Variable Damselfly LBAP

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	WELCOME TO CHESHIRE BIODIVERSITY PART OF THE CHESHIRE REGION BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP

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	LOCAL TARGETS
To prevent the species from declining in present numbers	1. To gain an accurate measure of population size and range through systematic monitoring and pinpointed survey. 2. To gain further knowledge on precise habitat requirements. 3. To protect the known sites from damage, through sympathetic management.
ACTIONS REQUIRED
Pinpointed survey of potential sites. Raise awareness of species amongst recorders. Protection of all known sites

Progress so far

1997 - 2006 Action Completed

Population monitored in Farndon area during summer 2001 emergence period.
Due to lack of funds this year and no project officer no work was undertaken during the 2001/2002 winter

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.dragonflysoc.org.uk/

Contact details

LBAP Chair

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

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