Flying Visitors

Red-eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas) – found here playing poo-sticks by the Adam Bridge.

(Photo-RSM)

Over the last few weeks I have been sent some wonderful images of Flying Visitors at Compton Verney, taken by two volunteers; Arthur Owens and Michael Robertson-Smith.

Some of the species weren’t identified so I felt duty bound to obtain names for information sake, as not only does it add to your interest but it’s hugely informative, directing our attention towards the host plants and habitat each species enjoys. In this respect, (and given the lack of time to research) if I’m out on identification please let me know through the comments section and I’ll research/adjust as necessary.

I must say that identification was helped through two very useful websites, and to this end I am hugely grateful to both the British Dragonfly Society and Butterfly Conservation – Both of these organisations are presently offering challenges for wildlife spotters (The Big Butterfly Count 2017 & The Dragonfly Challenge) so please do check out the links in each case.

Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella) – Found throughout meadow, many nearer lakeside areas.

(Photo-RSM)

Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) – Found in various parts of the park including meadow and coppice areas.

(Photo – A.Owens)

Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) – Found along lakeside vegetation.

(Photo-RSM)

Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) – spotted here near chapel.

(Photo – A.Owens)

Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) – found along lakeside vegetation and in Ice House Coppice.

(Photo-RSM)

Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) – Found here on lakeside vegetation.

(Photo-RSM)

Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum) – Found here resting beside the lake.

(Photo-RSM)

All of the species shown are currently to be seen at Compton Verney (and a few more besides no doubt,) so do pause for a while by the Adam Bridge or along the lakeside, and they’ll be sure to turn up and dazzle with their aerial acrobatics. If you capture any wildlife images at Compton Verney at all, we would love to see and share them, simply post on-line using the hashtag #CVwildlife

Kind regards

Gary Webb, Head of Landscape & Gardens at Compton Verney