather and southernly winds?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9biKMANPyfLWbmkWSF3uWix-dOixyZgJYOBUrh1ejGbmYg525JRsXJpkK4BAXKWKqeOAP0cZ1a1BnEABw7j9d0ta_z-QvZNNdDJQyg2dH0uTqbl9-SXD47CHyYr3-DmQUYU3wuOqQs0Zf/s3379/IMG_8993.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2534" data-original-width="3379" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9biKMANPyfLWbmkWSF3uWix-dOixyZgJYOBUrh1ejGbmYg525JRsXJpkK4BAXKWKqeOAP0cZ1a1BnEABw7j9d0ta_z-QvZNNdDJQyg2dH0uTqbl9-SXD47CHyYr3-DmQUYU3wuOqQs0Zf/w400-h300/IMG_8993.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Female Willow Emerald Damselfly on Japanese Knotweed.</span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Beverley and Barmston Drain</b></div>I have been visiting the Beverley and Barmston drain regularly <a href="http://wildathull.blogspot.com/search/label/Beverley%20and%20Bramston%20Drain" target="_blank">this year</a>. It has been surprisingly good for dragonflies, with even a Hairy Dragonfly early in the year. The drain does looks like ideal habitat for Willow Emeralds: very slow flowing and with occasional willows over the water. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJU42I0FquUt6BX5jjiQSbO31tyJMB8xAydoSC7tKyx4Oe4xUWlby7Ob2IYFmeJBWHfwXbp3_X_BDsS2H2fMPJmHgLspxMQitZrra57s72Ocv7zKw6bXVRbKZIg6uWq-HSVEC4HWFz8MR/s3239/IMG_8990.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2429" data-original-width="3239" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJU42I0FquUt6BX5jjiQSbO31tyJMB8xAydoSC7tKyx4Oe4xUWlby7Ob2IYFmeJBWHfwXbp3_X_BDsS2H2fMPJmHgLspxMQitZrra57s72Ocv7zKw6bXVRbKZIg6uWq-HSVEC4HWFz8MR/w400-h300/IMG_8990.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A terrapin emerges from the blanket of duckweed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgx7_QAaF_OtzLHgKGtoepmtsqLIzaWjR1BQA8ouxasfVW_hVv_Iv2pB7b3LOVMWulESC23QVYQW1hKw-OBSOYU70k5M64o_EJBLPH9fiGWmRYtlS5bc0pxpDl5MBCKJsS2HKqLx1lVkc/s3981/IMG_8988.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2986" data-original-width="3981" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgx7_QAaF_OtzLHgKGtoepmtsqLIzaWjR1BQA8ouxasfVW_hVv_Iv2pB7b3LOVMWulESC23QVYQW1hKw-OBSOYU70k5M64o_EJBLPH9fiGWmRYtlS5bc0pxpDl5MBCKJsS2HKqLx1lVkc/w400-h300/IMG_8988.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moorhen sat on floating rocking horse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudAK08dMmbcNH9fEMtZuEkgQpiSnL1wnXdjx6V8pkWlD94gFHRlreGnXvUSjQCvVjcfHvFowXnHc-VLa36dOmufQKAm4yV4BuK6u_1cWgCZj8X3-ULLbal4hB5p8QMRL68XOnWEy8wANu/s4608/20200908_141953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudAK08dMmbcNH9fEMtZuEkgQpiSnL1wnXdjx6V8pkWlD94gFHRlreGnXvUSjQCvVjcfHvFowXnHc-VLa36dOmufQKAm4yV4BuK6u_1cWgCZj8X3-ULLbal4hB5p8QMRL68XOnWEy8wANu/w400-h225/20200908_141953.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A stretch of drain with overhanging willows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNfCZGjCn_zgiIJ4hQX-zybuBoyyUGS9X1HhR5sACCRsergghXcUGU46cfdSqJ1akVbububc8EJjkr9EVl4er2UXKTumS0yLpqfbyfwzMT1TSseoigE9ctF-QnDCgnxXIkLqwTwg97sQs/s4608/20200908_141527.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNfCZGjCn_zgiIJ4hQX-zybuBoyyUGS9X1HhR5sACCRsergghXcUGU46cfdSqJ1akVbububc8EJjkr9EVl4er2UXKTumS0yLpqfbyfwzMT1TSseoigE9ctF-QnDCgnxXIkLqwTwg97sQs/w400-h225/20200908_141527.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This stretch of the drain has large trees on one side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xmxvbuZk-aPfC2kO_kE8PIccYP70_r_n3l6EG-iY1HfY_LWqt0DR_CCrKusF5MTVIFATx7a4qD2w5_ubeti_ZLYyN61k2Wi4Tz9pAL7G8EEdSjYTkykHIxrkOdnZ0LmBOH_4ppHGk0QT/s4608/20200908_141329.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xmxvbuZk-aPfC2kO_kE8PIccYP70_r_n3l6EG-iY1HfY_LWqt0DR_CCrKusF5MTVIFATx7a4qD2w5_ubeti_ZLYyN61k2Wi4Tz9pAL7G8EEdSjYTkykHIxrkOdnZ0LmBOH_4ppHGk0QT/w400-h225/20200908_141329.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOgTyE0c-hUxXp46GWOxfrZBYZWOA8Y43lD213bAdZmYTJfJF5pWChHa2yrFibGYvIZZgDuTavMljjRc7OiTMVRnUh4vFFmkrv2wUWGAHTpkkK9anpABys7VSCFecrge5dSuB8gm79itP/s4608/20200908_140346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOgTyE0c-hUxXp46GWOxfrZBYZWOA8Y43lD213bAdZmYTJfJF5pWChHa2yrFibGYvIZZgDuTavMljjRc7OiTMVRnUh4vFFmkrv2wUWGAHTpkkK9anpABys7VSCFecrge5dSuB8gm79itP/w400-h225/20200908_140346.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Abbey Way pedestrian bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgD3HHW-4NtPeFLBK8KJRvHSH96kmd2cbUz8yNan5szn1WH3WNKcZf2Barefx0xBEEhozf1uDVCds8WPqi_aNOH3zr5D31-VSoJ8VQfJxOwR27vdQd9kLsCzk90YJEqI6nLD8nEDFnBkn/s4608/20200921_135930.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgD3HHW-4NtPeFLBK8KJRvHSH96kmd2cbUz8yNan5szn1WH3WNKcZf2Barefx0xBEEhozf1uDVCds8WPqi_aNOH3zr5D31-VSoJ8VQfJxOwR27vdQd9kLsCzk90YJEqI6nLD8nEDFnBkn/w400-h225/20200921_135930.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beresford Avenue bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Breeding Migrant Hawkers</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">September is peak breeding season for Migrant Hawkers. They reach maturity and males develop intense blue and yellow colours. Females also have more rich brown and yellow colours. Individuals may still be seen away from water, but as they mature, they are increasingly found by their breeding lakes and ponds where their behaviour becomes more focused on breeding. Males patrol areas by marginal vegetation, often hovering over this for some seconds before moving to prospect another area. Sometimes they enter marginal vegetation searching for females. If a female is spotted, mating ensues. I have been able to follow two mating pairs from the beginning. The pair flies away from the water and settles on trees or marginal vegetation, on a south facing spot. Although I've watched many pairs mating, in two instances I could watch a mating pair for a long time, since the initial capture of the female by the male. These two pairs remained mating for over 32 minutes and over 17 minutes (I didn't stay the full length of the mating so these will be underestimates). I have been unable to find any information on the average mating length in the species. In a previous post I have covered the <a href="https://abugblog.blogspot.com/search?q=scramble" target="_blank">mating system in this species</a>, which concludes that non-territorial species, like the Migrant Hawker, where sperm competition is likely to be more intense, mate for longer, and is nice to see that my observations match this expectation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxHqrj69kZ1DHx2u0EaF0MY4_YPPy2pqVSdNDC3dIAnVnW0NU8gyqZejPw5sFaG4UTG2ZdE0QYBMq71IfPXA3HbYFSeBIBDtMZSnMhyphenhyphenXccaKj2HFiAaoPRDffXaL5ZrbWctIY-hJd0MhO/s4608/IMG_9325.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxHqrj69kZ1DHx2u0EaF0MY4_YPPy2pqVSdNDC3dIAnVnW0NU8gyqZejPw5sFaG4UTG2ZdE0QYBMq71IfPXA3HbYFSeBIBDtMZSnMhyphenhyphenXccaKj2HFiAaoPRDffXaL5ZrbWctIY-hJd0MhO/w400-h300/IMG_9325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A resting male in full breeding colours.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGJhduBfl87breic9X7sDYNRhRLGm1Gzh6enOleDueNErLwqMuD-zqwOd7fZ2iJ_rJcMF-P1aRZUbxf6YxXxtyequneb-MMzasMmbd8ClJP1E2Szz0wsoliNMmI9WmqigCdV4Vk2tmuh3/s2672/IMG_9135.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="2672" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGJhduBfl87breic9X7sDYNRhRLGm1Gzh6enOleDueNErLwqMuD-zqwOd7fZ2iJ_rJcMF-P1aRZUbxf6YxXxtyequneb-MMzasMmbd8ClJP1E2Szz0wsoliNMmI9WmqigCdV4Vk2tmuh3/w400-h300/IMG_9135.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mating pair at Noddle Hill lake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI7bMRdmpfN0bbkH3Ie0MAS6hN_3bgAsiyctZgCOTLDVH36fvfCmzKNg1bqT2jFUf25xOiPGS0ruKTwjksVXQtSRN5jTt5R5K4CcRltMKLwl0TpN5tcpQVMdbWu0b_T7MIwomZ8ELT11N/s2792/IMG_9175.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2094" data-original-width="2792" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI7bMRdmpfN0bbkH3Ie0MAS6hN_3bgAsiyctZgCOTLDVH36fvfCmzKNg1bqT2jFUf25xOiPGS0ruKTwjksVXQtSRN5jTt5R5K4CcRltMKLwl0TpN5tcpQVMdbWu0b_T7MIwomZ8ELT11N/w400-h300/IMG_9175.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Migrant Hawker ovipositing on floating branch at Foredyke Green Pond, an unusual ovipositing spot for this species.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhVx17aRo_h2P8axltz5jRwtu_D9Y8YkpR58avmjAn0nGbMVsWIXKjhM-plpEibEsKDDdPnqmwXP_RNWCb1hxia0l-h6Ar5fDocNcFaeYV1hRrQp9eQ0-0nDshDwU_dTFx7Djpqd_eT3s/s4608/IMG_9340.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhVx17aRo_h2P8axltz5jRwtu_D9Y8YkpR58avmjAn0nGbMVsWIXKjhM-plpEibEsKDDdPnqmwXP_RNWCb1hxia0l-h6Ar5fDocNcFaeYV1hRrQp9eQ0-0nDshDwU_dTFx7Djpqd_eT3s/w400-h300/IMG_9340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Female Migrant Hawker ovipositing on branched burr-weed leaves, by the water. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ8-YpHIARK0q0ZTtEVX_VgZxMtlyu8Bfyz7NmsD6F8QvogKuTx1LDHDO-8e5UdpAVuRYm1QXFH0dZbYiMYiEZ5rBtScRjlBX1u-IZDK7eFxaGOdann5ZuvVzKzHm641xAHMugUWFdoHf/s4608/IMG_9181.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ8-YpHIARK0q0ZTtEVX_VgZxMtlyu8Bfyz7NmsD6F8QvogKuTx1LDHDO-8e5UdpAVuRYm1QXFH0dZbYiMYiEZ5rBtScRjlBX1u-IZDK7eFxaGOdann5ZuvVzKzHm641xAHMugUWFdoHf/w400-h300/IMG_9181.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brown Hawker ovipositing on floating wooden board.</div><div><p><b>Species recorded in September</b></p><p>Migrant Hawker, 74 records.</p><p>Common Darter, 30 records.</p><p>Willow Emerald Damselfly, 11 records.</p><p>Southern Hawker, 6 records.</p><p>Small Red-eyed Damselfly, 2 records.</p><p>Blue-tailed Damselfly, 1 record.</p><p>Ruddy Darter, 1 record.</p><p>Brown Hawker, 1 record.</p></div>Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-52605927242753988432020-09-02T15:32:00.008+01:002020-09-02T15:32:50.324+01:00Hull Dragons 2020: August summary<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQfMY7Mb76vepa96WYthil2_kKl6dtgHby9Ju3yx_LygoG23PQ3KQohx1DZJcS0WFmlYsj36mcts3MKlbpoJHu9J-dJdPI1ooJvg3bHd7z8ue7anLrMOQiQwRrcpQqBT9Q5BObM7xh7x4/s3101/IMG_7980.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3101" data-original-width="3101" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQfMY7Mb76vepa96WYthil2_kKl6dtgHby9Ju3yx_LygoG23PQ3KQohx1DZJcS0WFmlYsj36mcts3MKlbpoJHu9J-dJdPI1ooJvg3bHd7z8ue7anLrMOQiQwRrcpQqBT9Q5BObM7xh7x4/w640-h640/IMG_7980.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>We've had some excellent dragonfly weather this August, with plenty of warm, sunny days. Although the last week had plenty of wind and rain, it was often warm enough even when overcast to entice some dragonflies out, until the very end of the month, dominated by cold northerly winds.</p><p><b>Odonata highlights</b></p><p>We've got a whooping 200 records from 12 species in the month of August. These are from at 35 1 km squares for August from 13 recorders, thank you all who have contributed records!</p><p>The season is over for many species (Hairy Dragonfly, Large Red Damselfly, Broad-bodied Chaser, Banded Demoiselle), and is coming to an end for others: Azure Damselfly, Four-spotted Chaser or Black-tailed Skimmer.</p><p>Migrant Hawkers (top shot) have been the top species, with a third of all, followed by Common Darter,and Blue-tailed Damselfly. Although there has been no new species added for the year in August, there is a chance we may still record Willow Emerald as the first records las year were in September.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAsx8qEf3x5e4vsbVbcu0NElq_XekjoQt7E6q_APQiHPmyYf0uo88MGrGTXUtsFysctz6DtwfQTidXBl9R-1jX7jg8Zf0rhO86KFPVgCXsGJIR2Kk1gRdxKNDY1s_VW2zgmKPN8Q_K_7B/s2488/IMG_7579.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1865" data-original-width="2488" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAsx8qEf3x5e4vsbVbcu0NElq_XekjoQt7E6q_APQiHPmyYf0uo88MGrGTXUtsFysctz6DtwfQTidXBl9R-1jX7jg8Zf0rhO86KFPVgCXsGJIR2Kk1gRdxKNDY1s_VW2zgmKPN8Q_K_7B/w410-h307/IMG_7579.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Brown Hawkers</b></p>Brown Hawkers bumper year has continued, they are the 5th species in number of records for the month. In July many observations involved patrolling males on territory, but in August, ovipositing has been observed, twice at Foredyke Green (on the muddy shore, on floating wood and on floating polystyrene) and also likely ovipositing behaviour at East Park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCnEDC8n78NpEbL6BnsTB0qiesILLimuVE1BbuTZM3CgdJ-OoLBaMQYtKAd4R6ACsHiqg3dV7-3ydzghjQwfP1w71o8Ogbr5Pu6XbR-vcemD0-8gVoYetYe8mKOIOd92fyATp0yrJGSgo/s4608/IMG_7741.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCnEDC8n78NpEbL6BnsTB0qiesILLimuVE1BbuTZM3CgdJ-OoLBaMQYtKAd4R6ACsHiqg3dV7-3ydzghjQwfP1w71o8Ogbr5Pu6XbR-vcemD0-8gVoYetYe8mKOIOd92fyATp0yrJGSgo/w512-h384/IMG_7741.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Female Brown Hawker rests between ovipositing bouts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAyjlDm5zWoyzYkTd39y7IiTGkujMSyoG7vxGV53SLS2CbVxAKILlJ-giYDWgsXfCia2ZPPXfaZ__b5CAbXkg4pXURCy_7hluUOlT_K6o0_Z4d4Gt9n5fHcGm-iIGVoFtZmYb79nvrEXO/s4608/IMG_7746.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAyjlDm5zWoyzYkTd39y7IiTGkujMSyoG7vxGV53SLS2CbVxAKILlJ-giYDWgsXfCia2ZPPXfaZ__b5CAbXkg4pXURCy_7hluUOlT_K6o0_Z4d4Gt9n5fHcGm-iIGVoFtZmYb79nvrEXO/w512-h384/IMG_7746.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oviposition on polystyrene.</div><p><b>Migrant Hawker</b></p>Most records involving hawkers away from water, hunting at 4-5 m high, sometimes in twos and threes are highly likely to be Migrant Hawkers in our area. Two or three individuals have been present regularly in my garden, and I was lucky enough to spot one of them basking quite low on a potted olive tree. It allowed for very close approximation.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonRqKWZe8TOm1f2fGCQbKumR9XjdtAG-xKh4mBzVKy6_NoFmw-4Q3MwoBxvKiqJ37JbulpVnwr7NhRd7O9nlwfTylApxjStM094b6d2A5JiIXzAb-Iy6GAQ7I0OYgvRaW_Pbj5zIz0wC5/s805/WhatsApp+Image+2020-08-22+at+17.45.01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="805" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonRqKWZe8TOm1f2fGCQbKumR9XjdtAG-xKh4mBzVKy6_NoFmw-4Q3MwoBxvKiqJ37JbulpVnwr7NhRd7O9nlwfTylApxjStM094b6d2A5JiIXzAb-Iy6GAQ7I0OYgvRaW_Pbj5zIz0wC5/w512-h512/WhatsApp+Image+2020-08-22+at+17.45.01.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A male Migrant Hawker Photo taken by my son with his mobile phone. 22nd August.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBm_QJCEcn3Gm810ixn5AwJ4kICYnqKxq6Y7nafav88XeLJSpqDWJc4UJATofa_VtCA3sHtB9aXddIdhCqoVA-E5MhGsrgxmJIjkmSkYOZH00AYvFMl7Bnc0PfaUAAUWf8t4SRZhjvBOk/s3456/IMG_8362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3456" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBm_QJCEcn3Gm810ixn5AwJ4kICYnqKxq6Y7nafav88XeLJSpqDWJc4UJATofa_VtCA3sHtB9aXddIdhCqoVA-E5MhGsrgxmJIjkmSkYOZH00AYvFMl7Bnc0PfaUAAUWf8t4SRZhjvBOk/w512-h512/IMG_8362.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And a female, from the 31st of August.</div>There were several exciting Migrant Hawker highlights. One of them was to find a total of 6 exuviae at East Park. Exuviae is the formal name for a moulted larval skin, which can be found on marginal or emergent plants, after the adult has emerged. The presence of exuviae in a site provides evidence that a species has successfully bred in a site. As far as I know this is the first confirmation of successful breeding in the city of Hull after last years observed ovipositing in several sites.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8SnNuufFShZtaZsANaSlPMTT9Vb_v1MuiJIXf15Sl4rTGMroKf6i9vUxINmi3-zuFPdqLky0iDBsKSOGrKLcF2IEM799kcBJaf2n1HvX4g45z-6mMQKwOiW5F4TvoLPSa5wfMvgvBbHV/s4608/IMG_7827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8SnNuufFShZtaZsANaSlPMTT9Vb_v1MuiJIXf15Sl4rTGMroKf6i9vUxINmi3-zuFPdqLky0iDBsKSOGrKLcF2IEM799kcBJaf2n1HvX4g45z-6mMQKwOiW5F4TvoLPSa5wfMvgvBbHV/w410-h307/IMG_7827.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Migrant hawker exuviae in situ.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another interesting observation involved an individual flying underneath an ivy overhang and settling on it, moments before a rain shower. I found another individual near it. I wonder what makes the hawkers seek refuge, maybe the sudden darkening of the sky?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8uKE5sUoXv6j98YuJGeqiYIrOsacuaCkJ6FUM1Zofo-1xvNO0JCF_6DBhrU3lh3brLpdqBYpEF0CyVRuh6OXo-HKonlELeNK-5nPuMNMSyHGyT4BhLfpuJ4s8XMvW3ww76tT8lbpm9qY/s4608/20200823_151201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8uKE5sUoXv6j98YuJGeqiYIrOsacuaCkJ6FUM1Zofo-1xvNO0JCF_6DBhrU3lh3brLpdqBYpEF0CyVRuh6OXo-HKonlELeNK-5nPuMNMSyHGyT4BhLfpuJ4s8XMvW3ww76tT8lbpm9qY/w410-h230/20200823_151201.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5adq2IQbhatxHdcg-QhjhyphenhyphenGD8AdIIvQEpw6W3r5XyMKgRnZ3xWAjyoX3O4PCfEd3DkblUiadPckhFhkDN-m9fK088AERmVQ1rD4AUy_9LqMnKNX969e-OFoyz7PAOzUiTzdlJ4zmKu7xB/s4608/IMG_7996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5adq2IQbhatxHdcg-QhjhyphenhyphenGD8AdIIvQEpw6W3r5XyMKgRnZ3xWAjyoX3O4PCfEd3DkblUiadPckhFhkDN-m9fK088AERmVQ1rD4AUy_9LqMnKNX969e-OFoyz7PAOzUiTzdlJ4zmKu7xB/w410-h307/IMG_7996.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNsfeQw9L-K2Q0zKVPfynJoil-MNlVPoOKfAk-kV0zTCpqiVFKrVeNM4pcAQpCw0R6cmuHWSWJASn2upd_q6zfujJ4UCxH7zLcX4HzwE81fTDv7LLUnfl-jLscstsj9rCOXGW1ek6NEPp/s4608/IMG_7998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNsfeQw9L-K2Q0zKVPfynJoil-MNlVPoOKfAk-kV0zTCpqiVFKrVeNM4pcAQpCw0R6cmuHWSWJASn2upd_q6zfujJ4UCxH7zLcX4HzwE81fTDv7LLUnfl-jLscstsj9rCOXGW1ek6NEPp/w410-h307/IMG_7998.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was at Pearson Park Wildlife garden during muggy, but cloudy weather. During a sunny spell followed by a strong breeze, at least 20 migrant hawkers took to the wing and started hunting over the garden. This is the largest number of individuals I have seen of this species.