Attenborough is not really well-endowed with dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) even by British standards and Britain has a poor fauna compared with the continent. For many species we are north of the insects' range and we do not have the acid waters preferred by many species. Gravel pits anyway are steeply banked and do not have the emergent vegetation beloved by dragonflies. However, it does have the common representitive species of lowland England and if a warmer climate continues to develop more southern species can be expected to be found in the future.
Most observers, like ourselves, will be most likely to see the adults and it is these insects rather than their aquatic larvae on which this outline of the local species concentrates.
To view information and photographs of the Damselflies and Dragonflies of Attenborough Nature Reserve simply click on the names in the tables below:
The likely addition of new species due to climatic warming has already been referred to. Other possible species which could colonise the reserve and are therefore worth looking out for are:
Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) which is widespread but perhaps prefers more acid waters.
Male Large Red Damselfly
Variable Damselfly (Coenagrion pulchellum) on the edge of its range and perhaps preferring acid conditions.
Male Variable Damselfly
White-Legged Damselfly (Platycnemis pennipes) which has been recorded in Leicestershire and is associated with reeds.
Female White-legged Damselfly
Even if no new species are recorded, there is much to do in investigating those already recorded. There has been no systematic recording of populations and their distribution and micro-habitat preferences. This is important information for the reserve management to ensure that specific habitats are maintained. There are also many aspects of behaviour awaiting study such as feeding strategies and capture rates, roosting behaviour and many others which could provide many hours of interest.
Those interested in identifying and studying dragonflies and damselflies further are recommended to consult:
"The Dragonflies of Great Britain and Ireland" by C O Hammond and revised by R Merrit (Harley Books, 1985).
and/or
"A Complete Guide to British Dragonflies" by A McGeeney (Jonathan Cape, 1986).
By Brian Wetton & Sandy Aitkin
Please refer any records you have to the reserve recorder: Peter Sadler (see Contacts Page).
