The Dragons of Rooksbury
19 September 2011
TARCA and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust jointly held a Dragonfly and Damselfly walk at Rooksbury Mill led by Graeme Davis & Mervyn Grist recently.
The walk was attended by 20 members of the public all keen to find out more about these ancient creatures. The ramble took people round both of the lakes as they learnt little glimmers of information about these facinating insects who spend part of their life cycle under water before emerging as brightly coloured individuals.
On the walk people were able to see Southern Hawker & bright Red Common Darter dragonflies as well as dainty damselflies like the Blue-tailed and Common Blue. As a treat the group also discovered the second of two new records for Rooksbury – A red-eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas) seen in the picture.Earlier in the year the first record of a Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum) was recorded.Hopefully with some keen eyed observers around yet more new species will come to light
The next TARCA event is on the 25th September 10-2pm at Anton Lakes where we will be doing some Ride Manangement
If you wish to volunteer or want information TARCA please contact 01264 368811 or 07722 267138 email: antonriver@live.com Facebook: by searching TARCA The Anton River Conservation Association website:http://www.antonriver-conservation.org.uk
Graeme Davis TARCA Vice Chairman & Press Officer