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, I have been able to observe Migrant Hawkers active during cloudy weather and temperatures as low as 13-14 oC. They might be able to achieve temperatures high enough for flight by basking during brief sunny spells. When windy, they forage around trees at the lee side of the wind in sheltered, sun-facing spots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Blue-tailed damselfly mating behaviour</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The following photo show a mating pair of Blue-tailed damselflies. In this species, <a href="http://abugblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Blue-tailed%20damselfly" target="_blank">copulation is very long, up to 8 hours</a> and in dense populations a form similar in colour to males increases in frequency, as these females avoid the costs of prolonged copulations.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcP-eGXeXu3UUVR8pbNhOFniM9LE-k1f7M7kjOb0h9VgsWDJ3tjveJmK6T4mHL3AGVIEHn23-ILWgsvVpN9_g1meIVkzBWAZLVQIAwGUEbSweCc2dK2yBPQ3tJHjC0XJtEi6jlB4Pv3oCW/s2948/IMG_7720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2210" data-original-width="2948" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcP-eGXeXu3UUVR8pbNhOFniM9LE-k1f7M7kjOb0h9VgsWDJ3tjveJmK6T4mHL3AGVIEHn23-ILWgsvVpN9_g1meIVkzBWAZLVQIAwGUEbSweCc2dK2yBPQ3tJHjC0XJtEi6jlB4Pv3oCW/w410-h307/IMG_7720.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Females oviposit alone. I was at Foredyke Green site about to take a photo of an ovipositing female, when a male came out of nowhere, knocked the female over, and immobilised her by holding her with jaws, legs and mating appendages. The following is a series of photos documenting how the male gains hold of the female, in the last photo he has already adopted the tandem position. I wonder had I only seen the last part of the behaviour, with the female already on the water, if I would have concluded that this was an example of a 'damsel in distress' being rescued by the male. I'm glad I got the whole sequence!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7294155481861267737/5260592724275398843#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aRwFE2n9u354KSVQmz6pqrOs0i2-N8kHsCIIzkdHVx3GcJ843wF0Nvpf8CTyKwgjZ1IzR-AUGZzu_ElVHXnFRQgaKbN1cqCkYnmVaeFdleFL4SkknH1J-SxGbQQj-hynLOx_TQk7jrXm/w410-h308/IMG_7724.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7294155481861267737/5260592724275398843#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DzepuVRd9_9J0d1ye33gmZKS4YobDwCS1u_wAiWGgtG_piGptMiFKcHJ-mOVuGvMPgz7axWbWU9oJLT4eTz8fl_LkpdjNC1NUqqdtcrAcL3J9K61pdMvtj0-XcbZm_btTKeN97BsG9f9/w410-h307/IMG_7728.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7294155481861267737/5260592724275398843#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFsRYKRSbCd30Ig00aYJ11nKPOw8pgCCMuFsFT8JzrSGtn4QUnmlONMuaxFPQIyAzMNc1aBducf6dqPw_LndNziRgu9EgvaTlx470-Bgub17EP-kS4P307PdmyFEh3js1JHyEgQB27vYu/w410-h307/IMG_7729.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7294155481861267737/5260592724275398843#"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7294155481861267737/5260592724275398843#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcz_lWq0MphmpBmZhudlVHtLXHl8v37w9KLi7TZisHqMnl3pB-e8sXdXloRh6x4gbty67D2nKgEyzY_6XXF5lUFqLz4qiz1EuCoi5bg1bXyE9Rdr9Ee8Cp5EhBLhLTMVVHKcRlasO7N_k/w410-h307/IMG_7730.jpg" /></a></div></div><p><b>Small Red-eyed Damselfly</b></p><p>The Pickering Park and East Park populations are thriving: hundreds of individuals were present at East Park model boating lake and some as well in the main lake. A record in a new location was at St Andrews Quay Pond. The records show a establishment of the species in both large parks at Hull. Copulation and ovipositing was observed at East Park and Pickering park.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuJ0JScPASaJK2nKv9TY9VaauU65qs6NutVr4kN4aGQr6b-cnmMKrnfJPm6cgWhUvumbYJDNvAl2vwjQais1pPtChWswT6tw0Y3K4omf975bvsxYBbfQ8t-eaYxotT3lVMFxZZLONc2Nj/s1968/IMG_7700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="1968" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuJ0JScPASaJK2nKv9TY9VaauU65qs6NutVr4kN4aGQr6b-cnmMKrnfJPm6cgWhUvumbYJDNvAl2vwjQais1pPtChWswT6tw0Y3K4omf975bvsxYBbfQ8t-eaYxotT3lVMFxZZLONc2Nj/w410-h307/IMG_7700.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Small Red-eyed Damselfly at Pickering Park.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBKHjJ1RHQVssRspjy_bp-wC3fTflY-J-QTEnzrXGgB1CFY7Exsfwq7_RTRtPICu7YdBcjw5O8IKEwICcA6KpMu0gvjijthpabtmgKpbddOQDbA2z2nltPFOwv1sXP8P7mJ7MNQ9EZRdF/s2502/IMG_7829.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1876" data-original-width="2502" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBKHjJ1RHQVssRspjy_bp-wC3fTflY-J-QTEnzrXGgB1CFY7Exsfwq7_RTRtPICu7YdBcjw5O8IKEwICcA6KpMu0gvjijthpabtmgKpbddOQDbA2z2nltPFOwv1sXP8P7mJ7MNQ9EZRdF/w410-h307/IMG_7829.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Small Red-eyed at East Park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9E7ozjHI2YCwXTuzEYqW9wIvuCEyhpN2zXJIwDKiF5dUd0XFQ8Wio628pvYXfAQoRmLxQURnEugKuJbEe93Rop1-jwKi9-gsgIDS5jzx83_LN_5jDAlIwa4dy3yjYsenKM5presARQxKD/s4608/IMG_7930.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9E7ozjHI2YCwXTuzEYqW9wIvuCEyhpN2zXJIwDKiF5dUd0XFQ8Wio628pvYXfAQoRmLxQURnEugKuJbEe93Rop1-jwKi9-gsgIDS5jzx83_LN_5jDAlIwa4dy3yjYsenKM5presARQxKD/w410-h307/IMG_7930.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Small Red-eyed at East Park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJKwfg4SQpOYNEep7bBp7MNIzOBsJoif0MlgwwivmNtnU2f8BYsHjXQOuOxASzg-nsDQCYUCWmUAgwJnxzOI2PnMFo4k9GCV5kbEhxpscHhKEx4Sll0W6X2_hBDXuxonEZlywKV8i9Zzg/s2609/IMG_7935.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1957" data-original-width="2609" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJKwfg4SQpOYNEep7bBp7MNIzOBsJoif0MlgwwivmNtnU2f8BYsHjXQOuOxASzg-nsDQCYUCWmUAgwJnxzOI2PnMFo4k9GCV5kbEhxpscHhKEx4Sll0W6X2_hBDXuxonEZlywKV8i9Zzg/w410-h307/IMG_7935.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Copulating Small Red-eyed damselflies at East Park.</div><p><b>Best sites this year </b><b>so far</b>:</p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>East Park: 13 sp.</li><li>Noddle Hill LNR: 12 sp.</li><li>Foredyke Green Pond 11 sp.</li><li>Oak Road Lake 9 sp.</li><li>Pickering Park 8 sp.</li><li>St Andrews Quay Pond 8 sp.</li><li>Beverley & Barmston Drain 7 sp</li><li>Paull Holme Strays 7 sp.</li><li>Humber Bridge Country Park 7 sp.</li><li>Pearson Park Wildlife Garden (closed due to COVID, but surveyed with permission) 6 sp.</li><li>Willerby Carr Dyke, 6 sp.</li><li>Beverley & Barmston drain, 6 sp.</li></ul></div><p><b>Other species Gallery</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4BWN2Y65cGk_Kr_X8vQpey2KW11PmLLceafiZwlGYkq0zOIl9qf729NGW1cSnc7P5l6xekcmId1FgN89clikZ0IRJ6Q_sN2LhRb69aySJ0ttTADQ3mzyGs-DZBAhIkhtKN3exWVKPo0F/s2527/IMG_7297.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1895" data-original-width="2527" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4BWN2Y65cGk_Kr_X8vQpey2KW11PmLLceafiZwlGYkq0zOIl9qf729NGW1cSnc7P5l6xekcmId1FgN89clikZ0IRJ6Q_sN2LhRb69aySJ0ttTADQ3mzyGs-DZBAhIkhtKN3exWVKPo0F/w410-h307/IMG_7297.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Teneral Common Darter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1TjK9gNEzuVkmLsENUc9jUmRuIlVFu0_tysXDq3b-gHbz3jcsP9MUVwgaq4-gXmcLrLAC5xk4agROjiRGPCPX9ZlXtYZS1BhzlDcTOau0HwHVWdsEajYuZ2WUzREO28Ezzrs2xWKacxD/s3038/IMG_7305.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2279" data-original-width="3038" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1TjK9gNEzuVkmLsENUc9jUmRuIlVFu0_tysXDq3b-gHbz3jcsP9MUVwgaq4-gXmcLrLAC5xk4agROjiRGPCPX9ZlXtYZS1BhzlDcTOau0HwHVWdsEajYuZ2WUzREO28Ezzrs2xWKacxD/w410-h307/IMG_7305.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Common Darter in obelisk position</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4z5SVjECXrT88vinNRDcl3cVj6xb_qrcWlo49BNlN6zV5TWJq9vWqIXTZDA5HGggmXsCGBJSv-hBbj4qRzCTO11R6ATt0RsYbZDVXZpgedGEFpOPa8FUqUcY5d18DVPO9Uqwyw4ULlFt/s1965/IMG_7530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1965" data-original-width="1965" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4z5SVjECXrT88vinNRDcl3cVj6xb_qrcWlo49BNlN6zV5TWJq9vWqIXTZDA5HGggmXsCGBJSv-hBbj4qRzCTO11R6ATt0RsYbZDVXZpgedGEFpOPa8FUqUcY5d18DVPO9Uqwyw4ULlFt/w410-h410/IMG_7530.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emerald Damselfly at Noddle Hill LNR.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzXuYnMbPIVNWrmiOpNGd428jy8BOJBncqV8B0oMVj3RctmjJ9r4Ofg9PMm3vU1xx158pDDc4lYaBXGfmxDvk1_k-Et6lf9cvhSOSy8x4g5uKn4yhZCIhp7eVy3a92UpBXiTwXX02QuBi/s2056/IMG_7553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2056" data-original-width="2056" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzXuYnMbPIVNWrmiOpNGd428jy8BOJBncqV8B0oMVj3RctmjJ9r4Ofg9PMm3vU1xx158pDDc4lYaBXGfmxDvk1_k-Et6lf9cvhSOSy8x4g5uKn4yhZCIhp7eVy3a92UpBXiTwXX02QuBi/w410-h410/IMG_7553.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ruddy Darter at Noddle Hill NR.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5HNZy_qnjVj1_5eYVvUXsMNoBKoQAn62nT4t874HfLi1dM9D49uTszGM4LCewrsAGZhocDAuksTHiFtW8l-03Fbf9vWr1DZxWu49hBTdxtf4_0DWj1momR2ABzHT8sa7g09WW8EkVhFv/s2463/IMG_7564.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2463" data-original-width="2463" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5HNZy_qnjVj1_5eYVvUXsMNoBKoQAn62nT4t874HfLi1dM9D49uTszGM4LCewrsAGZhocDAuksTHiFtW8l-03Fbf9vWr1DZxWu49hBTdxtf4_0DWj1momR2ABzHT8sa7g09WW8EkVhFv/w410-h410/IMG_7564.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Southern Hawker at Noddle Hill LNR</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MLW_8hcXgIU2GvKu6-WRZ7raugC1fy-Vs1VI9XNJ7sxFokUSqQSh1zO9EpP0CySeHM55yPxP4BIvzQI_1ADHnDwJSrrYvVhNH72WyV9caE8CRWfzBgCSY6iNlDuzlpdk3heWPV1CUvPF/s2139/IMG_7593.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1604" data-original-width="2139" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MLW_8hcXgIU2GvKu6-WRZ7raugC1fy-Vs1VI9XNJ7sxFokUSqQSh1zO9EpP0CySeHM55yPxP4BIvzQI_1ADHnDwJSrrYvVhNH72WyV9caE8CRWfzBgCSY6iNlDuzlpdk3heWPV1CUvPF/w410-h307/IMG_7593.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ovipositing Emperor at Foredyke Green pond.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfu83DxjFFKKA3fJ4MRRRM1Rma5rpKk8-0CSru8qqtKwQb2J_f5jhp-0eDnjA81qVzrqczJQeSVqllocmDj0xhqqJWpYSKVnNthpoLX57k2_u1cOylPyq7n3HvvyQ_KRGebZi8Ez7s6BR/s2098/IMG_7696.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1573" data-original-width="2098" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfu83DxjFFKKA3fJ4MRRRM1Rma5rpKk8-0CSru8qqtKwQb2J_f5jhp-0eDnjA81qVzrqczJQeSVqllocmDj0xhqqJWpYSKVnNthpoLX57k2_u1cOylPyq7n3HvvyQ_KRGebZi8Ez7s6BR/w410-h307/IMG_7696.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Common Blue Damselfly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRR1tyl291_IyiSlbkdCFZsPJnh5LrWlQaMwnfE0xzvxexCakszsNbW-HM3dH9muA6jpQfTOxOseIKGBs1EeolFoT8es9tuXjAJswEqo7718zuJ2iwikvJXJPMctZomUCURIV_3tdSn6H/s2030/IMG_7775.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="2030" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRR1tyl291_IyiSlbkdCFZsPJnh5LrWlQaMwnfE0xzvxexCakszsNbW-HM3dH9muA6jpQfTOxOseIKGBs1EeolFoT8es9tuXjAJswEqo7718zuJ2iwikvJXJPMctZomUCURIV_3tdSn6H/w410-h307/IMG_7775.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A late Azure damselfly. Numbers have been steadily falling during the month of August.</div>Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-19603948090256699782020-08-12T19:29:00.001+01:002020-08-12T19:29:18.635+01:00Common garden damselflies and dragonflies in the Hull area Although a total of 23 species of dragonflies and damselflies have been recorded in Hull, only a subset of them can be considered regular in gardens, and a few species will even turn up in gardens without a pond. Here, I will present seven of the species most common in gardens, with identification tips. These species provide a useful benchmark to help you to identify rarer dragonflies and damselflies when in other habitats.<div><br /></div><div><b>Damselflies</b></div><div>Two species of damselfly are common in gardens, where they regularly breed. They are even tolerant of fish, provided there are areas of thicker vegetation where their larvae can seek refuge, and will be even present in ornamental ponds with hard edges. Both are blue and black. </div><img height="369" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/AjP-_cN_me_7ZybcZVi-L_atVbIhYUgwuT7_jqNEV2r_0aMAqLoonDScisxQ-3wtj4QQ_1WiNyy0peyuaqJw4J1uwpBAm6q2NLWlEvI3GNKS67Auf10HN7aAuUJGx2xZBtpoSDP2=w493-h369" width="493" /><div><b>1. Azure Damselfly</b></div><div>The Azure Damselfly gives an all vivid blue impression, it has a distinctive black hook or spur pointing forward on the side of its thorax, which distinguishes it in our area from the Common Blue Damselfly. I should have said males are all blue, as females are often green and black, as in the photo above. They can be found even in tiny garden ponds, provided they have plenty of vegetation near or in the pond. It flies from early May to early August.</div><div><img height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZSyuywOXo9o7YBr8YXWRikRmuP2mKfx_3xmsN0eMsKYwo8QyasqJW8Z6q0wcI7pqf4Ff1CNliJ_Se_GQ2dKPtfRWINHLrka7UDYz4neGRHrI5C_7SSkojpqdDKmHldHm5QDHkj_70iSs/w500-h375/IMG_5061.jpg" width="500" /></div><div><b>2. Blue-tailed Damselfly</b></div><div>The Blue-tailed damselfly is the most common species recorded in Hull. It tolerates of all sorts of conditions: brackish ponds, polluted ponds, fish, and even poor weather! It It has been described as a 'flying magic wand', as its black abdomen contrasts with the blue band near the tip. It has a distinctive two-colour wing spot, which is useful to identify females, which come in 5 different colour forms. It has a long flying season, from late April to late September.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dragonflies</b></div><div><img height="395" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1vZRitiIn0eUJ0ptG9sXmwcuwmBi4FDz95PlBTTRkm-MAI9voUvsJgmXW_IzgE2m8JLIy9pe1J6ywjZVat3_EStpRNPkVkfuL9X1mAjyup-WzeExj7W_JErxbXYnHDSsmheRRm-m=w395-h395" width="395" /></div><div><b>3. Broad-bodied Chaser</b><br />This is a stunning dragonfly, the immatures are yellow and brown, with dark wing bases and a characteristic wide abdomen. In flight it is very reminiscent of a hornet. Mature males develop a powdery blue colour in their abdomen. This is a species likely to use newly built ponds, or ponds with plenty of bare or muddy margins. They fly early in the season, from mid May to mid August.<br /><img height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCX5EeVgdCaDyEeryNsmRDMwf3rwIkhXqmlhJezSzbDN9p0ixCF1r0DjH9BPSugXtaoVlCrQ64oNWWO0uGrMquVRkXjiBxL3eFO7Qplf0m5_oDG-F4_pYvT6uQpPxMH49IBVf9j3Xq0yH/w500-h375/IMG_6883.jpg" width="500" /><br /><b>4. Migrant Hawker</b></div><div>This is the most common hawker in Hull, and is regularly found in gardens away from water. The individual pictured is a mature male, but it is immatures that are commonly found in gardens, and these have subdued colours and milky eyes. They tend to fly in the open at 3-5 m high, often going round and round in a relatively small area. It tolerates other individuals, which will congregate in gardens with plenty of food. It flies from late July to late October or early November. Although plentiful in gardens during their immature stage, they tend to breed in lakes and ditches. </div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xRkRMC2MJF4MiKD3bwmZZhrBGwe-MOKjTmcppa8FSJ9loTZpUIMVIv9SIK8Btt8PUYzfkoco4NxiVL45UqTGuaFoedCVAxV8jYMlAospb7GE8wRowwpZNqjajtnOaEevD2_CWUZcO-7l/s400/IMG_7667.jpg" /></div><div>The usual view of a flying migrant hawker over a garden.<br /><br /><img height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhF-r1NotMtz2v5tRJvXc6VWr7dY_VIW3v6mAkeqiwOJBplp2Un2Z2h-66GZqYYUnfO0HpWZD6YeDFpN57x-5oysBqKfyeR8ZoVz2s1-HeCJTfSnjqP8U8U0LIjxa4A6MHzVA5sFXbhUS/w512-h512/IMG_6262.jpg" width="512" /><br /><b>5. Southern hawker</b><br />A large colourful hawker, one of the most strikingly marked. The combination of apple green and blue markings in mature individuals is characteristic, as their habit of being curious towards humans, flying close as if checking you out. It tends to hawk close to the ground alongside paths and close to tree canopies, often in shaded, sheltered places. Females will lay eggs on floating wood or marginal vegetation in relatively shaded ponds. It has a long flight season, from mid-June until October.</div><div><br /></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoy337eXGF6XzIG9vuL6vzLxS-zyr5PneqagWNxRIfegMT1iL7sgL1fGMBNVmhMSrXX__jT2lA6UcVp0cPQNagvUP2uDNleULw_8pTB6QrfbrcvL7_RzE_iAoTPcq67yvWEwQDTWgW4jFb/w512-h384/IMG_7723.jpg" /><div><br /></div><div><b>6. Common Darter</b></div>A small dragonfly that hunts from the ground, or a perch, to which it returns. Immature individuals are yellow, but males become orangey-red, with two yellow panels on the side of the thorax. All individuals have a thin yellow stripe alongside their legs. One of the most common dragonflies. It can breed in garden ponds of medium or large size and including ornamental ponds. It has a long flight season, from June until November.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxQs6DY12tBnzLnijCy3AHsPTIoOUwS6FNCuZ1O6HeMz9JZjWuQYM1kaVZ106OHYjxgiS2YpzKqBk3-_0OpqCX3mcFhNZG8yFEVEthV15rMeKEvgrNTmaqR8bHQgDW8gLP1dH4J4vIH7D/s2348/IMG_2225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1760" data-original-width="2348" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxQs6DY12tBnzLnijCy3AHsPTIoOUwS6FNCuZ1O6HeMz9JZjWuQYM1kaVZ106OHYjxgiS2YpzKqBk3-_0OpqCX3mcFhNZG8yFEVEthV15rMeKEvgrNTmaqR8bHQgDW8gLP1dH4J4vIH7D/w512-h384/IMG_2225.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>7. Ruddy Darter</b><br style="text-align: start;" />The Ruddy Darter is less common than the Common Darter. It prefers to hunt from a perch, or from the ground, to which it returns after catching prey. Males have a more intense red than the common darter and a more waisted abdomen. Immature individuals and females are orange/yellow. The legs in both sexes are black. Flies from mid June to mid October. It breeds in ponds with plenty of marginal vegetation, although it can roam, and can be found in gardens away from ponds.<br style="text-align: start;" /><b><br style="text-align: start;" />More information</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you are interested in identifying dragonflies and damselflies, <a href="http://www.yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk/" target="_blank">Yorkshire Dragonfly Group</a> has plenty of information on all the species and interesting sites to visit and runs an active Facebook group.</li><li>If you have any dragonfly records from your garden in the Hull area you can either submit the record to <a href="https://www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/" target="_blank">iRecord</a>, or message me in the blog comments or on <a href="https://twitter.com/aBugBlog" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</li><li>For more information on Hull Dragonflies and damselflies you can read the City of Dragons 2019 report <a href="http://www.yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk/?p=9862" target="_blank">here</a>.</li></ul></div></div>Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-46670773210094190472020-08-01T16:30:00.002+01:002020-10-23T16:12:26.484+01:00Hull Dragons 2020: July summary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPppfh3SVZ9CaiqPNyr3biOJ2Wdx0ZJmm5FX7TsrkTGS1C-mJExZr2ma-ipRmMVrc4Qyiu-IHxRLXsq-4s05bqDWQ0HlwiqH-RCi-AWzwzTbqH1MV6hRDCk14oqKre6VbyI2U10nMrs3k/s1600/IMG_6400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPppfh3SVZ9CaiqPNyr3biOJ2Wdx0ZJmm5FX7TsrkTGS1C-mJExZr2ma-ipRmMVrc4Qyiu-IHxRLXsq-4s05bqDWQ0HlwiqH-RCi-AWzwzTbqH1MV6hRDCk14oqKre6VbyI2U10nMrs3k/s640/IMG_6400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The first three weeks of July had very changeable weather, with plenty of overcast, muggy weather and some showers. Sunny spells were few, short and far between until the last week, where we enjoyed a few days of warmer, consistent sunny weather. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Odonata highlights</b><br />
