15
marshes, but in the case of mixta,
especially, relatively little evidence about
inland breeding sites.
In conclusion, I would like to appeal for help
from readers. Do you know of any good dragon-
fly breeding sites - especially in the north
west of the county? If so, I would like to know
about them. For readers who can (or wish to
learn to) identify the different species, I
would very much welcome any records (this includes
the commonest species, just as much as scarce
ones). In particular, breeding records of
A. mixta and S. sanguineum would be welcomed, but
evidence of breeding activity should in any case
be recorded for other species too. I am hoping
to write up the results of the dragonfly survey
for publication by the Essex Field Club next
Autumn, so I would appreciate any help you can
give in the 1985 season. Finally, I would like
to be able to write a little about the history
of dragonfly recording in Essex. Since I am
a relative newcomer to the county, I very much
need to hear from readers who can remember some
of the older naturalists who made their
contributions in past decades. Any reminiscences
about field excursions, and biographical
information will be gratefully received.
* Acknowledgement: I would like to thank
R.G. Payne, K. Rowland, C.W. Plant, J.L. Adams,
E. Ryan, J. Dobson, J. Shanahan, D. Martin,
B.C. Eversham, S. Prewer, A. Wake, T. Tarpey,
and the Colchester Natural History Society
botany group, A. Chalkley, D.S. Walker, P. Wilson,
and many others who have provided much of the
information on which this article is based.