Study finds pollution from flea treatment in the New Forest pools
A study has found that a the common insecticide used in ‘spot-on’ flea treatments, imidacloprid, was detected at four waterbody locations where dogs have access. At one site the levels were nearly double the internationally agreed toxicity threshold for aquatic invertebrates. Previous research have shown that prolonged exposure to imidaclopridthese chemicals can negatively impact dragonfly…
Norfolk Hawker makes headlines
The Norfolk Hawker (Aeshna isoceles) made headlines this week; the species has undergone impressive range expansion since 1990 – good news for a species which was categorised as Endangered in the 2008 Red List. Read the full article on BBC News Image: Ouwesok, flickr
A study on pond management for Northern Damselfly (Coenagrion hastulatum)
Stephen Corcoran, County Dragonfly Recorder for Moray, carried out a surveys of ponds that have been created and managed for Northern Damselfly (Coenagrion hastulatum) with the aim of assessing the work, and make further recommendations. Executive summary: All 12 ponds where management work was undertaken and the 11 new ponds that were built in 2022…
POST review of freshwater habitat restoration in the UK
The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) works to ensure that the best research evidence is brought to bear on the legislative process of Government. POST recently published a report reviewing evidence relating to the restoration of freshwater habitats in the UK. Overall the report highlights the value of freshwater wetlands and how many…
New free guide to pond restoration, creation and management.
Two thirds of the ponds in England and Wales have been lost; the countryside is littered with dried out farmland ponds, over shaded by tree growth. Many freshwater species are now rare or threatened, and ponds provide an important refuge for them. This new guide aims to assist land managers in restoring and creating new…
Buglife completes Important Invertebrate Areas Map for Wales
Wales has become the first country in the world with a map of its most important areas for insects and other invertebrates – a vital source of information to help guide nature recovery in Wales. The network of 17 Important Invertebrate Areas (IIAs) cover 1,344km2 of Wales and are home to nationally or internationally significant…
State of Nature 2023 Report – UK nature-depleted
The State of Nature 2023 report, the most comprehensive report on the UK’s current biodiversity, has been released and is available to read in full here. The report uses data collated over the past 50 years by thousands of volunteers taking part in recording schemes, such as the National Recording Scheme for Odonata. In summary,…
Report on the status and distribution of Dragonflies and Damselflies of Leicestershire & Rutland
The third edition of The status and distribution of Dragonflies and Damselflies of Leicestershire & Rutland was published last year and is available to download here. This detailed account is the perfect guide for dragonfly watchers seeking out the county’s resident species. Image: Female Beautiful Demoiselle by B Roberts
Report on Dragonflies in Oxfordshire
Read an in-depth report on Dragonflies in Oxfordshire, by County Recorder Stephen Burch, in the 10th volume of the journal Fritillary. The report contains species profiles with reviews of some of the best sites to see dragonflies. Download a pdf copy here. Image by Red-eyed Damselfly by Bruce Hyde
Dragonfly-inspired nanotechnology in the fight against disease
After almost a year of dousing ourselves in hand sanitiser we are all well aware of the importance of disinfectants in the fight to control the spread of COVID-19. However, scientists at the Imperial College of London are investigating other means of killing pathogens without the use of harsh chemicals. Just like the COVID-19 virus,…