Records were initially slow coming in July, but overall the month had a total of 144 records from 15 species have been submitted by 10 recorders from 23 km2, a few more than in June. As expected, the Blue-tailed Damselfly tops the list in terms of numbers of records, followed by the Emperor Dragonfly, and the Common Darter, with the same number of records. The surprise is that the Brown Hawker is tied 4th with the Azure Damselfly, with 11 records, more than were recorded during the whole of last year. The year total so far stands at 18 species.<br /><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>First records of the year</b><br /><ul><li>Ruddy Darter, 11th July</li><li>Common Darter 11th July</li><li>Emerald Damselfly 19th July</li><li>Brown Hawker 12th July.</li><li>Migrant Hawker, 24th July</li><li>Small Red Eyed Damselfly, 25th July</li></ul>
<b>Emperor behaviour</b><br />
Emperors seem to be having a good year at the recording area. I've had a great time watching the behavioural differences between males and females. Males are a very showy dragonfly, 'presiding' over their territory, a pond, lake or a stretch of ditch, flying powerfully, over the open water, occasionally hovering on a spot, rising to catch an insect or flying over the banks, even checking birds flying past (I watched a brief Swallow-Emperor face off, both flying away!). They are always pulled back to the water, unlike other hawkers. At some point, they stop their hunting and patrolling to bask or finish a meal, usually on marginal vegetation facing the sun, but also rarely on the ground.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6T3_UIXBXDkGxNwDKogA6P0mbqwluPV-XANWgSCeM8ZOdlFrSGGZk1PmAiPbKapMrr6yuqMuiHnm0l-krwPgI4sTT-SHJp4iNDEuANPOO8K5Ux-uvjrVS567QPai3PZOztDCSjpJy1F3/s1600/IMG_6229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6T3_UIXBXDkGxNwDKogA6P0mbqwluPV-XANWgSCeM8ZOdlFrSGGZk1PmAiPbKapMrr6yuqMuiHnm0l-krwPgI4sTT-SHJp4iNDEuANPOO8K5Ux-uvjrVS567QPai3PZOztDCSjpJy1F3/w500-h373/IMG_6229.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
An emperor resting on the ground is an unusual sight. It is likely that it was sheltering from the wind.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Female's behaviour is completely different. They approach the water stealthily, flying low and near the shore, searching for oviposition locations (sticks or floating vegetation). They can be as colourful as males, as the following photo shows. If a male discovers a female, she will try and fly higher than him, curling her abdomen down in a signal of rejection. I've never witnessed a copulation in this species.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DuXH1299Ozrz6p5InaldUchXmNGrli5I2zwuVVJ606TDPwG2nsFk1b5A28OuEd6Xl1KCw4PNrUeMckw62T1XfyOUMcJVPT7kKU1YaIXudJOJhLMyG6sKb9QUPOK1K5tImRjJMeHs2H2E/s1600/IMG_6269.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DuXH1299Ozrz6p5InaldUchXmNGrli5I2zwuVVJ606TDPwG2nsFk1b5A28OuEd6Xl1KCw4PNrUeMckw62T1XfyOUMcJVPT7kKU1YaIXudJOJhLMyG6sKb9QUPOK1K5tImRjJMeHs2H2E/w500-h375/IMG_6269.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ovipositing Emperor at Foredyke Green Pond. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexUeRVnjGe4d5vciU-Ue8FaeNFLOq9T7rA_CesUs3ajbiYFyTU45kclebCsK6a5po_IGixl3KC4pR2TGDYCoIJbMJYeelP6r9bhQScWwTltrb5xQHwY1Z5tKI-xqIEd3bm4GFJ20NFHYe/s1600/IMG_6485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexUeRVnjGe4d5vciU-Ue8FaeNFLOq9T7rA_CesUs3ajbiYFyTU45kclebCsK6a5po_IGixl3KC4pR2TGDYCoIJbMJYeelP6r9bhQScWwTltrb5xQHwY1Z5tKI-xqIEd3bm4GFJ20NFHYe/w500-h375/IMG_6485.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Male Emperor at Pickering Park. </div>
Pickering Park lake is large enough for several Emperors, but the northern side of the pond seems to be the most attractive and it is a place that year after year allows me to see males chasing and clashing for territory. In this case, one of the males landed in the vegetation to rest, while the other one carried on the patrolling. Ovipositing was also observed in the same area of the park. <span style="text-align: center;">Ovipositing in July was also observed at Noddle Hill Lake, and Foredyke Green Pond.</span><div><br /></div><div><b>Watching Brown Hawkers</b></div><div>Brown Hawkers are also having a good year. Four were seen hunting along rides and paths at Noddle Hill nature reserve. At the Beverley and Barmston drain near Beresford Avenue, I watched one for 20 minutes as it hunted repeatedly flying up and down the drain. It took advantage of the light breeze to glide back, then flew powerfully upwind, checking every passing insect, releasing some that were not of his taste. I was slightly amused as the hawker checked every passing creeping thistle seed (just like me!), and there were plenty floating in the breeze. I was hoping the Brown Hawker will have a rest at some point, but it didn't. Its territory- and it was a male - was 20-30 meters along drain, with plenty of emergent and floating vegetation and a hedgerow on one side by the allotments. It flew high over the water, maybe over 1 m high, and then occasionally charged against the marginal vegetation, possibly to dislodge resting insects. Although I've got no photo opportunities so far, I enjoyed watching the species behaviour from a great vantage point.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Species gallery</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qoHkERe8yJAxI1736M6fjh5nfqcknYZd9L5doAyLMUVK1BpQhF2WXpYj4KMBxn1TNXp6f9-wVRZ7V-DocZvrcDjjrMHuzeRYXwAFAi5nYl1c-zD5u8oTPau7AW38mFHq6z7Oxb1UyZc8/s1600/IMG_6241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qoHkERe8yJAxI1736M6fjh5nfqcknYZd9L5doAyLMUVK1BpQhF2WXpYj4KMBxn1TNXp6f9-wVRZ7V-DocZvrcDjjrMHuzeRYXwAFAi5nYl1c-zD5u8oTPau7AW38mFHq6z7Oxb1UyZc8/w500-h375/IMG_6241.jpg" width="500" /></b></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Four-spotted chaser at Foredyke Green Pond.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibcBCRuotUSVTtD9maF50aEo8nDpfG8SClMqrXMWwJ48HHyPNJL1p1F88WL8A_lUOmJAAsgOEK9Yr0lxGNcNjbrhcmisQ_jTu3gukMMwhw0K7lbdInmlRAmBFc4_r7zsnsjLqz4Hx68bH/s1600/IMG_6394.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibcBCRuotUSVTtD9maF50aEo8nDpfG8SClMqrXMWwJ48HHyPNJL1p1F88WL8A_lUOmJAAsgOEK9Yr0lxGNcNjbrhcmisQ_jTu3gukMMwhw0K7lbdInmlRAmBFc4_r7zsnsjLqz4Hx68bH/w500-h500/IMG_6394.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Teneral Southern Hawker at Setting Dyke.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMaoIAXeAB6b5yHBGKanABSyePu41qScNZ2rRq62GeaS6YOkF4H6A6963z7sZ-yLDLlO4Qtfrd_T-beSNLqHGzElEOLCNYYK3T_0Mwuoy6QGjaNHjLdofig7l60XxBbrwx8S90R3VqVhC/s1600/IMG_6399.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMaoIAXeAB6b5yHBGKanABSyePu41qScNZ2rRq62GeaS6YOkF4H6A6963z7sZ-yLDLlO4Qtfrd_T-beSNLqHGzElEOLCNYYK3T_0Mwuoy6QGjaNHjLdofig7l60XxBbrwx8S90R3VqVhC/w500-h375/IMG_6399.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
An Azure Damselfly rejects another's advance.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3veVSh_07HwMaOvd9X3j56jCowUjeX0gvP6JtZfhBD8P7uCm49aqMOnicpTgbzYxBZZPfZyW6SRlwUaHSs1ujjSHtFNvS_LOLbVGuTsI9vuE7MWJj7yQr0xEdhDIF2FblhqpW6j3rX6tk/s1600/IMG_6481.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3veVSh_07HwMaOvd9X3j56jCowUjeX0gvP6JtZfhBD8P7uCm49aqMOnicpTgbzYxBZZPfZyW6SRlwUaHSs1ujjSHtFNvS_LOLbVGuTsI9vuE7MWJj7yQr0xEdhDIF2FblhqpW6j3rX6tk/w500-h375/IMG_6481.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blue-tailed Damselfly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3JJbU8ZTR45bCBY5ngnj1HHzA-_o6Mb07V-p2mHKH_9d7_K_CxXkfK8K6xn172d9zYESlbSqHGFVukOzPiay8tvwXefNgtfBLViWPDPexErLXs6zopbY-8UbGcJkgho37FQbOyLBo_de/s1600/IMG_6506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3JJbU8ZTR45bCBY5ngnj1HHzA-_o6Mb07V-p2mHKH_9d7_K_CxXkfK8K6xn172d9zYESlbSqHGFVukOzPiay8tvwXefNgtfBLViWPDPexErLXs6zopbY-8UbGcJkgho37FQbOyLBo_de/w500-h373/IMG_6506.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Teneral Common Darter at Pickering Park.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwKbRX2hd8pkNPl_DGtnqFkTWjPDO2t3H6Lyy4E7_XXNA6gm2131U1qZlcUAuuu4rNDxClS4Kg0BqWOKv2F2oQCbmkIG4eEwY-nhcRBXqwrl6SgWuIOQeuezvCCXsPO-6Zyvjioc0lNj0/s1600/IMG_6662.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwKbRX2hd8pkNPl_DGtnqFkTWjPDO2t3H6Lyy4E7_XXNA6gm2131U1qZlcUAuuu4rNDxClS4Kg0BqWOKv2F2oQCbmkIG4eEwY-nhcRBXqwrl6SgWuIOQeuezvCCXsPO-6Zyvjioc0lNj0/w500-h373/IMG_6662.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Common Darter at Midmeredale Pond.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nx2OdBeGBfB5ZdiXgnicJsOeO86_YUAy3PZV-N0oJQI-g2_QNagMZyM5q0vtaTE1ynJHI_HK15pciX6mdHzlZZN_sNjdHdeIiES2mq6TyZv9zJd_Ff8R_spg2pJ_DGBo3A_QmU_x6ej2/s1600/IMG_6518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nx2OdBeGBfB5ZdiXgnicJsOeO86_YUAy3PZV-N0oJQI-g2_QNagMZyM5q0vtaTE1ynJHI_HK15pciX6mdHzlZZN_sNjdHdeIiES2mq6TyZv9zJd_Ff8R_spg2pJ_DGBo3A_QmU_x6ej2/w500-h500/IMG_6518.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mating Blue-tailed damselflies at Pickering Park (note that the female is the same colour as the male, they are known as androchrome females).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHTVnR3LD4j4TuK1rmP1I5VEz7SpQo-rNizaJKP7F-z8BMCPnurdRqgytf9lo04efYD2JM7GfbuMYik0zYZyh3WCn-0oLxF0j2azqJXkB3YbvxHmhskPUOLnnG5gkEpFN8noazBRaypBW/s1600/IMG_6707.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHTVnR3LD4j4TuK1rmP1I5VEz7SpQo-rNizaJKP7F-z8BMCPnurdRqgytf9lo04efYD2JM7GfbuMYik0zYZyh3WCn-0oLxF0j2azqJXkB3YbvxHmhskPUOLnnG5gkEpFN8noazBRaypBW/w500-h375/IMG_6707.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Emerald, one of two males at Noddle Hill NR.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf4qjrfuDIWG45T8maYsJ6NdjRICnjg_8uaqCmkhs6kIEG4ttDp-hDptRvBDGtXLLsypLj_MuU4zNHq9OnBe06tuYW98amNnUmatUu7a03hzaXG1xtYZ6uGqhEVw_z8oOzYg9NJ-dGfsN/s1280/IMG_6940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf4qjrfuDIWG45T8maYsJ6NdjRICnjg_8uaqCmkhs6kIEG4ttDp-hDptRvBDGtXLLsypLj_MuU4zNHq9OnBe06tuYW98amNnUmatUu7a03hzaXG1xtYZ6uGqhEVw_z8oOzYg9NJ-dGfsN/w512-h384/IMG_6940.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Small Red-eyed Damselfly at Paull Holme Strays. A mating pair was observed at Pickering Park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo5IivzhafEOq8gwOKifei0jslEKgKs3JpXa6MWWn8YbhPk7cH5oxttnTJgHNuZdRrBFLvf-0Nft3ye0XvqLqH4A_aSIvuSV-khi1ZIclg-e1IP9W1hb4WSuf9LsSLtUpyHVcIutox-fk/s833/IMG_6898.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="833" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo5IivzhafEOq8gwOKifei0jslEKgKs3JpXa6MWWn8YbhPk7cH5oxttnTJgHNuZdRrBFLvf-0Nft3ye0XvqLqH4A_aSIvuSV-khi1ZIclg-e1IP9W1hb4WSuf9LsSLtUpyHVcIutox-fk/w512-h383/IMG_6898.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A record shot of my first Migrant Hawker this year.</div></div></div>Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-36225912223877463792020-06-30T19:32:00.001+01:002020-10-23T14:16:24.494+01:00Hull Dragons 2020: June summary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOF5F0RJiPMoRyzDAnbymgQvVvloOtgaiXgSNTulD2bcR1RvNnxWx_pye5y-848rWoLCxGGBSveJ0N7kGVmMPOdrc2bm5MeYd3HbCZyHeVBriVhdCS5tLC1HHYiJi6MmvrdOv6CIxfZ9NO/s1600/IMG_5635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOF5F0RJiPMoRyzDAnbymgQvVvloOtgaiXgSNTulD2bcR1RvNnxWx_pye5y-848rWoLCxGGBSveJ0N7kGVmMPOdrc2bm5MeYd3HbCZyHeVBriVhdCS5tLC1HHYiJi6MmvrdOv6CIxfZ9NO/s640/IMG_5635.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
June has been a much more variable month than the dry and sunny May, with some rain, storms, more windy and more cloud. There were some good days for dragonfly watching, including a heat wave on the 3rd week, when temperatures reached 29<span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">°</span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">C</span> in Hull. A total of <span style="background-color: white;">142</span> records of 13 species have been submitted during the month by 11 contributors. Foredyke Green Pond and East Park, with 7 species each, were the best sites in number of species. The only species recorded in May with no June records is the Large Red Damselfly. The Red-eyed Damselfly, Black-tailed Skimmer and Southern Hawker were added to the year list. An unidentified darter was recorded on the 25th June. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>My June odonate highlights</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Watching a female Hairy Dragonfly coming to the shore by my feet at Noddle Hill fishing lake and start ovipositing on a dead branch was my highlight of the month. She moved on pretty fast before I could set the camera on her. As far as I know, this is the first time the species has been recorded ovipositing in the Hull area. </li>
<li>Spotting a Red-eyed Damselfly at Foredyke Green, a new location for the species. </li>
<li>At Ennerdale South Pond there was a strong damselfly emergence on the 2nd June. House Sparrows were feeding on them, sometime as I disturbed them and they flew up. As I watched and followed a female Banded Demoiselle by the river Hull, a house sparrow chased her and captured her!</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7VVIIeMirZK-9Xly31KnvDRRhW0Ek8JCECptb6ksrhkt-B0BsNDMtS1bthPV1eqIl2qE7FCLqQu04tIpbZY9eLv-mND9R8v0DGgD21PK702WZy03IVllX3lsXCukuPaLZFXld1SlhFTM/s1600/IMG_5859.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7VVIIeMirZK-9Xly31KnvDRRhW0Ek8JCECptb6ksrhkt-B0BsNDMtS1bthPV1eqIl2qE7FCLqQu04tIpbZY9eLv-mND9R8v0DGgD21PK702WZy03IVllX3lsXCukuPaLZFXld1SlhFTM/s400/IMG_5859.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Watching an ovipositing Broad-bodied chaser at Foredyke Green Pond.</li>
<li>Watching an Emperor and Hairy Dragonfly males patrolling and hunting on a stretch of the Beverley and Barmston drain, occasionally clashing.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bBAUCFTV6THEEeo5i4R_CYVkWl-9zk5bSWgEKqfwhId9Et5T43cfr1K3lIElghb8_SGfpecLr8wjyUUx-L0pDgZA7zG9dAaZpZLJmt5eXQ1iCuGgCgY7tWU6crfY1bg4lMFP9M5WPOvx/s1600/IMG_5686.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bBAUCFTV6THEEeo5i4R_CYVkWl-9zk5bSWgEKqfwhId9Et5T43cfr1K3lIElghb8_SGfpecLr8wjyUUx-L0pDgZA7zG9dAaZpZLJmt5eXQ1iCuGgCgY7tWU6crfY1bg4lMFP9M5WPOvx/s400/IMG_5686.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>As I was examining an emperor exuviae, I was surprised to see it moving, and a lodger emerged: a <i>Larinioides cornutus</i> spider! I had never seen spiders using dragonfly exuviae as retreats.</li></ul>
<b>June species and breeding evidence</b><br />
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Southern Hawker.</b> First and only record so far on the 26th June.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIgy5j9hNq-0x5P_jnw5ZdoTdBzRvNASDfHVv5hsIa97Mg67tCkkrbtIwWWxHw_v522zDGODDD2K8jYyVb-r6HQ9r5AxtHnd0Lcg8RSdGZGPGcRngS-9wI4dyeMG3OiCZ1ySF2uvS3vEZ/s1600/IMG_5639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIgy5j9hNq-0x5P_jnw5ZdoTdBzRvNASDfHVv5hsIa97Mg67tCkkrbtIwWWxHw_v522zDGODDD2K8jYyVb-r6HQ9r5AxtHnd0Lcg8RSdGZGPGcRngS-9wI4dyeMG3OiCZ1ySF2uvS3vEZ/s400/IMG_5639.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
An emperor dragonfly resting briefly on plants near Foredyke Green pond.</div>
