Variable Damselfly

VARIABLE DAMSELFLY (COENAGRION PULCHELLUM)

LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN

Links to associated HAPs

Ponds, Fens, Meres

Current Status

The species occurs widely throughout lowland Europe. In the UK it is absent from many areas, with strongholds in East Anglia, the Somerset Levels, south-west Scotand and in Ireland. Scarce in Cheshire and is declining nationally. Only found in a handful of Cheshire sites including Hatchmere, and marl pits in Tiverton, Tarporly, Huxley and Churton. There are historical records for the Wirral.

A blue damselfly, which may easily be confused with the more common azure damsel. It favours slow or stagnant water in ponds, lakes or ditches with extensive marginal vegetation. Fens, water meadows and marshes may also be used as breeding habitat. It has a scattered distribution, with colonies often restricted to small areas, which appear no different from much of the surrounding countryside.

Threats

* Under-recording due to confusion with similar species
* Damage to marl pits by overgrazing and marginal trampling
* Loss or small ponds and marl pits due to development, an inappropriate mitigation
* Natural vegetation change in marl pits

How are we helping to conserve the Variable Damselfly in the Cheshire region?

* All records collated by the county recorder
* Ongoing monitoring at key sites.
* Continued surveying of Marl Pits adjacent to areas where the species is known to occur.

Objectives, Targets and Actions

Objectives, targets and actions to help conserve the variable damselfly in the Cheshire region can be found on the Biodiversity Action Reporting System (BARS) along with full details of our progress so far.

How to find out more about the Variable Damselfly

Cheshire Dragonflies and Damselflies website - www.brocross.com/dfly/species/pulch.htm
British Dragonfly Society - www.british-dragonflies.org.uk

Contact details
LBAP Chair
Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Contact: 01948 820728

References & Glossary
Brooks S & Lewington R (1999): The Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland
Gabb R & Kitching D (1992): The Dragonflies and Damselflies of Cheshire. Liverpool Museum and Galleries