Male Variable Damselfly
The Gwent Levels is rightly noted for its wildlife. In particular, it supports a rich assemblage of invertebrates, including some of our largest and most colourful insects, dragonflies and damselflies.
One species that hasn’t been seen for many years is the Variable Damselfly (Coenagrion pulchellum), a small blue-black damselfly that closely resembles two of our commonest damselflies, the Common Blue and the Azure.
It lives in and around well vegetated ditches, canals and ponds, and occasionally rivers and streams. It is scattered and uncommon across Britain, with strongholds in the Ouse Washes and Somerset Levels. Although it has previously been recorded on the Gwent Levels, it has not been seen since 2011, and there has been a general decline in numbers across Wales since 1993. It is now listed as ‘Near threatened’.
So, it is with some delight that we can announce that two new populations have recently been (re)discovered, one on the Wentlooge Levels and one on the Caldicot Levels.
We’d love to hear if you come across Variable Damselfly (or any other dragonflies) when out and about on the Levels. Any sightings should be logged with SEWBReC (South East Wales Biological Recording Centre). Go to www.sewbrecord.org.uk/casualrecords.
Seen something interesting?
Recording wildlife is essential for improving our understanding of the state of nature. Information gathered will reveal how wildlife numbers and distribution are changing in response to climate change and habitat loss.