<b>Emperor Dragonfly.</b> 13 records. Exuviae found at Foredyke Green Pond and Ennerdale South Pond.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqccBx4H6UbUZl8ZtoeBeIEmErzC61vRaehwdHvIj06ZI679rT8p0RoIx745QLvDyjLUQDMRG2R7IFmbfIUcg188WKNQgqyf1W13zcjcYtlE7xKgkTnIDatb7UgSiu11QpTHkqid2ln7fB/s1600/IMG_5807.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqccBx4H6UbUZl8ZtoeBeIEmErzC61vRaehwdHvIj06ZI679rT8p0RoIx745QLvDyjLUQDMRG2R7IFmbfIUcg188WKNQgqyf1W13zcjcYtlE7xKgkTnIDatb7UgSiu11QpTHkqid2ln7fB/s400/IMG_5807.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Hairy Dragonfly.</b> 2 records, with ovipositing female at Noddle Hill Lake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XnIfs21XySiI91vHuFWKFuTBtIbfBhw9Ri0s_KHJMcywAt_izSENClUccqC5BT3RQsz-DtHgL69AmXwLpzMziYt922Jq1oVLlWgJpBzjTyhfZOTOoxW5k2-ebqkd5uwfZfIQHKphXshyphenhyphen/s1600/IMG_5049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XnIfs21XySiI91vHuFWKFuTBtIbfBhw9Ri0s_KHJMcywAt_izSENClUccqC5BT3RQsz-DtHgL69AmXwLpzMziYt922Jq1oVLlWgJpBzjTyhfZOTOoxW5k2-ebqkd5uwfZfIQHKphXshyphenhyphen/s320/IMG_5049.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Banded Demoiselle.</b> 4 records from the 2nd June from River Hull, Ennerdale S Pond and Cottingham. Several records from Wawne.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDvO6SK0WK_wbuwLWwcOixZfv8QF2tRY6_0bY_vW6MZoGbYYOsMHOSUyeCT2AJmQb75VBuyRSZk9Ar5yOMITbwoGqgB5ZtuN-tj7fov7hJ_wJ4xOeCJu71HizloXLnajdSZhriFgW-A3g/s1600/IMG_6043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDvO6SK0WK_wbuwLWwcOixZfv8QF2tRY6_0bY_vW6MZoGbYYOsMHOSUyeCT2AJmQb75VBuyRSZk9Ar5yOMITbwoGqgB5ZtuN-tj7fov7hJ_wJ4xOeCJu71HizloXLnajdSZhriFgW-A3g/s320/IMG_6043.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyXnBU__azNfXNXcDxikPq2RA9Kdwc3U3KV-r9raTTp1V2m3J7Soldy2DerL9GRtwrtZeg_eVMhcWKyflC51Xl2ITZoky0gn4FWT3EiFdkcB67zn-DYZBD_kDGPeoQ2HHfzG4hJxsyBEh/s1600/IMG_4964.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyXnBU__azNfXNXcDxikPq2RA9Kdwc3U3KV-r9raTTp1V2m3J7Soldy2DerL9GRtwrtZeg_eVMhcWKyflC51Xl2ITZoky0gn4FWT3EiFdkcB67zn-DYZBD_kDGPeoQ2HHfzG4hJxsyBEh/s320/IMG_4964.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Azure Damselfly.</b> 30 records. Teneral at Beverley and Barmston Drain and Setting Dike. Oviposition noted at Pearson Park and Beverley and Barmston Drain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLo6hT31hyphenhyphen82nK1aUiCXUi_zhotiH1gBO4myEDnQLieBK4sQN00r9hhp-mmN9nf9peH1E3oR_0NbP03OtN8WUD1XH8-gyx7ZWoX65pp0dp20N4BgosMKtFLNY1PAElQm0ZTEVxm7mTa-by/s1600/IMG_5648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLo6hT31hyphenhyphen82nK1aUiCXUi_zhotiH1gBO4myEDnQLieBK4sQN00r9hhp-mmN9nf9peH1E3oR_0NbP03OtN8WUD1XH8-gyx7ZWoX65pp0dp20N4BgosMKtFLNY1PAElQm0ZTEVxm7mTa-by/s320/IMG_5648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Common Blue Damselfly.</b> 19 records. Tenerals at Ennerdale S Pond. Mating pairs at Foredyke Green Pond and Ennerdale Pond.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVLiR83A7g-gNuDtC8TGg0y9Z6e0OxvvFLvmVzcsaVOxgiMQc_7Yz8tEN3trWr-7hdwe6Hj9Gy_gtVS1RsCQwbF1KjYmU0BVyTJpGTvcjUQwpCcw7QpkIrY4PbPk5eFGHhi2MuV-0W1iy/s400/IMG_5436.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div>
<b>Red-eyed Damselfly.</b> Four records from four sites, the first on the 1st of June. They include a new site for the species, Foredyke Green Pond.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PXVPWRadeUMFsRYtXfhXiFdiYLEZk48The6_zp67i2HqTsvlKDW8mH3J-OYboaYZQTZY9QwUFmbFhuOzkV9RwcXhgztsfk07pvz3GE1qIXA_znhgo5ZnL6XOrO2jmOh_qv71AU1xbVlf/s1600/IMG_5657.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PXVPWRadeUMFsRYtXfhXiFdiYLEZk48The6_zp67i2HqTsvlKDW8mH3J-OYboaYZQTZY9QwUFmbFhuOzkV9RwcXhgztsfk07pvz3GE1qIXA_znhgo5ZnL6XOrO2jmOh_qv71AU1xbVlf/s400/IMG_5657.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Female Blue-tailed Damselfly with <i>Arrenurus</i> mites (17th June).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2v2tT0JxT-WAcQUqvxLSdymtJWVQIxYzihEgP1F-FyOqkSrSzPfIbCTZWTE9XdW3p_1UVMPnV7TzGf7Xi1NNQEoECTEqOy1DgOFOBm0XzlE9SErGUu20VEptrwQ8ToGQ9ybWmdayVE_9o/s1600/IMG_5508.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1444" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2v2tT0JxT-WAcQUqvxLSdymtJWVQIxYzihEgP1F-FyOqkSrSzPfIbCTZWTE9XdW3p_1UVMPnV7TzGf7Xi1NNQEoECTEqOy1DgOFOBm0XzlE9SErGUu20VEptrwQ8ToGQ9ybWmdayVE_9o/s400/IMG_5508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Male Blue-tailed Damselfly with mites. Both at Foredyke Green pond (14th June). These are parasitic mites that feed on the host blood and drop to water once the host comes to mate to water. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOwXJopt1n2rqfMpskKfK3NY5hW-aNCGOHGTfIys8OWeI-7xe3P9xvbtWSNNRxj75212N8lDsxRdt-Ey2VyMmi1SrlvhT8dGHl-uGrsPK40g-RLpm8cO0iIjmvQijnHSR4uPnjUref2XW/s1600/IMG_4980.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOwXJopt1n2rqfMpskKfK3NY5hW-aNCGOHGTfIys8OWeI-7xe3P9xvbtWSNNRxj75212N8lDsxRdt-Ey2VyMmi1SrlvhT8dGHl-uGrsPK40g-RLpm8cO0iIjmvQijnHSR4uPnjUref2XW/s400/IMG_4980.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blue-tailed Damselflies mating.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZSyuywOXo9o7YBr8YXWRikRmuP2mKfx_3xmsN0eMsKYwo8QyasqJW8Z6q0wcI7pqf4Ff1CNliJ_Se_GQ2dKPtfRWINHLrka7UDYz4neGRHrI5C_7SSkojpqdDKmHldHm5QDHkj_70iSs/s1600/IMG_5061.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZSyuywOXo9o7YBr8YXWRikRmuP2mKfx_3xmsN0eMsKYwo8QyasqJW8Z6q0wcI7pqf4Ff1CNliJ_Se_GQ2dKPtfRWINHLrka7UDYz4neGRHrI5C_7SSkojpqdDKmHldHm5QDHkj_70iSs/s400/IMG_5061.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blue-tailed Damselfly.</div>
<b>Blue-tailed Damselfly</b>. 33 records, the most commonly recorded species. Tenerals were found at Oak Road, Ennerdale S Pond and Setting Dyke, oviposition was recorded at Beverley and Barmston Drain and Noddle Hill Lake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8k_iz-Yh1quixFGmanDqcCdUGRjvbx_BTiE0nDRP86mrrVY0O3UBiOnj9E8DShjH_MOtLUmGlV1nCSu0uZegM58qoxww9D9DXH9uvxr-7bEGYLf_1qtzmo3S9OrCAZNQqeCxZwkx9fvl/s1600/IMG_5670.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8k_iz-Yh1quixFGmanDqcCdUGRjvbx_BTiE0nDRP86mrrVY0O3UBiOnj9E8DShjH_MOtLUmGlV1nCSu0uZegM58qoxww9D9DXH9uvxr-7bEGYLf_1qtzmo3S9OrCAZNQqeCxZwkx9fvl/s400/IMG_5670.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Broad-bodied Chaser.</b> 5 records. Oviposition at Foredyke Green Pond, where the photo above was taken.</div>
<div>
<b>Four-spotted Chaser.</b> 12 records from 5 sites, including individuals emerging in a private garden.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLr6jUpfFuRSXr9F6YyE8nhUcvgBwc0QchV2FrzhSMI6-maycG7nYqeeYPtKnSeqTpXskFYWmgNDXSDg_Tpz4sP1vQG9X77rhPhNeAQMAmAsSSc1Folkf4aHX6FmwslySk7xIPjR4imxG/s1600/IMG_5048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLr6jUpfFuRSXr9F6YyE8nhUcvgBwc0QchV2FrzhSMI6-maycG7nYqeeYPtKnSeqTpXskFYWmgNDXSDg_Tpz4sP1vQG9X77rhPhNeAQMAmAsSSc1Folkf4aHX6FmwslySk7xIPjR4imxG/s400/IMG_5048.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Black-tailed Skimmer.</b> 8 records from 6 sites, the first of the year on the 2nd June. A female was seen ovipositing at Snuff Mill Lane.</div>
Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-31579095409856230002020-06-27T21:43:00.000+01:002020-06-29T21:45:36.228+01:00Pirate wolf spiders in retreat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihXJRmiOPaUILJ-CPphuWeIwK48lPX5cSLw3TRjKLUIUtSy2qBYZLw2hf2tc51K4V1HYbkiFMrEcU6FVSlUpv0QU1ORSz6AYkA-ybe4-r8gS_H-326ACiaxMBfKyf1U4crS88T9CGGXES/s1600/IMG_6058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihXJRmiOPaUILJ-CPphuWeIwK48lPX5cSLw3TRjKLUIUtSy2qBYZLw2hf2tc51K4V1HYbkiFMrEcU6FVSlUpv0QU1ORSz6AYkA-ybe4-r8gS_H-326ACiaxMBfKyf1U4crS88T9CGGXES/s640/IMG_6058.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This afternoon I walked to local pond in search of dragonflies. Only Azure damselflies were active, half a dozen males bobbing about searching for females on the pond edge, a pair mating. As I looked for exuviae on the plant leaves, I noticed two female Pirate wolf spiders, possibly <i>Pirata piraticus</i>, in silky retreats at the base of branched burr-reed leaves, both carrying their bright white egg sacs. Apparently, unlike other wolf spiders, they build silky tubes, sometimes partially submerged, from where they hunt passing insects.Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-47316346358981254422020-06-01T19:48:00.005+01:002020-10-23T14:59:30.676+01:00Hull Dragons 2020: May summary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDg1ZeqNl8TgFMDOXuZt3lkq50RhiqMLtZZgy-zQQeQdmZ1L_1Ng4_D6P4RnyMMeRCj7RfZmrVCLDjyH6cbtrHp_C-9UdSsBX-GfirnLvULTTUgwsN6GFCjC-JQLuxkcxIN1O8t0H6RyT/s1600/IMG_4754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDg1ZeqNl8TgFMDOXuZt3lkq50RhiqMLtZZgy-zQQeQdmZ1L_1Ng4_D6P4RnyMMeRCj7RfZmrVCLDjyH6cbtrHp_C-9UdSsBX-GfirnLvULTTUgwsN6GFCjC-JQLuxkcxIN1O8t0H6RyT/s640/IMG_4754.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We are running a Hull and surrounding area dragonfly and damselfly survey (Hull Dragons for short) in 2020, for comparison to 2019. I will post a monthly summary of the progress. This year is starting quite strong. The first flying Odonata weren't seen until the 2nd week of May. During May, 60 records have been submitted to iRecord, from 9 species this year (compared to 23 records of 6 species recorded during the same time period in May). The increased number of records and species might be due to the favourable weather during the spring: we've had the sunniest spring and warmest May on record. This has not only provided ideal conditions for dragonfly watching, but might have also speeded up emergence. For example, the Emperor dragonfly records this year are almost three weeks earlier than in 2019.<br />
My first Odonata record was on the 13th May, when while working on my desk by my front bay window a dragonfly, most likely a broad-bodied chaser, flew past. A tandem pair of blue damselflies was observed at St Andrews Quay pond on the 21st. Broad-bodied chaser are having a good year, with 4 records from 3 locations. The most common records were from Azure and Blue-tailed Damselflies. A very exciting record is that of a Large Red Damselfly at an ornamental pond in Willerby on the 25th May, given that we had no records for this species last year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji3x3TKCLzbzXGHpGTIwcJfw5nOPSNTcQo1uD7n3Y0pfTbFSuMxKDicS5VIYy4VKICLsRfFIg4-M_4XGLHCEQCwlAYq9gUPXr_SaD5ALeIIkzh1fJaJpHarTx7hyphenhyphend00dYflQ7Yx21oiHq/s1600/IMG_4953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji3x3TKCLzbzXGHpGTIwcJfw5nOPSNTcQo1uD7n3Y0pfTbFSuMxKDicS5VIYy4VKICLsRfFIg4-M_4XGLHCEQCwlAYq9gUPXr_SaD5ALeIIkzh1fJaJpHarTx7hyphenhyphend00dYflQ7Yx21oiHq/s400/IMG_4953.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Finally, a Hairy Dragonfly was a very nice addition to the May list, on the Beverley and Barmston drain on the 31st.<br />
<br />
<b>First dates (as in adult identified species in iRecord submitted by 1st June 2020):</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Blue-tailed Damselfly, 20th May</li>
<li>Azure Damselfly, 20th May</li>
<li>Banded Demoiselle, 23rd May</li>
<li>Broad-bodied Chaser, 25th May</li>
<li>Large Red Damselfly, 25th May</li>
<li>Four-spotted Chaser, 21st May, Paull Holme Strays </li>
<li>Common Blue Damselfly, 29th May</li>
<li>Emperor Dragonfly, 29th May</li>
<li>Hairy Dragonfly, 31s May</li>
</ol>
Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-12906523527474635432019-10-04T10:29:00.003+01:002020-09-08T18:18:02.659+01:00Hull Dragons: September summary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdcHfHu5Q-6dfJsw7y-gvMs-XxxvAhsBc9DhNuntwLQyryTwFJqAY-e-iF82IeJOT982CbLANVt6MaBuWtENV3YDDlGc5u99gIYBhgZGSooTJ6dlYRhj8Ha2y0jG6zvugVz09MZBotYH3/s1600/IMG_6931.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdcHfHu5Q-6dfJsw7y-gvMs-XxxvAhsBc9DhNuntwLQyryTwFJqAY-e-iF82IeJOT982CbLANVt6MaBuWtENV3YDDlGc5u99gIYBhgZGSooTJ6dlYRhj8Ha2y0jG6zvugVz09MZBotYH3/s640/IMG_6931.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="891" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s200/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" width="200" /></a><br />
I didn't think I would write a September summary for Hull Dragons. However, the first three weeks of September were generally dry, sunny and warm - though breezy at times - allowing for plentiful dragonfly surveys. In contrast, the end of the month was very overcast, wet and the temperatures plummeted. Overall, 134 records were submitted to iRecord from 9 species in September by 4 observers. Although fewer species have been active in September compared to August (9 compared to 13), and the general diversity is lower, the spread of the records is increased, with the records coming from 30 km2. 83% of the records were for Common Darter and Migrant Hawker. There were 8 Southern Hawker records and 5 Ruddy Darter records, the remaining species having one or two records each in the month. Most notably, however, a male Willow Emerald was first recorded at East Park. This is not only a great addition to the Hull Dragons survey, but it is the first record for all of East Yorkshire (see my previous post about it <a href="http://abugblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/willow-emerald-twitch-at-east-park.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
<br />
With the addition of these records and the dragonfly records submitted through Birdtrack, HullDragons has now accumulated over 500 records, which are far more than I would have anticipated at the start of the survey.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Other than my Willow Emerald twitch, my favourite dragonfly trip this month was at Noddle Hill. The sheltered 'Snake Pass' ride is a favourite haunt of Migrant and Southern Hawker, hunting and sunbathing and both Common and Ruddy darters also favour it. The NW corner of the lake, with a wide belt of marginal vegetation, in a sunny, sheltered corner, had plenty of Migrant Hawker activity, with several mating pairs, two of them sitting close to each other. A male Ruddy Darter was also on territory. The following are some photos of that survey on the 18th of September.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TdzWA8FQVZwS58nWughx8MSvMW7a9kPMjy5kxWV0v0H81M0UodPJj5ClBhWoFFixV-8rf_0Lj7iV55oSDpz0FRNm1yFzQTpUoLcRMoRjcaS0X8CGKW8TvWZrucrNKYYOZeXZskVOslUy/s1600/IMG_7246.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TdzWA8FQVZwS58nWughx8MSvMW7a9kPMjy5kxWV0v0H81M0UodPJj5ClBhWoFFixV-8rf_0Lj7iV55oSDpz0FRNm1yFzQTpUoLcRMoRjcaS0X8CGKW8TvWZrucrNKYYOZeXZskVOslUy/s320/IMG_7246.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Female Migrant Hawker.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZKExltmefT-DfjuG7Pi_3kRUATL7FAh7o4uh0_e34gV6OyWKj5ax_Zcne5lpfnteEOtlV9jk3E2duevzLaGC8o1mZEZWzU4B8cH8BF4idO4LYUgSD0iHbQzCSzv6jeZ0kr5sRzbxsQEc/s1600/IMG_7285.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZKExltmefT-DfjuG7Pi_3kRUATL7FAh7o4uh0_e34gV6OyWKj5ax_Zcne5lpfnteEOtlV9jk3E2duevzLaGC8o1mZEZWzU4B8cH8BF4idO4LYUgSD0iHbQzCSzv6jeZ0kr5sRzbxsQEc/s320/IMG_7285.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Male Southern Hawker.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqdTYMZpchJoqQy7fx09LHcgFFSiNJHTIjUuweNyaWckQ2QdmV3G-wKFS70LaKjJm35ACO68N7pNlbgR48-cjRd0OmD2EXjiqpMkJVVDpQzIyUMa2VcQNOoPYs3FK19rjP6QK02clPdfq/s1600/IMG_7291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqdTYMZpchJoqQy7fx09LHcgFFSiNJHTIjUuweNyaWckQ2QdmV3G-wKFS70LaKjJm35ACO68N7pNlbgR48-cjRd0OmD2EXjiqpMkJVVDpQzIyUMa2VcQNOoPYs3FK19rjP6QK02clPdfq/s400/IMG_7291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mating Migrant Hawkers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dV68w1Cn2sprehlydVzedwH9XnTkVE3pSzNCaaAhmVo48xQLDUgG_Hmb35OvhgGzDxMYVAKvs07yp-sWYwrDC0qgU53zeYpNRh0-gzGQa9Vn5GGKPCD5qdzb8AOA5wi-PfBixKTRmrXz/s1600/IMG_7304.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dV68w1Cn2sprehlydVzedwH9XnTkVE3pSzNCaaAhmVo48xQLDUgG_Hmb35OvhgGzDxMYVAKvs07yp-sWYwrDC0qgU53zeYpNRh0-gzGQa9Vn5GGKPCD5qdzb8AOA5wi-PfBixKTRmrXz/s400/IMG_7304.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mating Common Darter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkqeKgw0FFxovsl7vkm4YUGJR9A-za_ZCforn03S59WciF44G_FbGQFTBFZb4kqAclIzvBvfouCFhQZD-2g9WuSnyjL4acFfVWlBDxhyJxKwCN_7yNKOI7Du34FfRbltD3sMDocSf7afT/s1600/IMG_7306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkqeKgw0FFxovsl7vkm4YUGJR9A-za_ZCforn03S59WciF44G_FbGQFTBFZb4kqAclIzvBvfouCFhQZD-2g9WuSnyjL4acFfVWlBDxhyJxKwCN_7yNKOI7Du34FfRbltD3sMDocSf7afT/s400/IMG_7306.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The patrolling Migrant Hawker males over the water offered some opportunities for in flight photography.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60YkUT8uZUiiN_sThiGyqTApj-IiYEq_cFknrWtsqBYeV0Mn9NKA4Gzzkm88Bt4UeZje0nX1r3-Uck9NG99gWNq4WGyw6lxur4Okq1lD9piGghMD8Uceuwotlqe8-LV5ey162FZEFcreu/s1600/IMG_7318.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60YkUT8uZUiiN_sThiGyqTApj-IiYEq_cFknrWtsqBYeV0Mn9NKA4Gzzkm88Bt4UeZje0nX1r3-Uck9NG99gWNq4WGyw6lxur4Okq1lD9piGghMD8Uceuwotlqe8-LV5ey162FZEFcreu/s400/IMG_7318.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Male Ruddy Darter on territory.</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<h3>
List of species recorded on September</h3>
<ol>
<li>Southern Hawker</li>
<li>Brown Hawker</li>
<li>Migrant Hawker</li>
<li>Ruddy darter</li>
<li>Common Darter</li>
<li>Small Red-eyed damselfly</li>
<li>WILLOW EMERALD</li>
<li>Black-tailed skimmer</li>
<li>Common blue damselfly</li>
</ol>
<div>
Note: this will be the last monthly summary for HullDragons this year</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-30105647801888761492019-09-10T21:06:00.000+01:002019-09-11T21:14:37.835+01:00Willow Emerald twitch at East Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnk2wXmS4RfinDs1f9En2bz-QKzE6mCSy1eX4dGEa2jcEtkT41lu6ToYgVXe_Xq4-kil_If5F-vL2SL6Zn1BOCjRg9XqUYx7QFxHb97K4Cf2F6wVk5jay1irzQi2MNQM_atytCxJxlnfE/s1600/IMG_6931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnk2wXmS4RfinDs1f9En2bz-QKzE6mCSy1eX4dGEa2jcEtkT41lu6ToYgVXe_Xq4-kil_If5F-vL2SL6Zn1BOCjRg9XqUYx7QFxHb97K4Cf2F6wVk5jay1irzQi2MNQM_atytCxJxlnfE/s640/IMG_6931.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
