DRAGONFLIES

[SCOMAN]

Oddly enough I was out walking in a new area this weekend and came across more dragonflies than I've ever seen in Scotland before.

Climate change: Dragonflies spread north in warming world

The expansion of dragonflies across Britain and Ireland is an indicator of climate change, say experts.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Wander]

That's good news.
Are dragonflies not so prolific in Scotland then?

It's been a poor year for dragonflies due to the wonky weather earlier in the year. I've not seen so many nor as wide a variety as I would expect. And I'm sure it's no coincidence that I've not seen a single hobby this year (and probably won't now we're coming to end of their time here).

 

[crosslandkelly]

I see them fairly regularly in my garden.

 

[Robson Valley]

They harbor their own loads of parasites which might be reduced this year. Possibly optimal feeding circumstance for the nymphs?

The large blue ones, which we call "Blue Darners," are quite territorial. They patrol a patch outlined by objects such as fence posts and shrubs. Right now, I have one dominating a patch maybe 15m x 10m between my front spruce trees and the house. Their appetite for mosquitoes is comforting.

 

[JonathanD]

I’ve seen loads this year. Huge array of species.

 

[Wayland]

We had lots of them flying around where we were at the Wilderness Gathering.

Camped at the swampy end of the lake we expected to be eaten alive by mozzies but we only had one bite between the three of us I think.