Observers of Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies) have been experiencing some interesting events in southern England in recent years. A number of species have been moving northwards from the Mediterranean zone over recent decades and have now reached the shores of the English Channel.
With regard to Damselflies, two species made the leap across the channel around the turn of the 21st century. The Willow Emerald Damselfly (Lestes (Chalcolestes) viridis) and Small Red-eyed Damselfly (Erythromma viridulum) are now well established as breeding species in south-east England. The Southern Emerald Damselfly (Lestes barbarus) has been turning up in south-east England almost annually in recent years and it is now likely that barbarus will be the next species to establish itself . The Common Winter Damselfly (Sympecma fusca) is another species that may not be far behind.
On 4th August, an observer came across a male barbarus at a dewpond on the East Sussex downs. The next day, my friend Bob Eade went to the site and saw it. I didn't manage to get to the site until ten days later but managed to find and photograph a male. Bob and I are still undecided as to whether our photographs actually depict two different males. I think that images from different cameras and in different light conditions may have confused the issue not to mention a lack of familiarity with this species and how its markings might change as it ages.
Southern Emerald Damselfly (Lestes barbarus) (male)
Small Red-eyed Damselfly (Erythromma viridulum) (males)