When I posted the Hull Dragons August summary on the 6th of September, I noted that, regarding the Willow Emerald Damselfly "there is a possibility this rapidly expanding species may make it into Hull in the near future". But I was never expecting the near future to be as quick as 48 hours! @pondwatcher on Twitter:<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
East Park Hull today: the best was single Willow Emerald in reeds (possibly 1st VC 61 record). Also Migrant Hawkers in cop high up in Willow & in reeds plus egg laying in reeds. Odd that no Darters seen. <a href="https://twitter.com/aBugBlog?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aBugBlog</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BDSYorkshire?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BDSYorkshire</a> <a href="https://t.co/7OULKL4diG">pic.twitter.com/7OULKL4diG</a></div>
— Pond Watcher (@WatcherPond) <a href="https://twitter.com/WatcherPond/status/1170777854239477760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
<div>
How exciting was that!?<br />
The Willow Emerald benefits from urbanisation, as it favours permanent garden and park ponds, surrounded by trees or bushes. Its is a late flying species, making the end of the dragonfly/damselfly season more exciting. It is the only Odonata species that oviposits into live wood, usually thin branches overhanging water, where eggs induce a diagnostic, gall-like reaction in the wood in a pattern of parallel lines.<br />
After a few sporadic records, the Willow Emerald became a regular breeding species in the UK in 2009, where many breeding colonies were discovered in Suffolk. Since then, it has steadily increased in range west and north, and this year it <a href="https://mailchi.mp/b24197bac38b/hawker-september-edition-the-latest-news-on-dragonflies?e=2e3f32c1aa" target="_blank">crossed the Humber for the first time</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCX5EeVgdCaDyEeryNsmRDMwf3rwIkhXqmlhJezSzbDN9p0ixCF1r0DjH9BPSugXtaoVlCrQ64oNWWO0uGrMquVRkXjiBxL3eFO7Qplf0m5_oDG-F4_pYvT6uQpPxMH49IBVf9j3Xq0yH/s1600/IMG_6883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCX5EeVgdCaDyEeryNsmRDMwf3rwIkhXqmlhJezSzbDN9p0ixCF1r0DjH9BPSugXtaoVlCrQ64oNWWO0uGrMquVRkXjiBxL3eFO7Qplf0m5_oDG-F4_pYvT6uQpPxMH49IBVf9j3Xq0yH/s400/IMG_6883.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Today, there was a forecast of sunny spells and light WNW wind, and I decided to got on a damselfly twitch. I arrived at the park at 9:00 and walked to the eastern side of the lake, where the area around the boardwalk is favoured by dragonflies and damselflies. The first sunny spell took about an hour to arrive. When it did, Migrant Hawker males became active, with up to 5 males sharing the area, patrolling and resting over the large patch of marginal vegetation (above), a single female making a short appearance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LhKy11yfe450H9NBcTOdHgCi3XqebA2bNbR6wzsksYmKRffhfgXhOEsFXg4NhyIwB0Idd7HZ8dxA7tFXsHaXN6VtcFJK_OghOhDL-JvSV7iYbes7JWt5jVBGGTr-Do2uuY-foR1Iyfq8/s1600/IMG_6890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LhKy11yfe450H9NBcTOdHgCi3XqebA2bNbR6wzsksYmKRffhfgXhOEsFXg4NhyIwB0Idd7HZ8dxA7tFXsHaXN6VtcFJK_OghOhDL-JvSV7iYbes7JWt5jVBGGTr-Do2uuY-foR1Iyfq8/s400/IMG_6890.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A female Common Darter (above) sat on the railings of the boardwalk, the first record of this species in the park this year. After walking up and down for a while searching for the Willow Emerald and with another large cloud looming, I moved onto the western side of the park to search for Small Red-eyed Damselflies. No luck, not a single damselfly on the west side of the main lake or boating lake.<br />
After a hot drink in the cafe I returned to the boardwalk. More searching of trees and marginal vegetation and walking up and down the boardwalk. The Migrant Hawkers were active so I watched them for a while. It was 12:20, the temperature quite pleasant in the sun, barely a breeze. Two male Common Darters were in attendance, chasing. After three hours in the park, I thought I had to content myself with a tandem pair of Common Darters, which were looking for an oviposition site. Maybe the Willow Emerald had succumbed to predation, of moved on. Another cloud was coming. I thought I'd stay for the next sunny spell. Then, a lovely, large sturdy green damselfly flitted about, checked the passing pair of hesitant darters in tandem, and sat on a leaf near the boardwalk: yes! the male Willow Emerald! It gave the impression of a sizeable insect, it is indeed as long or a bit longer than a common darter, and a stronger flyer than the common emerald. It sat on exposed leaves over the water, moving every now and then to another perch. It sat on alder leaves, on branched burr reed flower heads and leaves. I could take plenty of photos, as I watched it for about 20 min. A lovely damselfly tick!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKhHhLcRolmVgyP6gB_GppcuHemjmm3J6AIGRX5PRakTY9DafpUAoGN2BgDWs3khYeaynSaG2Gc_JzAArYdWi4b5hpAWJXDm8jJKIy-hxvP1PJFGqw-U0MKgwxaMyAXmZK3O57bSeqCkt/s1600/IMG_6937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKhHhLcRolmVgyP6gB_GppcuHemjmm3J6AIGRX5PRakTY9DafpUAoGN2BgDWs3khYeaynSaG2Gc_JzAArYdWi4b5hpAWJXDm8jJKIy-hxvP1PJFGqw-U0MKgwxaMyAXmZK3O57bSeqCkt/s400/IMG_6937.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This photo shows the 'spur' on the side of the thorax and the pale pterostigma with dark edges.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0wUU72VVVZ6r8-hNmYR6fKWHJCyVMxHlBl_GKWg5Au2s44GZ_TlLBUpP00cjnpd_2mYcWBqs5KzxiuQpylulja1JUlkjIiboE6WQz94y8kvs3g55Jzuc1W-LUvHKamd7-ry9J9yZDDc2/s1600/IMG_6941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0wUU72VVVZ6r8-hNmYR6fKWHJCyVMxHlBl_GKWg5Au2s44GZ_TlLBUpP00cjnpd_2mYcWBqs5KzxiuQpylulja1JUlkjIiboE6WQz94y8kvs3g55Jzuc1W-LUvHKamd7-ry9J9yZDDc2/s400/IMG_6941.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The pale appendages are also distinctive. No bluish pruinescence is apparent.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-p2-zTdNV7cYEhTQwBVcZPnrjo4U4ZMLGadUA-t-Si9CnO40zMRjwf3In_FkR4ynqXLxlDyxImBL-Ss4ZYKFINeFa8uNwlIfOiGTnbJJULDyTNIrfI6BLyhJFjZL7M8wdWQtfm1s8XSJ/s1600/IMG_6966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-p2-zTdNV7cYEhTQwBVcZPnrjo4U4ZMLGadUA-t-Si9CnO40zMRjwf3In_FkR4ynqXLxlDyxImBL-Ss4ZYKFINeFa8uNwlIfOiGTnbJJULDyTNIrfI6BLyhJFjZL7M8wdWQtfm1s8XSJ/s400/IMG_6966.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBpSb1wKvBLDNL6y4BlaSQLY5AuCLon0Ok8GDp_EO2ulDjvFKbPLcSWsbO7RJQHyJwAXd_tnCJDp1Bh4T3mGAu42TFV8_JIW96DqXbfjC81GUwRTL6VDqo0jIZoWO8YKHIn7JF0LVRcET/s1600/IMG_6969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBpSb1wKvBLDNL6y4BlaSQLY5AuCLon0Ok8GDp_EO2ulDjvFKbPLcSWsbO7RJQHyJwAXd_tnCJDp1Bh4T3mGAu42TFV8_JIW96DqXbfjC81GUwRTL6VDqo0jIZoWO8YKHIn7JF0LVRcET/s400/IMG_6969.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Willow Emerald males often sit on low branches of trees, overhanging water, which are the ovipositing sites chosen by females.</div>
</div>
Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-31697237575411325972019-09-06T20:09:00.000+01:002019-09-06T21:31:18.686+01:00Hull Dragons: August summary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhF-r1NotMtz2v5tRJvXc6VWr7dY_VIW3v6mAkeqiwOJBplp2Un2Z2h-66GZqYYUnfO0HpWZD6YeDFpN57x-5oysBqKfyeR8ZoVz2s1-HeCJTfSnjqP8U8U0LIjxa4A6MHzVA5sFXbhUS/s1600/IMG_6262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhF-r1NotMtz2v5tRJvXc6VWr7dY_VIW3v6mAkeqiwOJBplp2Un2Z2h-66GZqYYUnfO0HpWZD6YeDFpN57x-5oysBqKfyeR8ZoVz2s1-HeCJTfSnjqP8U8U0LIjxa4A6MHzVA5sFXbhUS/s640/IMG_6262.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="891" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s200/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" width="200" /></a><br />
The dragonfly season has been in full swing, particularly during the very warm Bank Holiday weekend. Thirteen species and a total of 130 records from 23 km squares have been submitted so far to iRecord during August. Seven recorders have contributed to these records. During the last part of the month a number of species were still on the wing, although the records were dominated by Common Darters and Migrant Hawkers, two late, abundant and obvious species that also roam away from water. Both species add squares to the survey that don't necessarily hold breeding sites.<br />
Choosing highlights hasn't been easy, but these are some.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-Em6Wjcpaj-NAmtRQYXw37QMZt0mHaDBudJlVRnCiFNKnHDKq0x7zFDZ5O2Y1bo6S8HBuYOeC90ZEUx0fWorG3yauh2L4F5huiDZDIZZFDKcUDbftBlooEAgiWv3sNPknTX0M9siqUhB/s1600/IMG_5532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-Em6Wjcpaj-NAmtRQYXw37QMZt0mHaDBudJlVRnCiFNKnHDKq0x7zFDZ5O2Y1bo6S8HBuYOeC90ZEUx0fWorG3yauh2L4F5huiDZDIZZFDKcUDbftBlooEAgiWv3sNPknTX0M9siqUhB/s400/IMG_5532.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Small Red-eyed Damselfly</b><br />
To the thriving population at East Park we added Pickering park as a new site for the species, where many individuals and ovipositing was confirmed. A few other scattered records are evidence of the rapid range expansion of this species.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiN6G8cXROs8xsvYXj9pnitlCnTef7pTswZVip0h3_bXEdTi35sROCnLOt4RmuiJIqfHHqAObV8wHoapFvUxqW-N0dKq4eh28VG7QTkmU8zfs7cXUM4Qen0y7B0VMUZmvP3UviYQ2WVHQZ/s1600/IMG_6577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiN6G8cXROs8xsvYXj9pnitlCnTef7pTswZVip0h3_bXEdTi35sROCnLOt4RmuiJIqfHHqAObV8wHoapFvUxqW-N0dKq4eh28VG7QTkmU8zfs7cXUM4Qen0y7B0VMUZmvP3UviYQ2WVHQZ/s320/IMG_6577.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Migrant Hawker</b><br />
A great year for Migrant Hawkers. They have been plentiful, with almost 50 records submitted to iRecord to 6th of September, compared to 18 last year. More excitingly, breeding evidence was obtained, with multiple patrolling males on several potential breeding sites with mating pairs at Pickering Park, Foredyke Stream, Beverley and Barmston Drain, and oviposition observed at Foredyke Stream.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOgaHOT2GtLydMPwRp7_35UkwBfZ7t2DsBbO4KruD3f5cdWRemuYWtwyhDUfBoqfSZlqaFxhq1lGEDe6CNiUGATPs0RKsWEfDo-tHrH95WPTC6fOQHXluNUlJGhIF-t69WF6rnSQw-RAz/s1600/IMG_6617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOgaHOT2GtLydMPwRp7_35UkwBfZ7t2DsBbO4KruD3f5cdWRemuYWtwyhDUfBoqfSZlqaFxhq1lGEDe6CNiUGATPs0RKsWEfDo-tHrH95WPTC6fOQHXluNUlJGhIF-t69WF6rnSQw-RAz/s320/IMG_6617.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Southern Hawker</b><br />
A total of 22 records have been submitted for this species this year, compared to 4 last year. The Southern Hawker (top shot and above) is a recent colonist that has only been in the recording area since 2007, but is now well established, with records from 12 sites and evidence of breeding (oviposition and emergence) in several of them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtcdl0S2BszTNYANYi_j1S3aESZqFpxV8V7VKOlueRTk-F-cuJstJdk1RAm1ND3emCk8q358vBmrjZSQ89UcUxpW1eVUhNoHZ9Z8_H-aOoHgIOnjsIb0JR2E9wWi8s0mmjexnc5nm7HDk/s1600/BlackDarterBarry.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtcdl0S2BszTNYANYi_j1S3aESZqFpxV8V7VKOlueRTk-F-cuJstJdk1RAm1ND3emCk8q358vBmrjZSQ89UcUxpW1eVUhNoHZ9Z8_H-aOoHgIOnjsIb0JR2E9wWi8s0mmjexnc5nm7HDk/s400/BlackDarterBarry.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Male Black Darter near St Andrews Quay, 2012. Photo by Barry Warrington, used with permission.</div>
<b>Black Darter</b><br />
A record of a male was submitted by Barry Warrington of this rare darter on the East side of the Yorkshire Wolds. This is a notable record as there are only a handful of records in the area, the first one from 2011 at Priory Fields, the second from the Beverley and Barmston Drain in 2013. Barry has found Black Darters in the same area, near St Andrews Quay, in 2012 (above) and 2016. Records of this species probably represent dispersing individuals, as the species breeds on boggy, moorland or heath ponds not present in our recording area.<br />
<br />
<b>List of species recorded in August</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Migrant Hawker.</li>
<li>Southern Hawker.</li>
<li>Brown Hawker.</li>
<li>Common Darter</li>
<li>Emperor Dragonfly.</li>
<li>Common Blue</li>
<li>Blue-tailed Damselfly.</li>
<li>Small Red-eyed.</li>
<li>Red-Eyed Damselfly.</li>
<li>Azure Damselfly</li>
<li>Ruddy Darter.</li>
<li>Emerald. Foredyke Green.</li>
<li>Black Darter.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<b>In the wider area: Willow Emerald expansion</b></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj221g2IlEPSfhpDfVRLPt-LVhWklZroT5K4s5YzJq6JBzaSJDtw2b4rt2mg5et3qBIyEgWmhr37s9o1O45f8IbNrFxqyFkB5RBlw9mKIkriVHofYRCkF1B7-u_bq873bxu90bxD0hcspUK/s1600/IMG_1645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj221g2IlEPSfhpDfVRLPt-LVhWklZroT5K4s5YzJq6JBzaSJDtw2b4rt2mg5et3qBIyEgWmhr37s9o1O45f8IbNrFxqyFkB5RBlw9mKIkriVHofYRCkF1B7-u_bq873bxu90bxD0hcspUK/s400/IMG_1645.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Emerald Damselfly. Mature male.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBGhaCuousB2_-OQlgiu_845mCn_I2vVKJyY6mrlX4qxE7jnSlB2OaqW_WwJddU16SWWsn-lhH8R2fYd3i8qrv8pUhn7x0cdIkT-FIwaOcLdurZEjBQpBO7mFrfus1Ht6mP6qaKN3yozW/s1600/IMG_6320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBGhaCuousB2_-OQlgiu_845mCn_I2vVKJyY6mrlX4qxE7jnSlB2OaqW_WwJddU16SWWsn-lhH8R2fYd3i8qrv8pUhn7x0cdIkT-FIwaOcLdurZEjBQpBO7mFrfus1Ht6mP6qaKN3yozW/s400/IMG_6320.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Willow Emerald male. Note lack of blue 'pruinescence', pale pterostigma with black margins and pale abdominal appendages. On side view a spur on the thorax is distinctive. Note eyes are not blue. </div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Records of Willow Emerald Damselfly from Lincolnshire and a record from North Yorkshire means that there is a possibility this rapidly expanding species may make it into Hull in the near future. Fortunately, it is a late flying species, active until October, so it is worth while keeping an eye for it. The photo above was taken in a London park during the bank holiday weekend.</div>
Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-59021772349737984522019-09-03T19:32:00.003+01:002019-09-11T14:05:54.791+01:00Migrant hawkers scramble competition<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYlNhVmv1jKAe9tENBp6zobSu15pMoUgYsgl9AfNbrXJVjcQmjQ9wto9U8r3Mc57hCwQm8AR_J6-VY6gOOaideytNE1fAVlqoHRooloS4ohAsyY903loPmcM3zMiZkvTFxc4GypZ_0JwS/s1600/IMG_6603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYlNhVmv1jKAe9tENBp6zobSu15pMoUgYsgl9AfNbrXJVjcQmjQ9wto9U8r3Mc57hCwQm8AR_J6-VY6gOOaideytNE1fAVlqoHRooloS4ohAsyY903loPmcM3zMiZkvTFxc4GypZ_0JwS/s640/IMG_6603.jpg" width="640" /></a>I'm used to watching migrant hawkers foraging over gardens, leafy streets and sheltered woodland rides, some times in groups. They are immature individuals, gathering energy away from water. Migrant Hawkers, unlike other hawkers, mature slowly, and will move to suitable breeding sites after their long immature period. During this past week I've watched them in their breeding sites in lakes and drains, where mating and egg-laying takes place.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS7OYalWrNTS1da_DPCdD2FYuACjemFf1uEzDBe6ZkXW-eWTBFRWhFu-fS1SxYnu-zZTOBTvCho0QU5Gl_CkZikA2EjpAqFdlapx-wtwc4XKMZbQTwgo3W2VEXdUkyjJr5-aq7hicFKb8/s1600/IMG_6409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS7OYalWrNTS1da_DPCdD2FYuACjemFf1uEzDBe6ZkXW-eWTBFRWhFu-fS1SxYnu-zZTOBTvCho0QU5Gl_CkZikA2EjpAqFdlapx-wtwc4XKMZbQTwgo3W2VEXdUkyjJr5-aq7hicFKb8/s400/IMG_6409.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A mature male rests briefly between bouts of searching (Pickering Park, 27th August) </div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Males at the breeding site </b><br />
At one of my local parks (Pickering Park) last week, dozens of Migrant Hawkers sat or patrolled alongside marginal vegetation around the lake. The males, now fully mature and showing their bright blue spots and eyes and side yellow-green stripes often hovered in a spot, or explored the vegetation, flying well into it, searching for females.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_CdH8JrswJeVXkiL3NXd1a1V4mMYtmOVHXOczvTFYzw49HYWBPa-0Qt24MtSql8KXmNJeUBUyy8iz4_Wfz7H09BMxZIgelovu0MclaN1VlqFHNdFAATwphwZtN8CxiREsj_NNnLUedXQ/s1600/IMG_6400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_CdH8JrswJeVXkiL3NXd1a1V4mMYtmOVHXOczvTFYzw49HYWBPa-0Qt24MtSql8KXmNJeUBUyy8iz4_Wfz7H09BMxZIgelovu0MclaN1VlqFHNdFAATwphwZtN8CxiREsj_NNnLUedXQ/s400/IMG_6400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A typical hovering male in a clearing at the marginal vegetation (Pickering Park, 27th August), offering them good views.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>Mating</b><br />
