Broad-Bodied Chaser
07/01/2021
This distinctive, stout dragonfly can be seen in late spring and early summer around our lakes and ponds.
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. They live as larvae (grubs) underground for three to seven years before emerging as adults for just one summer. The larvae feed on rotting wood and are one of nature’s important decomposers. Here at Welly, piles of logs are left in the woodland for Stag Beetles and other decomposers.
This distinctive, stout dragonfly can be seen in late spring and early summer around our lakes and ponds.
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.
This large fritillary, while relatively widespread nationally, is scarce and declining in this region. Indeed, the specimen pictured is the only one recorded within a 10km radius in 2020.
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.
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.