It is reported that new species of damsel and dragonflies are appearing or re-appearing in the UK (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/16/here-be-dragonflies-thriving-in-britain-as-never-before). It seems likely that this influx of migratory insects is a consequence of climate change. In some cases, the insects could be attracted to the warming conditions further north but, in others, they may be forced to move, as freshwater locations (already an endangered habitat) for their nymphal stages dry up in the south. These striking insect predators also need flying insects (e.g. gnats and mosquitoes) on which to feed. The migrations (often of bigger species) may be bad news for local Odonata, as dragonflies can be quite territorial as adults. Nymphs may also eat smaller nymphs in their years of aquatic maturing.
No comments:
Post a Comment