I saw no females, until one was captured by a male: no preliminary or courtship, the male just tackled her and positioned himself to grab her by the head. The female is then able to curve her abdomen and mate, retrieving sperm from the male's secondary genitalia at the base of the abdomen, forming the 'wheel position'. They may fly in wheel position very fast, zigzagging alongside the marginal vegetation edge or briefly rising into the air, before settling on vegetation (above).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveKhyhMze6R-6-uOfCjULxaaYZ6lVhoCt4IoBGmzJhUAKxtKbiol2Zmy_aimlaMXsqvvzS_1gmmrwhSOWYUqg6uUB5IUJyqDriy6pgFqP1vwqawNyhAS34a90fzrG0JzXSaukL8O6vhG7/s1600/IMG_6577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveKhyhMze6R-6-uOfCjULxaaYZ6lVhoCt4IoBGmzJhUAKxtKbiol2Zmy_aimlaMXsqvvzS_1gmmrwhSOWYUqg6uUB5IUJyqDriy6pgFqP1vwqawNyhAS34a90fzrG0JzXSaukL8O6vhG7/s400/IMG_6577.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ovipositing female (Foredyke Stream, 1st September)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nN96z8wWASSgNE-zvzhsBUO1stn1g8Qf7CT7zqnjmcDQm4I0fk57DsJo5vQG0GddSGb0yHB_lkNwRlhIxg6KSgxUDHjfJPjIT4bgga4NpYwxX9gwaQh2Dzl4BGgb2SNhbaxKNL1zidq6/s1600/IMG_6552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nN96z8wWASSgNE-zvzhsBUO1stn1g8Qf7CT7zqnjmcDQm4I0fk57DsJo5vQG0GddSGb0yHB_lkNwRlhIxg6KSgxUDHjfJPjIT4bgga4NpYwxX9gwaQh2Dzl4BGgb2SNhbaxKNL1zidq6/s400/IMG_6552.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The moment when the male passes by, and sees the female.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cfSNQl3Ta7uw6R6RvTlIChlqXiNPYEa4U0JcKNmwT3PFwO-Lgf3172tOGRyrGBXR05FL3XLiBuFzAIF4z4i8cgRNMZ3xs9vTPYMyphLL451zAE0jLQak4AjDYLP3Y7WLz-YVdLQG_GUA/s1600/IMG_6560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cfSNQl3Ta7uw6R6RvTlIChlqXiNPYEa4U0JcKNmwT3PFwO-Lgf3172tOGRyrGBXR05FL3XLiBuFzAIF4z4i8cgRNMZ3xs9vTPYMyphLL451zAE0jLQak4AjDYLP3Y7WLz-YVdLQG_GUA/s400/IMG_6560.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The pair, mating.</div>
<b>Oviposition</b><br />
A couple of days ago I watched a patrolling male on a ditch doing its usual patrolling routine, rising to inspect any passing individual, even paying attention - briefly rising - to birds flying over. A mated female arrived, unnoticed, and started laying eggs on live leaves well above the water line, I'd say over one metre over the water. She checked leaves and unsheathing her ovipositor, started laying into them (the eggs will overwinter inside the plant leaves, where they are protected from predation). After a couple of minutes, the male noticed her, tackled her and mating ensued. This time the pair settled briefly on plants, which allowed me to take a shot (above). Mating in Migrant Hawkers is longer than in other territorial relatives.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzilUR8V1pF0fXGrVvdvnhBAComVMMZ0ViPKcHtXNJ2E5hdmxRVnzJVKFmgy-3L4gKV-oxqA2DwKoPb29kQbFObhzsrG_6z2kspnCW7sSKOEUp8segG0RekEw_c37mxlGkVO5FuEgNDPS/s1600/IMG_6429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzilUR8V1pF0fXGrVvdvnhBAComVMMZ0ViPKcHtXNJ2E5hdmxRVnzJVKFmgy-3L4gKV-oxqA2DwKoPb29kQbFObhzsrG_6z2kspnCW7sSKOEUp8segG0RekEw_c37mxlGkVO5FuEgNDPS/s400/IMG_6429.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Two males resting near each other (Pickering Park, 27th August)</div>
<b>Nonterritorial males</b><br />
This species is notoriously non-aggressive, even at the breeding sites. Males will even rest within view from each other (above). A patrolling male will swiftly rise to check a passing one, but the interaction is suggestive of them 'checking' that they are not a female, and letting the other individual go their way if it's a male. There is no defended territory, just males congregating on suitable ovipositing sites and searching for females, a type of mating tactic called 'scramble competition'. This appears to be the reason behind the long copulation. A territorial male mating for a long time may lose the territory to an invader, or miss extra mating opportunities. A nonterritorial male has less to lose, and therefore makes sure that he fertilises as many as possible of the females' eggs, possibly by taking time to remove any previous sperm before transferring his transfer. These patterns have been shown to stand when the copulation duration of territorial and nonterritorial drogonfly species were compared, but I haven't found specific data on the Migrant Hawker. To illustrate the pattern, the Emperor, a territorial species, copulates for an average of 10 min, while the Common Hawker, a non-territorial one, copulates for an average of 67 min. Of course, this lengthy copulation is not necessarily to the benefit of the female, who may be already mated, as the female already laying eggs, and therefore this sets the stage for the evolution of female counter-tactics, such as visiting the water as little as possible and avoiding males if they can, something I have <a href="https://abugblog.blogspot.com/2018/07/how-do-female-dragonflies-avoid-male.html" target="_blank">covered before at Bugblog</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>More information</b><br />
Córdoba-Aguilar, A., Serrano-Meneses, M. A. and Cordero-Rivera, A. <a href="https://paperpile.com/shared/l1K2Dz" target="_blank">Copulation Duration in Nonterritorial Odonate Species Lasts Longer than in Territorial Species</a>. <i>Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am.</i> <b>102</b>, 694–701 (2009).Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-32850619568476157162019-08-01T17:56:00.000+01:002019-08-01T17:56:41.695+01:00Hull Dragons: July summary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInxy3qejklCamg8VklbSwEzgnAANHy6yh1UhClXKu25KzbcsWBsrY9xukHCyX73T7Yo4QjaoTMl2toDuWWcMLjh8CNQE02fSW1PviGE61NHp8hBi0GhhU385GhFiQOz6gjEbiO391RbRP/s1600/IMG_4831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInxy3qejklCamg8VklbSwEzgnAANHy6yh1UhClXKu25KzbcsWBsrY9xukHCyX73T7Yo4QjaoTMl2toDuWWcMLjh8CNQE02fSW1PviGE61NHp8hBi0GhhU385GhFiQOz6gjEbiO391RbRP/s640/IMG_4831.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="891" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s200/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
July is peak dragonfly season, most of the early species are still on the wing, and the last of the high summer species have emerged too. Hull Dragons has now a total <span style="background-color: white;">of 180 records in iRecord, from 34 km2 surveyed (28 of them in July) yielding a grand total of 15 </span>species. All but Broad-bodied Chaser, an early season species, have been recorded during July at iRecord.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqL3lBrgMBhxL2bv8W5dKlbf3cEjOaOj0gilILUa-9zX0WvKMG4U9MX8ileNqtK1VpvDnsVWz_yNLr6uAsh-nM8IHhUlvXnaCekTnPMQLc9Yw5aFeWEZNhIZJkM8wcw85a5UtiTPpxdUu_/s1600/Screenshot+2019-07-31+18.23.55.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="688" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqL3lBrgMBhxL2bv8W5dKlbf3cEjOaOj0gilILUa-9zX0WvKMG4U9MX8ileNqtK1VpvDnsVWz_yNLr6uAsh-nM8IHhUlvXnaCekTnPMQLc9Yw5aFeWEZNhIZJkM8wcw85a5UtiTPpxdUu_/s320/Screenshot+2019-07-31+18.23.55.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Survey coverage: 34 km2.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Four new species have been added to the survey this month: Southern Hawker, Common Darter, Brown Hawker and Small Red-eyed Damselfly. Evidence of breeding has been obtained for all four but Brown Hawker.<br />
<br />
<b>Southern Hawker</b><br />
The first record of Southern Hawker was at Pearson park Wildlife Garden pond. A number of fresh exuviae were collected between the 2nd and the 8th of July from the emergent vegetation in and around the pond.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhvaSTKey0UyJLGNokDdAmHkCIoJtlxo44aY1Wq14v3mljV3OEtLUdFyvCuX2D3h-8MwXxtuYS5t4dW9JYTbEUkklfL4BYphWsb8jF3GUh6OoNyXFdtUAgjI2hkJ3TdUR1To0Kl8esS8u/s1600/IMG_4254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhvaSTKey0UyJLGNokDdAmHkCIoJtlxo44aY1Wq14v3mljV3OEtLUdFyvCuX2D3h-8MwXxtuYS5t4dW9JYTbEUkklfL4BYphWsb8jF3GUh6OoNyXFdtUAgjI2hkJ3TdUR1To0Kl8esS8u/s400/IMG_4254.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Southern Hawker exuviae, Pearson Park wildlife garden.</div>
<br />
Two exuviae and observations of an individual getting into a house were obtained at a private Avenues pond. Other records include an individual flying by Oak Road and two or three at Noddle Hill Lake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBIvLvfnHmUOi-lt42PuiF2QeQB1lHCZ5A5ZsbEhbYmbq3oCt3Xwd1kZfkbUxsUNLHAT4Pl8QmoTYwwAf3QnC3KcuRfwLdR0cRWWanPuO4HlzTL5cGj_l8UhVfeE8T7_tFX0N94AnrlYk/s1600/IMG_4796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBIvLvfnHmUOi-lt42PuiF2QeQB1lHCZ5A5ZsbEhbYmbq3oCt3Xwd1kZfkbUxsUNLHAT4Pl8QmoTYwwAf3QnC3KcuRfwLdR0cRWWanPuO4HlzTL5cGj_l8UhVfeE8T7_tFX0N94AnrlYk/s400/IMG_4796.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Immature Southern Hawker at Noddle Hill Lake.</div>
<br />
<b>Banded Demoiselle</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The excellent Banded Demoiselle year continues, with more records and additional sites for this species by the River Hull at Thearne, at Mill Beck, Cottingham and at the Boating Lake at Peter Pan Park (Costello Stadium).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignslaPDw3yeOasI3lzDz5ZzLGAuRk-HnSVG2-gdkeQYKCS8NKJ6-uaOo5-5PKfMfCBVFsO6R1prxW-Dj-TTSpX2OUAmhtflqgajJPKaVzAyPDgXuhGd_bWvesOtYSh_sMBfbHCchGcrQc/s1600/IMG_4324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignslaPDw3yeOasI3lzDz5ZzLGAuRk-HnSVG2-gdkeQYKCS8NKJ6-uaOo5-5PKfMfCBVFsO6R1prxW-Dj-TTSpX2OUAmhtflqgajJPKaVzAyPDgXuhGd_bWvesOtYSh_sMBfbHCchGcrQc/s400/IMG_4324.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Female Banded Demoiselle by the River Hull at Ennerdale.</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Emperor Dragonfly</b><br />
After a few sightings in the last week of June, it is peak season for this species, which has now been recorded at 10 sites. Males were patrolling and defending territories at East Park, Pickering Park, Foredyke Green, Ennerdale South pond and Beverley and Barmston Drain. A female was observed ovipositing at Ennerdale South pond<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-V8FU-uT47CVFQWhvzpczr86ffjcmq4EBtZ0f70Uz21NP5IViaGPqtpEQ6Yk7XuzglZh5zE1DCz7p9CmreKrTUv2Deof2_kBZhjfP7lvp3_QR2dBb6EWBqG7CqBc89LHH6oJPKtpVqctF/s1600/IMG_4463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-V8FU-uT47CVFQWhvzpczr86ffjcmq4EBtZ0f70Uz21NP5IViaGPqtpEQ6Yk7XuzglZh5zE1DCz7p9CmreKrTUv2Deof2_kBZhjfP7lvp3_QR2dBb6EWBqG7CqBc89LHH6oJPKtpVqctF/s400/IMG_4463.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Male Emperor by the Beverley and Barmston drain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV-SHMrcg-r7vbSoiqn_Jx_oa3ltk9l2V2nS_8RGJfDP5GqbsgrRaGJm20L9O4yoECPrvkuIpgcFGp4Tk575-HsX6HoCTTG7KEIH5p_2-9dUAO4STcFe5Kxiqr3XilzTzzoYXVl7WjFto/s1600/IMG_4899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV-SHMrcg-r7vbSoiqn_Jx_oa3ltk9l2V2nS_8RGJfDP5GqbsgrRaGJm20L9O4yoECPrvkuIpgcFGp4Tk575-HsX6HoCTTG7KEIH5p_2-9dUAO4STcFe5Kxiqr3XilzTzzoYXVl7WjFto/s400/IMG_4899.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Female Emperor ovipositing, Costello Stadium boating lake.</div>
<br />
<b>Black-tailed Skimmers</b><br />
The first Black-tailed skimmer record was at the end of June, but it is in this month that they become more common. They have been recorded at 4 sites, with 8 records: Ennerdale South pond, East Park, Noddle Hill LNR and a private avenues pond. Ovipositing was observed at Ennerdale South Pond.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLl4vEXxtZyUnAO9XBROVQf4YDIMerWP3Bl1ck3SU5SPqA9Cpe10Ociu4pVwga1w6fXqi_IgNFLIhMxh1qduWbzloGmdzInk8j5GFFV69pY3UxrqUDL500Df0e6Lnua8MEGweVsKo29FHr/s1600/IMG_4380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLl4vEXxtZyUnAO9XBROVQf4YDIMerWP3Bl1ck3SU5SPqA9Cpe10Ociu4pVwga1w6fXqi_IgNFLIhMxh1qduWbzloGmdzInk8j5GFFV69pY3UxrqUDL500Df0e6Lnua8MEGweVsKo29FHr/s400/IMG_4380.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ovipositing female and guarding male Black-tailed skimmer at Ennerdale South Pond. The male confronted the resident Emperor while the female oviposited.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtKzgZc8ir6HatbTktM4D75Jgame_Jhl9bN4M69TVolbha9uloExA8RP8-EQztNxQgP1h8DFBV7uJ4Mxn4qyzpL2_2rzafsIKLRqRd25SxhquIuufcKsDHEj_Peb0DbOP1EogfMDtqpxj/s1600/IMG_4594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtKzgZc8ir6HatbTktM4D75Jgame_Jhl9bN4M69TVolbha9uloExA8RP8-EQztNxQgP1h8DFBV7uJ4Mxn4qyzpL2_2rzafsIKLRqRd25SxhquIuufcKsDHEj_Peb0DbOP1EogfMDtqpxj/s400/IMG_4594.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of several territorial male Black-tailed Skimmers at East Park.</div>
<b>Azure Damselfly</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Azure Damselflies have now been recorded in 13 km2. Evidence of breeding in the form of mating and ovipositing has been obtained in several sites.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnTbEfymSod7P7fJFFHtfRVq5JadL1WCCnFfK6sCOfP8seOhIlMj5wQq3e2oEaAAhhYpCGK9x7wF7K-5yeCb_LKp5bC0NVbMl18-FWwfDyeJuSTGvvBcHzV56KMNZmRsA1T75-IkSDvHA/s1600/IMG_4481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnTbEfymSod7P7fJFFHtfRVq5JadL1WCCnFfK6sCOfP8seOhIlMj5wQq3e2oEaAAhhYpCGK9x7wF7K-5yeCb_LKp5bC0NVbMl18-FWwfDyeJuSTGvvBcHzV56KMNZmRsA1T75-IkSDvHA/s400/IMG_4481.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Azure Damselflies mating, Pearson Park wildlife garden.</div>
<br />
<b>Ruddy darter</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ruddy darters have been found in Noddle Hill LNR, Oak Road Lake, Midmeredales Pond (several tenerals) and a private pond in the Avenues.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQ_TP7hM9vonuftceBI6skVql80SEog4swngowDwOi9mF-5EaBlyrI7-jcb5zzuyurZgJO0MdYnrZM7V0-X7c5U6zoE1r6fk8CfmvTU-twUWPXkFCbDL4MXIseLpb8BQxqlMa_VSLZp8H/s1600/IMG_4557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQ_TP7hM9vonuftceBI6skVql80SEog4swngowDwOi9mF-5EaBlyrI7-jcb5zzuyurZgJO0MdYnrZM7V0-X7c5U6zoE1r6fk8CfmvTU-twUWPXkFCbDL4MXIseLpb8BQxqlMa_VSLZp8H/s400/IMG_4557.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ruddy Darter, Oak Road Lake.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>Common Darter</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first Common Darter in the area was at Ennerdale S Pond on the 4th July, where several tenerals were found in the vegetation by the pond. More tenerals and darter exuviae were found at an avenues private garden where both Ruddy and Common Darters have been recorded. At least two individuals and three exuviae were found at Pearson Park Wildlife Garden. This species has a long flight season and roams away from water before settling to breed so hopefully more records will be added as the season progresses.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PSdwV1ij_qxLUDuV13b1UmWFjxQZWiZJv-WFHlbCKztZOwz5mIfMSbWyPhAo9J3Mfq8WRyIcH1kQatX7gRSSNJ8VjRyYIVVxJcPHGrTyOO_7gp025TtLHQGpVClCsZI6rIAVAKYy0sFK/s1600/IMG_4773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PSdwV1ij_qxLUDuV13b1UmWFjxQZWiZJv-WFHlbCKztZOwz5mIfMSbWyPhAo9J3Mfq8WRyIcH1kQatX7gRSSNJ8VjRyYIVVxJcPHGrTyOO_7gp025TtLHQGpVClCsZI6rIAVAKYy0sFK/s400/IMG_4773.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Common darter, private avenues pond.</div>
<br />
<b>Blue-tailed damselfly</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
No matter the weather, even during cloudy or muggy days or the habitat, which includes polluted water or fish ponds, the Blue-tailed damselfly always saves the day. I was pleased to find the 'rufescens' female form at the pond in the Museums Garden in the city centre, where the species is very abundant. This form also occurs at East Park. We now have records from 18 squares in the recording area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sjK2PmD2_L1dp0tabZ71Rb3U40SAk1XqC_z8-WYJxswb2vwQXoLQW8ccRyHlgXAK8bKomQNUUMPeVIoi1zTxLI2IoUtzL_vx1AD4M8hLq9XyG8fQqgvuDbVUbfTC_nBNBJTebezfo9qb/s1600/IMG_4626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sjK2PmD2_L1dp0tabZ71Rb3U40SAk1XqC_z8-WYJxswb2vwQXoLQW8ccRyHlgXAK8bKomQNUUMPeVIoi1zTxLI2IoUtzL_vx1AD4M8hLq9XyG8fQqgvuDbVUbfTC_nBNBJTebezfo9qb/s400/IMG_4626.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Small red-eyed damselflies</b><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-67f86044-7fff-e934-d1c1-cb5c591fbd5a"></span><br />
The first sighting of this species this year was at East Park, with dozens of pairs ovipositing in both main lake and boating lake on 13th and 25th of July. Two individuals were recorded at St Andrew’s Quay pond and there is also a record at a garden pond at Skidby. The new locations indicate that this species is likely to become more common and widespread.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrti3amQ0hZi7u8pfJdBmTrGTA5ZLBEsKDtvWgPrZAMPdGVQ1njUZCtIINVCy5Fq-191uXBo6oubZRBjo04V-CbsZuu5Y6HqIsZ_GA-FQX63hSf1y-9Bqwz93zicmYbNdvBBNWokUPIvAl/s1600/IMG_4662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrti3amQ0hZi7u8pfJdBmTrGTA5ZLBEsKDtvWgPrZAMPdGVQ1njUZCtIINVCy5Fq-191uXBo6oubZRBjo04V-CbsZuu5Y6HqIsZ_GA-FQX63hSf1y-9Bqwz93zicmYbNdvBBNWokUPIvAl/s400/IMG_4662.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Resting male.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL5JI09gnpZycv3-TJpyC6demgLkl1Wth7ZA5GyVIej4jO3z0k_t-hUWPJtpyqZUCBFGf5ZW7hF2VQNXGVBg_2_tmi_ebyt-Z9riwgaqdaAzKERaw-Vj7KAF_5ewZ6JN8AOvqU395LgzJ/s1600/IMG_4716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL5JI09gnpZycv3-TJpyC6demgLkl1Wth7ZA5GyVIej4jO3z0k_t-hUWPJtpyqZUCBFGf5ZW7hF2VQNXGVBg_2_tmi_ebyt-Z9riwgaqdaAzKERaw-Vj7KAF_5ewZ6JN8AOvqU395LgzJ/s400/IMG_4716.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Small red-eyed damselflies ovipositing, East Park boating lake.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>Red-eyed Damselfly</b><br />
More records for this species were obtained for East Park and Noddle Hill. A teneral female at Noddle Hill provided evidence of successful breeding at this site.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzpCokjFm6C0RoCmpaqweDlo3jeKrD1b_j9rFPXKe_TJtVpAfK71FjjUA3BaWKEl5mgvNApAzgXlrzz1MsF-9yUL2xFwjjYwiT3iwpXQOqXX0c9FyQcruNe4cO1_PKM9AVWSLMLTe6n3w/s1600/IMG_4816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzpCokjFm6C0RoCmpaqweDlo3jeKrD1b_j9rFPXKe_TJtVpAfK71FjjUA3BaWKEl5mgvNApAzgXlrzz1MsF-9yUL2xFwjjYwiT3iwpXQOqXX0c9FyQcruNe4cO1_PKM9AVWSLMLTe6n3w/s400/IMG_4816.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Red-eyed Damselfly, Noddle Hill Lake.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPzCEQ5BSFGDhcNB5Xx2Wr9_Wf5GjvlNdDf7kthg8Qvl2BYTiW14HWxfIZsl4lOIs6wT0DZAKUGvA0WEP2wXfKwihx98dI1j5ZzDzJVBASEjhrtLU9guHPJafrEGbej4VixVASjaQRKJI/s1600/IMG_4809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPzCEQ5BSFGDhcNB5Xx2Wr9_Wf5GjvlNdDf7kthg8Qvl2BYTiW14HWxfIZsl4lOIs6wT0DZAKUGvA0WEP2wXfKwihx98dI1j5ZzDzJVBASEjhrtLU9guHPJafrEGbej4VixVASjaQRKJI/s400/IMG_4809.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Teneral female Red-eyed Damselfly, Noddle Hill lake.</div>
Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-55638548706437272832019-07-30T15:50:00.002+01:002019-07-30T15:50:45.922+01:00Dragonflies to watch for in August<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="891" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s200/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" width="200" /></a>In this fourth and last instalment of the series on dragonflies to watch out in and around Hull I present five species that have their peak flight season in August.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOH43IFbGtrzThSbYrV1zL5bFQOiw6M8tkRdR8lrhGC4FDrTPbjwMyqS7sr6Hr8WBc2oa8fdIiVz64xmilspT3Wr6_hXBdybHKi4sQVCcDDpImNKqTmNF_uBCwvpmyIhogStD_Y-U1x_8/s1600/IMG_4365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOH43IFbGtrzThSbYrV1zL5bFQOiw6M8tkRdR8lrhGC4FDrTPbjwMyqS7sr6Hr8WBc2oa8fdIiVz64xmilspT3Wr6_hXBdybHKi4sQVCcDDpImNKqTmNF_uBCwvpmyIhogStD_Y-U1x_8/s400/IMG_4365.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
13. <b>Southern Hawker</b>, <i>Aeshna cyanea</i>. A large and colourful dragonfly which is hard to miss, as it likes to hawk low on shaded paths. It has a peculiar behaviour consisting in approaching people as if it was curious and was checking you out! It starts to emerge in mid-June and flies until late October, with a long peak from mid July to early September.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7GE3i2FEm098q7V7mHihO-w_vsdjEocznCajv-txl6DNB5FCSGmQBaxzoQgBMoCLtJP1a2Rjwf0DGHpQB3_NzXyRlvFmpL7w86Tno2opNLzsxtVTusNlqlPFCVgB9UUYOsaWOJxzoRna/s1600/IMG_5052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7GE3i2FEm098q7V7mHihO-w_vsdjEocznCajv-txl6DNB5FCSGmQBaxzoQgBMoCLtJP1a2Rjwf0DGHpQB3_NzXyRlvFmpL7w86Tno2opNLzsxtVTusNlqlPFCVgB9UUYOsaWOJxzoRna/s400/IMG_5052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
15. <b>Ruddy Darter</b>, <i>Sympetrum striolatum</i>. A small, compact dragonfly. Legs are black in both sexes (unlike Common Darter, see below). Males are blood-red and there is no yellow band on side of the thorax, which is reddish brown. It flies from mid June to early October. Peaks in July-August.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuK9pivyW1Lqc4EBtXEXbLO0fQMC8H7nK5DGsB4F12RA3gJsEhiI8qeLAcQT8LdpAJRGyY1Rq8pKqYjlXK08GLBehkhp-IT-n3I1611ZFJU7pvmL_S3I5I0qfsUwjV1i3-GJNqB8MGl8q/s1600/IMG_4662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuK9pivyW1Lqc4EBtXEXbLO0fQMC8H7nK5DGsB4F12RA3gJsEhiI8qeLAcQT8LdpAJRGyY1Rq8pKqYjlXK08GLBehkhp-IT-n3I1611ZFJU7pvmL_S3I5I0qfsUwjV1i3-GJNqB8MGl8q/s400/IMG_4662.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
16. <b>Small red-eyed damselfly</b>, <i>Eryhthroma viridulum</i>. A small damselfly with red-eyed males. Close examination or photos are ideal for identification, as it differs in the pattern of blue in the tail from the closely related Red-eyed Damselfly. Short and late flight season from mid July to early September, peaking in mid August. Known from Oak Road Lake and East Park. Recent colonist, increasing its range so there is potential to discover new sites.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIpFKS80NqVXKUnl7_1hOkMLvLfh0odXUgPynrhQBp0Vqtjb-VHZrQKVh9CMLkozS4TrBDwhAGKigW0EHI40opwbMpuMVZ0h5lYB1qKUGRz4kGIWLAaHeW3LpXVENPVwxfwYtBiY5cCJY/s1600/IMG_3783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIpFKS80NqVXKUnl7_1hOkMLvLfh0odXUgPynrhQBp0Vqtjb-VHZrQKVh9CMLkozS4TrBDwhAGKigW0EHI40opwbMpuMVZ0h5lYB1qKUGRz4kGIWLAaHeW3LpXVENPVwxfwYtBiY5cCJY/s400/IMG_3783.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
13. <b>Migrant Hawker</b>, <i>Aeshna mixta</i>. The first individuals tend to appear in the last week of July. Peaks end of August and has a long season, extending until November if weather is mild. It has a long immature stage and wandering habits away from water, which means that it is a species easy to record even in pond-less gardens. It hunts at tree canopy level. Smaller than other hawkers in the area. Individuals can hunt in small parties, with no signs of aggression, often resting near each other, hanging from their perches.<div style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQbSb3hyphenhyphenMeSIGOZKgBTc9_dfDVsRhfchd5L3fxRiygXSCgkR3kmy_jCP4cmSxhgtupEqxzl1oTxx26RVvl0qaQn33MHqJ0ZH1FCJfZo7CeWPwi5IGc4ivIVNa1EuQGriZozH4uTZAbDuq/s1600/IMG_4503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQbSb3hyphenhyphenMeSIGOZKgBTc9_dfDVsRhfchd5L3fxRiygXSCgkR3kmy_jCP4cmSxhgtupEqxzl1oTxx26RVvl0qaQn33MHqJ0ZH1FCJfZo7CeWPwi5IGc4ivIVNa1EuQGriZozH4uTZAbDuq/s400/IMG_4503.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
14. <b>Common Darter</b>, <i>Sympetrum striolatum</i>. The commonest darter in our area. They have a yellow stripe alongside each leg and yellow panels on the side of the thorax. Eyes are green or red on top and yellow below. Males are orange-red (above) with two yellow panels on the side of the thorax. Females have an all yellow side of thorax (below). Late and long season, from June until November, peaking at the end of August.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgh3PEdo6Q6tcvYR48EP7X7gVARygMshxft_mD84Kcn5WAx7ctxQq3ciQwghDWvkntvgK-RFhm6dcmtohf3fj3X-FbS4toOx7adCrj3QWWIn6hnRZveua8YoIxymyJTuaoTQ6YtwX5lu5/s1600/IMG_5331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgh3PEdo6Q6tcvYR48EP7X7gVARygMshxft_mD84Kcn5WAx7ctxQq3ciQwghDWvkntvgK-RFhm6dcmtohf3fj3X-FbS4toOx7adCrj3QWWIn6hnRZveua8YoIxymyJTuaoTQ6YtwX5lu5/s400/IMG_5331.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-43973360222604073372019-07-02T16:06:00.002+01:002019-07-02T16:06:44.826+01:00Hull Dragons: June summary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctNF-f1dOtIORUdTef2paCGA_01oJxcGq8q7FezPn6IYDwhsE2oSV5lWJZEuyyxiS1mZjN-kkBFw-x0vv3LR5dsDL8m7pgVxFYhJmz-lForYPdMRBaSCv13sASSqOdtgzgk-FYntREqZD/s1600/IMG_3675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctNF-f1dOtIORUdTef2paCGA_01oJxcGq8q7FezPn6IYDwhsE2oSV5lWJZEuyyxiS1mZjN-kkBFw-x0vv3LR5dsDL8m7pgVxFYhJmz-lForYPdMRBaSCv13sASSqOdtgzgk-FYntREqZD/s640/IMG_3675.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This month we've had mostly cool, breezy and unstable weather with plenty of rain, which perked up in the last few days, when it was very hot. Sunny days (better: spells!) were few, short and far between, not ideal for planning dragonfly surveys. Despite this, sightings have slowly built up and overall, eleven species have been recorded from 17 km2 in the city and surroundings. To the five species seen in May (Broad-bodied Chaser, Azure Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly and Red-eyed Damselfly) we have added six more: Banded Demoiselle, Four-spotted Chaser, Emperor Dragonfly, Black-tailed Skimmer, Ruddy Darter and Emerald Damselfly. These are only including the records submitted to iRecord: I'm hoping to obtain the dragonfly records submitted to the BTO through their popular Birdtrack app, later in the year. So far there are 103 records submitted to iRecord.<br />
<br />
<b>Banded Demoiselle</b><br />
A total of 5 Banded Demoiselle individuals (top, male just by Oak Road Lake) have been sighted from four km squares in the River Hull between Clough Rd and the northern boundary of the city. This species is becoming common upstream, between Tickton and High Eske, and has been a very nice unexpected addition to Hull Dragons. The only previous record of this species in the city boundary was of Noddle Hill in 2015, submitted by Jen Woollin.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjCfP48NaNNThCfxBC75SrdjlNMyHxYeccelaqdF0iyH7gQA-m3cKfPR9DMmXxZ-Sn8_Bzhj2sP-LAGOpuDzzfi6an_PQbChT1hdI0S0q0-Lv8Rwps8zKweo1qfjRJOHuhy5ihZed-wyK/s1600/IMG_3627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjCfP48NaNNThCfxBC75SrdjlNMyHxYeccelaqdF0iyH7gQA-m3cKfPR9DMmXxZ-Sn8_Bzhj2sP-LAGOpuDzzfi6an_PQbChT1hdI0S0q0-Lv8Rwps8zKweo1qfjRJOHuhy5ihZed-wyK/s400/IMG_3627.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Red-eyed Damselfly</b><br />
The Red-eyed Damselfly has been recorded from three sites this year: Oak Road Lake, Noddle Hill and East Park. I believe the East Park is a new site for the species, although there is no evidence of breeding there as yet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oorYv17mXThhoDVosHzrjmiwAtlHvRPs-VZU0G2_qn5EZ6ZTWVGIlxql1PaWGDakEp1_LR1O0K_ryAXZXey2RwfT0bmlxOBtopQnxqX1JdDZ9hOM3yUK98fsg6qpuIIjTOCqhfM9fIgU/s1600/Black-tailed+skimmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1072" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oorYv17mXThhoDVosHzrjmiwAtlHvRPs-VZU0G2_qn5EZ6ZTWVGIlxql1PaWGDakEp1_LR1O0K_ryAXZXey2RwfT0bmlxOBtopQnxqX1JdDZ9hOM3yUK98fsg6qpuIIjTOCqhfM9fIgU/s400/Black-tailed+skimmer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Black-tailed Skimmer</b><br />
Thank you to Andrew Chadwick for submitting this record from his garden, the first recorded Black-tailed skimmer of the year for Hull Dragons.<br />
<br />
<b>Emerging Broad-bodied chasers</b><br />
It was worth keeping a close eye on the Pearson Park wildlife Garden.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60OrXC7H42-lmx6ojtdJkHjQePY2RzBNCrClrIwSw4IQ_j77SwDnY2Cft7AbkOOPSsgY6Zry3FhMzeCizPB3VHKCDdZKHh92cTETS3SbwpvY2kLf2GzTzPO2Z2aAcnavNFQwmywMa5J0I/s1600/IMG_3758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60OrXC7H42-lmx6ojtdJkHjQePY2RzBNCrClrIwSw4IQ_j77SwDnY2Cft7AbkOOPSsgY6Zry3FhMzeCizPB3VHKCDdZKHh92cTETS3SbwpvY2kLf2GzTzPO2Z2aAcnavNFQwmywMa5J0I/s400/IMG_3758.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Freshly emerged Broad-bodied chaser, 23/6/2019, 9:47am.</div>
<br />
<b>In the wider area...</b><br />
There has been an influx of Vagrant Emperors, <i>Anax ephippiger</i> on the east coast, with records at Spurn, Flamborough and Donna Nook, so well worth keeping our eyes open for what may come our way!Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-72419935066206554572019-06-29T19:50:00.001+01:002019-06-29T22:06:30.284+01:00Dragonflies to watch for in July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qT-XerVGUEwd0GdWR3x7mtE_f3ocPSwbu_EoelFMXLXmTHY0i8P5s2_jA9-CwFkn9rNzA8v_wGcbjpPvvCrkvYGyfd4ai_x_B_KtpvA2mHwfzEHwu6LZDn5C4JIN85-cAwZ53NaUmtgD/s1600/IMG_0266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qT-XerVGUEwd0GdWR3x7mtE_f3ocPSwbu_EoelFMXLXmTHY0i8P5s2_jA9-CwFkn9rNzA8v_wGcbjpPvvCrkvYGyfd4ai_x_B_KtpvA2mHwfzEHwu6LZDn5C4JIN85-cAwZ53NaUmtgD/s640/IMG_0266.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="891" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s200/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" width="200" /></a>In this third instalment of the series on dragonflies to watch out in and around Hull, I present four species that have their peak season in July.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-ybA1NFs6Tlcex7xp07ZTg_nr2I9AiEKq82VU4yNSwN-BuzzyJ0PcFV7xSPQk35mO9o3z5HZLcwFE-1lHZXNTTeEFZiMddYvw6Y6As9QfaVzcT8R6ULmw1o2qLM_WAjx_xH1BeeoRxCc/s1600/IMG_9829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-ybA1NFs6Tlcex7xp07ZTg_nr2I9AiEKq82VU4yNSwN-BuzzyJ0PcFV7xSPQk35mO9o3z5HZLcwFE-1lHZXNTTeEFZiMddYvw6Y6As9QfaVzcT8R6ULmw1o2qLM_WAjx_xH1BeeoRxCc/s400/IMG_9829.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>9. Black-tailed Skimmer, <i>Orthetrum cancellatum</i></b><br />
A very distinctive dragonfly, with long narrow tapering abdomen (unlike Broad-bodied Chasers) and lacking dark marks on wing bases. Males (top shot) have a blue abdomen with black tip, females and immature are yellowish, with a ladder-like pattern (above) and green eyes. Flies from mid May to mid September, peaking in July. Likes open aspect ponds, where it likes to perch on bare ground. Fishing lake pontoons are a favoured perch (top shot). Existing records are from Oak Road Lake and Noddle Hill Lake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXFLh7ckOxIQpZoPNCjGM3RAZ1b0wWq0MNjRN6zRHXTf1uH5wQADfFHL1lnTYdk6Ios9l5dVuVx0HacPdKCAzSgEZ4YrqA-yWUJ9m5x6yz3FEd8G0bhLo-2K9xNoYp2mBcg5JghWgcbqb/s1600/IMG_0694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXFLh7ckOxIQpZoPNCjGM3RAZ1b0wWq0MNjRN6zRHXTf1uH5wQADfFHL1lnTYdk6Ios9l5dVuVx0HacPdKCAzSgEZ4YrqA-yWUJ9m5x6yz3FEd8G0bhLo-2K9xNoYp2mBcg5JghWgcbqb/s400/IMG_0694.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>10. Emperor Dragonfly, <i>Anax imperator</i></b><br />
This large green and blue dragonfly is spectacular. Males have a powerful patrolling flight over their territory, which includes large ponds, lakes and ditches. It flies from late May to late September, peaking mid-June to mid-August. Although a relatively recent colonist of the area records from the Hull area are widespread.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6NSOlmkVRtxzmmmyT8c_BV2TBaNbzMGC-XhV6q6y87Hvpw0_VzPFv_XY025iiPE8IYOvH58l3jT-4TWimli2I6AhE3AtMG8x0JuSAXoT9kai7F7ooXBDOX6ujWurWEEvhrOFsV3kGGWB/s1600/IMG_6788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6NSOlmkVRtxzmmmyT8c_BV2TBaNbzMGC-XhV6q6y87Hvpw0_VzPFv_XY025iiPE8IYOvH58l3jT-4TWimli2I6AhE3AtMG8x0JuSAXoT9kai7F7ooXBDOX6ujWurWEEvhrOFsV3kGGWB/s400/IMG_6788.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>11. Emerald Damselfly, <i>Lestes sponsa</i></b><br />
This jewel of a damselfly perches with its wings open, unlike other damselflies. Males are green and blue (above), while females are all emerald green. Early June to end of September, peaking in July. Records in the Hull area are scarce: one each from Pearson Park Wildlife Garden, Noddle Hill, Oak Road and two from a private pond in the Avenues.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvvZ91GWGMg0mMlDJ0iTNOFV0YiBVIjGv7YN9fjA8ZOZjcl5LaJUV2cAJCHXfHKXbcXYTyvWDNARZJtgNTZmQqBXLGkX9jH9ew04hXhRCmLHFziiexXRe2Ml6Uy9DtxtjtcpJ1hUxfqzg/s1600/IMG_0670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvvZ91GWGMg0mMlDJ0iTNOFV0YiBVIjGv7YN9fjA8ZOZjcl5LaJUV2cAJCHXfHKXbcXYTyvWDNARZJtgNTZmQqBXLGkX9jH9ew04hXhRCmLHFziiexXRe2Ml6Uy9DtxtjtcpJ1hUxfqzg/s400/IMG_0670.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>12. Brown Hawker, <i>Aeshna grandis</i></b><br />
A large dragonfly which can easily be identified in flight by its bronze-tinged wings. Very active, hawking high amongst trees or alongside ditches. It rarely settles. Early June to late September, peaking early July to late August. Records in the Hull area are from Oak Road Lake.<br />
<br />
Happy dragonfly watching!Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-31035517707066674772019-06-02T22:54:00.001+01:002019-06-02T22:54:10.221+01:00Hull Dragons: May summary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlNb7qyH-jO9D4hFaOACufDPtaIGZgEAw3V8NC7rOFu04yl_IF55Z_UF7rYN460t9JSH9fuPZHY68rRSyRQ9thI4E6pSQMQPqBQe2dfDkyy9WZP08FD1Ox-9_rK4MtJccOt6DRCDyXM0_/s1600/IMG_2804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlNb7qyH-jO9D4hFaOACufDPtaIGZgEAw3V8NC7rOFu04yl_IF55Z_UF7rYN460t9JSH9fuPZHY68rRSyRQ9thI4E6pSQMQPqBQe2dfDkyy9WZP08FD1Ox-9_rK4MtJccOt6DRCDyXM0_/s640/IMG_2804.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The Hull dragons survey is well under way, and this post summarises the records from the month of May as returned from iRecord. The survey kickstarted with the first damselfly record on the 13th May, two Common Blue damselflies recorded by Richard Shillaker at St Andrews Quay. As of today, 17 records of 5 species from 6 km2 during the month of May in the Hull area. Blue-tailed and Azure (top shot) damselflies have been the most common and widespread, followed by a few Common Blue, and a single Red-eyed damselfly at Oak Road Lake spotted by Richard Shillaker. The mass emergence of Broad-Bodied Chasers at Pearson Park wildlife garden from May 22nd appears to continue. The following are a selection of photos illustrating the species found and evidence of breeding, which so far have been for Azure damselfly (pairs in copula at Pearson Park Wildlife Garden), Common Blue Damselfly (pair in tandem at Oak Road Lake) and Broad-bodied Chaser (several exuviae and a teneral maiden fly at Pearson Park Wildlife Garden).<br />
