Common Blue Damselfly
07/01/2021
Common Blue Damselflies can be seen throughout the main College grounds, but especially over and around Swan Lake, where they often emerge in their hundreds.
The IUCN conservation status of this large fritillary has, sadly, recently been upgraded to Near Threatened, and it is scarce and declining in this region. Indeed, the specimen pictured is the only one recorded within a 10km radius in 2020. They have been seen a couple of times in the small area of meadow on our nature reserve. They prefer flower-rich grasslands with scrub, and the caterpillar eats species of violet. The Welly Gardens and Countryside team’s careful management of these areas allows plenty of flowers, including violets, to flourish.
Common Blue Damselflies can be seen throughout the main College grounds, but especially over and around Swan Lake, where they often emerge in their hundreds.
The eye-catching caterpillars of this moth can often be seen in early autumn, wandering near trees, looking for somewhere to pupate.
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 dragonfly prefers a habitat with water and acid peat, such as our SSSI, where they can be seen on the wing throughout the 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.