A Deceased Dragonfly

Sometimes  a dead dragonfly is discovered and this individual pictured below was found in a house at Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight a couple of days ago. With a bit of imagination  and hope is it a rare migrant or not? The only way to find the answer is to ask an expert and that is what I did.

There are certain differences in the 'large dragonfly' species seen in the UK. Such as wing veins,length of hindwing,and abdomen length. Two species were dismissed because of the  wing vein  pattern and final identity was established due to the measurement of the abdomen together with the hindwing length.

The  result was that this is a female Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator.

Four-spotted Chaser Back Again.

The Four-spotted Chaser has never been a common sight on the Isle of Wight. Perhaps the only well known site for this species is Brading Marsh. However for the last two or threee years I have recorded this chaser at Bouldnor Forest ponds. Yet again a male was observed at the ponds yesterday having hold its own against several male Broad-bodied Chasers and a male Emperor Dragonfly.

A first of the season record was this female Emerald Damselfly,a regular at this site and at this time. Apart from the usual damselflies there was also a female Beautiful Demoiselle and a small number of teneral Common Darters. 

Two First of the Year at Yarmouth.

After a few days of poor weather the sun was out today and two first of the season sightings were made at Bouldnor Forest ponds. A very small number of Common Darter were recorded around a couple of the ponds and this was followed by a lone female Black-tailed Skimmer. Other species seen; Broad-bodied Chaser, Emperor Dragonfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly , Azure and Large Red Damselfly. 

 

It's a Small World.

For the last three years or so a 50cm diameter tub on my patio has produced many damselflies.This year is no exception with so far over twenty Large Red and Azure Damselflies emerging up through the water lily.At first they had to cling to the side of the tub just above the water level but for the last couple of seasons there are several sticks which has now become there preferred exit.

Southern Hawker Makes an Appearance.

I was very pleased to observe this male Southern Hawker at my garden pond today.He had emerged it seems a short while ago as I just had time to take a couple of photo's before he took off and headed for cover.