Pearson Park Wildlife Garden has been a great place to stop by on my way back from work to check on damselflies and dragonflies. The following have all been taken there in the last week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBq1a8CfZtud3FHWwAFzlvYOKhV13Gzeh_SGRGbAFCLedqr0yx8jD1QtV-2Sugzh_eAwQmDtNP4tCXbNViVozYXYQ6bEcsX1Xt7ypuemATySV_9TvnT7OLKyDGVszXHJwVN60J0Eh0BQs/s1600/IMG_2812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBq1a8CfZtud3FHWwAFzlvYOKhV13Gzeh_SGRGbAFCLedqr0yx8jD1QtV-2Sugzh_eAwQmDtNP4tCXbNViVozYXYQ6bEcsX1Xt7ypuemATySV_9TvnT7OLKyDGVszXHJwVN60J0Eh0BQs/s400/IMG_2812.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A just emerged likely Azure damselfly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wIAKDQWmfyUVelFAqOTCpCUUhc3uvSCBkdZQzvBIhYA1V1ZuzSnhojNmc2jK2PVM2DuMNlTmkZaEGs6KdErwQ2aUhX4rJ6issVlSh2QLe99tUw90lAxuGUJ_pIoFVJQ-xX6OLyTFTkuF/s1600/IMG_2816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wIAKDQWmfyUVelFAqOTCpCUUhc3uvSCBkdZQzvBIhYA1V1ZuzSnhojNmc2jK2PVM2DuMNlTmkZaEGs6KdErwQ2aUhX4rJ6issVlSh2QLe99tUw90lAxuGUJ_pIoFVJQ-xX6OLyTFTkuF/s400/IMG_2816.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxfiHheQ9W8ePA_eyBFptQl7ZRKONP-NvA5ZiKHLWHJurYKhNhVYSQ6qmaJF62SKsP1RUDXfZZMrRoq4dMU_nd8X23Lhsjczrs6Ypas6bQvueL2QZK0Oiq4J9A9fwyHwgUBQA7kMca2fM/s1600/IMG_2814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxfiHheQ9W8ePA_eyBFptQl7ZRKONP-NvA5ZiKHLWHJurYKhNhVYSQ6qmaJF62SKsP1RUDXfZZMrRoq4dMU_nd8X23Lhsjczrs6Ypas6bQvueL2QZK0Oiq4J9A9fwyHwgUBQA7kMca2fM/s400/IMG_2814.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Emerging damselfly larvae.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezTZ6XhxAWXpkSi-E5HxkNy2BrQgVzRi0USPmszgsU_4SB75dOF2QbKMWqVTRzqdMTPTbqDkm5U_lo7W6L5dyK7nVKGAjXtKpEsBnSl999dxJNVK9DnRkaw-hP0eYbmHrv-wM6m9L28Rl/s1600/IMG_2909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezTZ6XhxAWXpkSi-E5HxkNy2BrQgVzRi0USPmszgsU_4SB75dOF2QbKMWqVTRzqdMTPTbqDkm5U_lo7W6L5dyK7nVKGAjXtKpEsBnSl999dxJNVK9DnRkaw-hP0eYbmHrv-wM6m9L28Rl/s400/IMG_2909.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mating Azure damselflies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacvQB9SSDXCFusIfssTQY8tVv1ebc5nEdyV7vIMYuIyjyTZKjMcwuHHpiefDvIFwtePVnjI4XvG6v_r85pDaSGugoG1DqXfVfHqhzwACeZSQVzcobAzz5ARPFKqMzer9p5cuvMvMo1i-Q/s1600/IMG_2916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacvQB9SSDXCFusIfssTQY8tVv1ebc5nEdyV7vIMYuIyjyTZKjMcwuHHpiefDvIFwtePVnjI4XvG6v_r85pDaSGugoG1DqXfVfHqhzwACeZSQVzcobAzz5ARPFKqMzer9p5cuvMvMo1i-Q/s400/IMG_2916.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Two mating <i>Tetanocera</i> Sciomyzid flies on a dead damselfly. Thanks to Ian Andrews for ID.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-Gnyp9TTfPdqnhKWV-5hRMmsKR3HyzdLu-LGi3fyJY0jrTP8JpYw_WsbweKvgzycaW7ReOBW2Y-0vkbjBhHuxluSrjmjufc4INBFgVLCD_w731NvK4oeVVqYeGPoglclCpvGRy8IBGg8/s1600/IMG_2927.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-Gnyp9TTfPdqnhKWV-5hRMmsKR3HyzdLu-LGi3fyJY0jrTP8JpYw_WsbweKvgzycaW7ReOBW2Y-0vkbjBhHuxluSrjmjufc4INBFgVLCD_w731NvK4oeVVqYeGPoglclCpvGRy8IBGg8/s400/IMG_2927.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The reflecting wings of this Broad-bodied Chaser show it has just emerged. It flew from the pond into a stump and then up into the trees.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48sx_qgISfxbGoS6LsyNYlOnPJZ6HuWNJnpgTVWycm7YIedaGvA_zCs_6u2G-A1e8vyHr-mw4CBK5vYdO3WKFIj9yrURtOrarSWjkAU6FyGOzaN3Mt1rBnZ-dSjLCR4HKROxSXYTuBNHT/s1600/IMG_2932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48sx_qgISfxbGoS6LsyNYlOnPJZ6HuWNJnpgTVWycm7YIedaGvA_zCs_6u2G-A1e8vyHr-mw4CBK5vYdO3WKFIj9yrURtOrarSWjkAU6FyGOzaN3Mt1rBnZ-dSjLCR4HKROxSXYTuBNHT/s400/IMG_2932.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The exuvia of a Broad-bodied Chaser clinging to vegetation in the middle of the pond.</div>
I have visited Oak Road lake a couple of times. Blue-tailed damselflies have been plentiful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8koVvvS2huWMs-Gj-q8_Nb3zar9crwHVukhnNhFoKRj_LpjsaK5dtli5MP652BqVD6JCr382vLsaTmjqGLMdEVHszIGFAV0aY3Mq69y1dBqDPUXe23hSV7rHqmVn8bIXdkT-XQSHcw21u/s1600/IMG_2723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8koVvvS2huWMs-Gj-q8_Nb3zar9crwHVukhnNhFoKRj_LpjsaK5dtli5MP652BqVD6JCr382vLsaTmjqGLMdEVHszIGFAV0aY3Mq69y1dBqDPUXe23hSV7rHqmVn8bIXdkT-XQSHcw21u/s320/IMG_2723.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Two blue-tailed damselflies resting in the marginal vegetation.</div>
<br />
I have had some informal accounts of other dragonfly records, including a Four-spotted Chaser at Kingswood and a Broad-bodied Chaser at Snuff Mill Lane, but without them being entered in iRecord we can't compile them. Please send any records you get to iRecord, ideally using the taxon specific form for dragonflies. Complete lists are ideal, and if you can also add breeding details that'd be great!Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-50579972319818994822019-05-27T19:11:00.001+01:002019-05-31T17:25:19.463+01:00Dragonflies to watch for in June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the second instalment of the dragonflies that are likely to be observed in Hull, with four species to look for in June.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVh2MBNSgDy1nYbrzL12w0AJZWEfzaL996x4F0XO4YCc0Wvz5yafXBeNsmbKPu0-9cVrbOr1pQp2EmTGt4J1pHS43-tECvWtu980HwypFDLrCtuMfxCYQMSdUK80f1ZtGQW9Z1LS8nn9aF/s1600/IMG_8230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVh2MBNSgDy1nYbrzL12w0AJZWEfzaL996x4F0XO4YCc0Wvz5yafXBeNsmbKPu0-9cVrbOr1pQp2EmTGt4J1pHS43-tECvWtu980HwypFDLrCtuMfxCYQMSdUK80f1ZtGQW9Z1LS8nn9aF/s640/IMG_8230.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="891" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s200/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>5. Broad-bodied Chaser, <i>Libellula depressa</i></b><br />
Flight period from Mid May to mid August, peaking in June. Both sexes have dark markings in the base or each wing and a distinctive, flattered abdomen. Mature males have a pale blue abdomen with side yellow spots. They are very territorial and patrol their territory, chasing intruders and regularly perching in favourite spots, hanging from their perch (above). Females are brown and yellow, and when in flight they can be confused with a large wasp or hornet. Immatures look similar to females. The broad-bodied chaser prefers small, shallow, sunny ponds with bare edges. This species is still increasing in range in the area and there are few Hull records, but has been found at a private garden pond, Snuff Mill Lane and this year at Pearson Park wildlife garden.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3M0-7CfxFGAS3G4FhIoCFuu44-zLBdO2zbCvIEkp_EAQUFTw9qCX0X30-c8OXq8uNYgMTGTHVLsTENvXAl-x1GbI_El251ExgXGfvfzwhpPCbXossoBxY4mCGKZgEbG8KkIw0YqjmJwZb/s1600/IMG_1369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3M0-7CfxFGAS3G4FhIoCFuu44-zLBdO2zbCvIEkp_EAQUFTw9qCX0X30-c8OXq8uNYgMTGTHVLsTENvXAl-x1GbI_El251ExgXGfvfzwhpPCbXossoBxY4mCGKZgEbG8KkIw0YqjmJwZb/s400/IMG_1369.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>6. Common Blue damselfly, <i>Enallagma cyathigerum</i></b><br />
Late April to late September, peaking in June and July. Prefers larger ponds and lakes with floating vegetation, where it often perches. It is found in several parks in Hull (East Park, Pickering Park), Noddle Hill Lake and Oak Road Lake amongst others.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtUzWcdgQ8oNAp6AB7ncoDV0CV-qN3R_Aasfpa9WTLIXoni32VBy-dBBJ_V74z7GU9jIld-o7hN82Hxcw5eSJmPxgaom5DeOoBxAK_TH-L3hQcJcjDVcpG5GbytsvzaYqkV_dgDN7B4VT/s1600/IMG_8259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtUzWcdgQ8oNAp6AB7ncoDV0CV-qN3R_Aasfpa9WTLIXoni32VBy-dBBJ_V74z7GU9jIld-o7hN82Hxcw5eSJmPxgaom5DeOoBxAK_TH-L3hQcJcjDVcpG5GbytsvzaYqkV_dgDN7B4VT/s400/IMG_8259.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>7. Blue-tailed damselfly, <i>Ishnura elegans</i></b><br />
Late April to late September, peaking in June and July. A very common and widespread species present in a range of habitats, including polluted and brackish ponds and ditches, even rapidly colonising small garden ponds. Often very abundant when present, settled in marginal vegetation, and active even in dull weather.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoxIVJ3N4p81p-l70vNX4-jtiO5XaXuCqOrssWuPc2FXnJHA3Xlocm5NMVlUkvcon1Ww4eb-Og0Z4lL8IwkzXc6FhH4Y8TnsPwyaT1PfNdN4_wWBEX1ngnM7-59vAht8XSoSlmnEKFZWI/s1600/IMG_8605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoxIVJ3N4p81p-l70vNX4-jtiO5XaXuCqOrssWuPc2FXnJHA3Xlocm5NMVlUkvcon1Ww4eb-Og0Z4lL8IwkzXc6FhH4Y8TnsPwyaT1PfNdN4_wWBEX1ngnM7-59vAht8XSoSlmnEKFZWI/s320/IMG_8605.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>8. Red-eyed Damselfly, <i>Erythromma najas</i></b><br />
Early May to end of August, peaking in June. A species favouring large canals and lakes with floating vegetation, where it settles, often far from the shore. In the area is found in Oak Road Lake and Noddle Hill Fishing lake, but given its habits, might be under-recorded.Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-32291279192084399972019-05-22T22:22:00.002+01:002019-07-02T16:00:31.887+01:00Broad-bodied Chasers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin23YCERZ7sXQT_r9u3Og9bfuRa3deKsysGdNbwBegvp6Cp0C6Ivvl93Ufk8zL2Db0zW4LIXPRW8fR1P7c4MOwWayLOqwPd3fRFQwd3b_uH8W6C89TUx8Yd_ILkFKDUK4YIgnNIRqq-fcQ/s1600/IMG_2709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin23YCERZ7sXQT_r9u3Og9bfuRa3deKsysGdNbwBegvp6Cp0C6Ivvl93Ufk8zL2Db0zW4LIXPRW8fR1P7c4MOwWayLOqwPd3fRFQwd3b_uH8W6C89TUx8Yd_ILkFKDUK4YIgnNIRqq-fcQ/s640/IMG_2709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="891" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s200/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I popped at the YWT local wildlife garden after work. The staff alerted me to the presence of a Broad-bodied chaser on a patch of Red Campion. I popped out to find it there straight away. It sat on the flowers and repeatedly darted to catch an insect, only to return to the same perch, flycatcher style. It didn't have to fly far as it was warm and sunny and there were plenty of small insects about. This, one of the most spectacular of our dragonflies, is my first species for the Hull Dragons challenge! A quick walk around the pond revealed there were at least 5 individuals about, each sallying from their favoured perch hunting almost in succession. All of them had yellow abdomens, including two males, indicating that they had emerged recently, most likely from the pond in the garden. They mostly ignored one another, despite being in quite close proximity, another sign that their male territorial behaviour hadn't kicked in. Despite their amazing colour, they are quite cryptic and merge into the foliage as soon as they stop.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJqweJL_IvHGKF1PTEmcHOjAgi-PmqMBh_HTovt7Wx1JYaET7yApFTnIogpgFHZWvMLhA7ye73QRwfJB1hga7DT5o5wukEO5Osw7Jw58YwQMpNA_S2hGZRVZLBZ4K4E1gs31FoaOYgQqv/s1600/IMG_2699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJqweJL_IvHGKF1PTEmcHOjAgi-PmqMBh_HTovt7Wx1JYaET7yApFTnIogpgFHZWvMLhA7ye73QRwfJB1hga7DT5o5wukEO5Osw7Jw58YwQMpNA_S2hGZRVZLBZ4K4E1gs31FoaOYgQqv/s400/IMG_2699.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Immature male.</div>
This species is still uncommon in the Hull area, with only a handful of records. As I covered in a <a href="https://abugblog.blogspot.com/2018/05/chasing-climate-broad-bodied-chaser-and.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, it was unknown in south east Yorkshire before 1995, although it is becoming more widespread. It is a good colonist and one of the earliest dragonflies to breed in new ponds. The pond in the garden was re-dug in February 2016, and given that the larvae only emerge after 2 or three years it is likely that the species bred in the pond the first summer after it was refilled.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrz95pxAJT2hGGYz-N69zgw1hie-CtKF1BVm8d_Au-MJjmknYGfldOLLaGtybtSkOpSoYNuC_fWUTV_jjSrp8IH37vAOqGF-Z57WacsEdfIeLSY1a0WOvJfHzESvwNnC2f_zJ01b3Gur_/s1600/IMG_6566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrz95pxAJT2hGGYz-N69zgw1hie-CtKF1BVm8d_Au-MJjmknYGfldOLLaGtybtSkOpSoYNuC_fWUTV_jjSrp8IH37vAOqGF-Z57WacsEdfIeLSY1a0WOvJfHzESvwNnC2f_zJ01b3Gur_/s400/IMG_6566.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The pond being re-lined in February 2016. <span style="text-align: left;">I will post some photos of the pond as it is now in a future post. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A walk around the pond revealed one, possibly two Azure damselflies. It is not a very large pond, but always interesting and I have records of a good range of damselflies and dragonflies: Common Emerald, Azure Damselfly, Blue-tailed, Common Darter, Ruddy Darter, Southern Hawker and Migrant Hawker. Broad-bodied Chaser is a great addition to the list!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3qUx529Sy1gvPH1V0XdXPV6rJidUs5JxWUlImn3_sx0v_VnO4l73ujr3L1f_2Pj0p415LQFzP20_-diOA74i25k4yzS-CJT4dWl_L3pGybhg1UrXNcPfA9DqhliYq3OEQ_7AiMnoyC98/s1600/IMG_2702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3qUx529Sy1gvPH1V0XdXPV6rJidUs5JxWUlImn3_sx0v_VnO4l73ujr3L1f_2Pj0p415LQFzP20_-diOA74i25k4yzS-CJT4dWl_L3pGybhg1UrXNcPfA9DqhliYq3OEQ_7AiMnoyC98/s400/IMG_2702.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another immature male. Note the white reflections on the wing indicating that this individual has emerged very recently (teneral)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V21xLh6HsJkvimslzTTsoRFZgdtYEM4yLB7y9ObR1Gvlc3dzh-z-hLszlRqoD-hpcuIynRNEgbyZnla_y8E4Wp1tZXEQYWUubQC3ojXNarm7xLd7YYvNlG4WggmQiX6CbkIjbqWEfUeZ/s1600/IMG_2704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V21xLh6HsJkvimslzTTsoRFZgdtYEM4yLB7y9ObR1Gvlc3dzh-z-hLszlRqoD-hpcuIynRNEgbyZnla_y8E4Wp1tZXEQYWUubQC3ojXNarm7xLd7YYvNlG4WggmQiX6CbkIjbqWEfUeZ/s400/IMG_2704.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
An immature female, note the wider abdomen in comparison with the males.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrwIriGYKBK56Mxiacst95eS1bYrAo1xp0rrPRMGVBPv4ZaITcULdrQxJX2i-b6f-lXYfBktTGGwXpoKwke69Q5BvTdSHOgWVHP8X2WmHuu8fDe3nNRTWzwhWonB8ja0c3StguJwkhryZ/s1600/IMG_2714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrwIriGYKBK56Mxiacst95eS1bYrAo1xp0rrPRMGVBPv4ZaITcULdrQxJX2i-b6f-lXYfBktTGGwXpoKwke69Q5BvTdSHOgWVHP8X2WmHuu8fDe3nNRTWzwhWonB8ja0c3StguJwkhryZ/s400/IMG_2714.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Immature female.</div>
Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294155481861267737.post-77145911816278144122019-05-03T17:13:00.000+01:002019-05-31T17:24:45.657+01:00Early dragonflies and damselflies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="891" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsIBUMKlxiaSgFBrTmeZonOxmouFlZ_ov2_XlNO_wj5bQrL4d_Ekb-Y6cSq2eAoioyJOwQdKsrnO1sRzJfAAA9Mf7srVeMO5kQXyHpMxHj1l9kNHDrfNLCLANih8OjYbYKz2YR29CHjWq/s200/Screen+Shot+2019-04-23+at+14.04.03.png" width="200" /></a>The dragonfly season is already under way in the south of the country, although here I still haven't seen any dragonflies and damselflies. It's time to prepare though, as during May, several species emerge from their larval stages and are most likely to be encountered around ponds and wetlands. These are four species worth keeping your eyes open for as you visit suitable sites in and around Hull.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzuCiSiF2EqD9TXDsfvuLBWpbLeq8fdhj3SS8rbw0_-Ni8BuDqjCYlwOA8cMm-4hUFnyy979RYIpLidzJ4m4fccoWyt86Dw_zYz3xrh249s22AY4tTpds5SSb9bJLCpybrnKV5x4VmXM_/s1600/IMG_8839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzuCiSiF2EqD9TXDsfvuLBWpbLeq8fdhj3SS8rbw0_-Ni8BuDqjCYlwOA8cMm-4hUFnyy979RYIpLidzJ4m4fccoWyt86Dw_zYz3xrh249s22AY4tTpds5SSb9bJLCpybrnKV5x4VmXM_/s400/IMG_8839.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>1. Large Red Damselfly, <i>Pyrrhrosoma nymphula</i></b><br />
The earliest flying damselfly is usually the distinctive Large Red Damselfly<i>.</i> It emerges from the end of April to early May, flying until late July, and peaking on the 3rd week of May. It has very uncommonly been recorded in the Hull area, even though it has been recorded in the Tickton area east of Beverley and in the eastern fringes of the Wolds near Brantingham.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xYndMfch7uQ25nJHnYZobTIW_Dr0b1WMXKv64I_TFkcpOQGCpYcaefVM9WKknqi5AZ9EenfZTQ6Hig0Hexm8-Iec48V4LHjl9iMxaON7WLlir-M3sqYNGoexc6rJb8kysfd9AX9QpMDf/s1600/IMG_7958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xYndMfch7uQ25nJHnYZobTIW_Dr0b1WMXKv64I_TFkcpOQGCpYcaefVM9WKknqi5AZ9EenfZTQ6Hig0Hexm8-Iec48V4LHjl9iMxaON7WLlir-M3sqYNGoexc6rJb8kysfd9AX9QpMDf/s320/IMG_7958.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>2. Hairy Dragonfly, <i>Brachytron pratense</i></b><br />
Its early flight period (end of April to Early July) helps separate this species from related hawkers. Peaks on the 3rd week of May. This is a recent colonist to East Yorkshire and there is only one record (2018) in the Hull area, but we expect their numbers to steadily increase so it's worth keeping an eye for them. It holds breeding populations in the middle river Hull area (Tophill Low and Leven Canal).</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiy2_oGDFupnAor5CDCEEFx5LSMvUNHzxOE9enh6xEMd749Su_YKpJkRmRXHqgLjHsI861zXwXbRYRV9x147XPTiJ1GMvy5bcXwHkopBuoxVaj6OyYIgXEnoJvrYtuMAK2KMhrf1A2rvN/s1600/IMG_8043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiy2_oGDFupnAor5CDCEEFx5LSMvUNHzxOE9enh6xEMd749Su_YKpJkRmRXHqgLjHsI861zXwXbRYRV9x147XPTiJ1GMvy5bcXwHkopBuoxVaj6OyYIgXEnoJvrYtuMAK2KMhrf1A2rvN/s400/IMG_8043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<b>3. Azure Damselfly, <i>Coenagrion puella</i></b><br />
Peaks on the 3rd week of May. It can be abundant in suitable habitats, which include small garden ponds, especially if they have abundant marginal vegetation. It's main distinguishing feature from other local blue damselflies is the spur on the side of the thorax. Several locations known in Hull. Males hang onto females while they oviposit and often <a href="http://abugblog.blogspot.com/2018/05/azure-damselflies-ovipositing.html" target="_blank">many pairs oviposit together</a>.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7eiQF6LSyEg5Nw-64FRp5A9hux-zSaf0_NITOGUPtQobCCQAFKVhn6xd76T_9dJ4tNiYkKWNYoZL0YO9lv2e9qVhbnahLonrUQJk63hhw16y9Qkw1ulhzgrwndeoduFXnnrXKnpA3khK/s1600/IMG_8836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7eiQF6LSyEg5Nw-64FRp5A9hux-zSaf0_NITOGUPtQobCCQAFKVhn6xd76T_9dJ4tNiYkKWNYoZL0YO9lv2e9qVhbnahLonrUQJk63hhw16y9Qkw1ulhzgrwndeoduFXnnrXKnpA3khK/s400/IMG_8836.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<b>4. Four-spotted Chaser, <i>Libellula quadrimaculata</i></b><br />
Long flight period, from end of April to end of August, peaking on early June. It can be dull in flight, without distinctive features, but males are territorial and like to sit in prominent perches overlooking water, where their lovely markings can be appreciated. The dark spots in the middle of each wing are diagnostic. Females oviposit by flicking eggs into the water, while makes guard them at a distance. They are good colonists and there are records from a few Hull locations including Oak Road Lake, Pickering Park and Noddle Hill.</div>
Africa Gomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03501193251810926737noreply@blogger.com0