Alder Leaf Beetle
07/01/2021
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.
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. The male Beautiful Demoiselles have blue-green bodies and distinctive, dark, blue-black wings. The females have green bodies and a bronze tinge to their wings. They are often found on heathland.
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.
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.
This remarkably distinctive moth resembles a twig from a Silver Birch, one of the caterpillar’s foodplants, and can occasionally been seen resting on twigs by day.
This distinctive, stout dragonfly can be seen in late spring and early summer around our lakes and ponds.
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.