Banded Demoiselle
07/01/2021
The demoiselles are relatively large damselflies and have a graceful flight like that of a butterfly. They are particularly sensitive to pollution, so their presence here is very encouraging.
This shiny midnight blue beetle was believed to be extinct in Britain from 1946 until their rediscovery in 2004, since when it has increased in both range and abundance. It is now flourishing on the banks of Welly’s lakes and in the scrub on the nature reserve, where you can see holes it makes in the leaves of the Alder trees as it feeds.
The demoiselles are relatively large damselflies and have a graceful flight like that of a butterfly. They are particularly sensitive to pollution, so their presence here is very encouraging.
This magnificent beetle is Britain’s largest and is, sadly, quite scarce now. The male’s huge ‘antlers’ are in fact overgrown mandibles (jaws) for courtship display and are generally too large and unwieldy for the beetle to be able to bite with them.
The eye-catching caterpillars of this moth can often be seen in early autumn, wandering near trees, looking for somewhere to pupate.
This stunning moth resembles the colours of its caterpillars’ favourite foodplants, willow herbs, and can sometimes be seen resting among the foliage of these plants during the day in early summer.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.