Essex dragonfly report for 2002
viridulum., along with a pair ovipositing in tandem on the hornwort. Enallagma cyathigerum and
Orthetrum cancellatum were also present, with pairs of both speeies observed in copula. L. fulva
flies relatively early in the season, and the authors, together with Jonathan Tyler surveyed sites along
the River Stour on 17/06/02. As previously reported (Benton & Dobson 2002), S. Cham and others
have established the presence of a large breeding population of this nationally scarce species between
Bures and Nayland. Our visit confirmed the continued presence of the species, with both territorial
males and pairs in capula both at Bures and Wormingford, within the known range of the species on
the river. We then visited accessible sites upstream at Lamarsh, and as far up as Henny Street
(TL882383). L. fulva was present, including either territorial males, or pairs in copula, at each site
visited. Unfortunately, the continued presence of L. fulva on a stretch of the River Colne at Colchester
where it had been seen in 2000 was not confirmed on a subsequent visit.
Considerable interest has recently been aroused by reports of migratory species, especially in view
of the possibility of new colonists to Britain. Relatively few reports of migratory species have reached
us so far, but the most remarkable is the sighting by Martin Heywood of a single Sympetrum
fonscolomhei at Ashlyn's Farm, Bobbingworth on 19/06/02. We are unaware of previous Essex
records of this species, though there may have been other sightings in 2002 not so far reported to us.
This species is now seen annually elsewhere in England, and there is evidence of successful breeding
especially in the south-west (Parr 2002). Cham (2002) mentions records by S. Murray of 5.
fonscolombei at a site near Hatfield, Hertfordshire in 1998, 2000, and 2002. This is close enough to
our county boundary to justify keeping an eye out for this as a possible new colonist.
Finally, an earlier record of another rare migrant species, Anax parthenope, has come to our attention.
It was seen by Mark Telfer on 30/07/00 at Bradwell (Parr 2001).
Our survey is continuing, and we would very much welcome records from readers. We would like to
be able to compile a list of key dragonfly sites in the county, with details of the habitat and breeding
species. Detailed reports on good dragonfly sites would be appreciated.
We would like to thank all those who sent us records: M. Heywood, S. Harris, J.P. Bowdrey, P.
Wilson, S. Wood, R. Neave, S. Wilkinson, N. Harvey, A. Middleton, G. Ekins, H. Vaughan, D.
Wood, A. Woodhouse, R. Ledgerton, C. Griffin, P. Smith, S. Jiggins, G. Smith, I. Cotgrove, D.
Funnell.
References
BENTON, E. (1988) The Dragonflies of Essex. Essex Field Club, London.
BENTON, E. & DOBSON, J. (2002) Essex Dragonflies (Odonata): an update. Essex Naturalist (New
Series) 19: 86-88.
CHAM, S. (2002) Wildlife Reports: dragonflies. British Wildlife 14(1): 53-5.
PARR, A.J. (2001) Migrant and dispersive dragonflies in Britain during 2000. Journal of the British
Dragonfly Society 17(2): 49-54.
PARR, A.J. (2002) Wildlife reports: dragonflies. British Wildlife 14(2): 131-2.
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 19 (2003)
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