DOWNY EMERALD (CORDULIA AENEA)
LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN

OBJECTIVES

To ensure the survival of downy emeralds in Cheshire

LOCAL TARGETS

1. To maintain a viable breeding population at the current known sites.
2. To learn more about the Cheshire population of downy emerald through a research project.
3. To identify and survey possible breeding sites including the more traditional habitat of woodland ponds.

CURRENT STATUS

A local species in the British Isles, which is mainly concentrated south of the Thames but with scattered populations elsewhere. In Cheshire this dragonfly can only be found at Abbots Moss, Gull Pool and the narrow area of forest between where it appears to be increasing in number. There is an unconfirmed record for Little Budworth Common and old records for Wybunbury Moss and Pettypool.

The larvae live amongst leaf litter in the bottom of ponds. The Cheshire population is unusual as seems to be breeding in the sphagnum edges of Abbots Moss, where there is little leaf litter. This is Cheshire`s only 'emerald' dragonfly, and can quite easily be observed rapidly flying along the Whitegate Way at tree top height.

THREATS

• Removal of broad leaved trees from the south western side of Gull Pool
• Any loss in water quality on the current sites.

CURRENT ACTION

• All records collated by the county recorder.
• Ongoing monitoring at key sites.

ACTION REQUIRED IN 2006+

• Raise the profile of this dragonfly and its fragile status. This could be achieved by the constructing of an interpretation board along the Whitegate Way footpath, where the dragonflies can often be seen.
• Research into the precise habitat requirements of the downy emeralds in Cheshire, in order to implement suitable management.

ACTION COMPLETED PREVIOUSLY

• Due to lack of funds and no project officer no work has been undertaken since 2001.

ACTUAL LBAP IMPLEMENTERS

OTHER POTENTIAL IMPLEMENTERS

CONTACT

Paul Hill, Lepidoptera & Odonata LBAP Action Group
0871 734 0111

REFERENCES

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

Date compiled - 2001
Date reviewed - 2002

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