DAMSELFLIES AND
DEMOISELLES
PART 1
Damselflies and Demoiselles are dramatic net winged creatures which can
be regularly seen in wildlife gardens. I haven’t got any qualifying scientific
evidence as to why this is, but by looking at their lifestyles, I can figure out
some of the reasons.
One proven success is a wildlife pond; these attract
all sorts of net winged insects, even if the gardens
are situated a little distance from rivers. In ponds,
damselfly aquatic nymphs spend about two years
at the muddy bottom, waiting stationary for tiny
creatures to come their way. Then, with lightning
speed, the nymph shoots out its mouth parts to
grab and eat the unsuspecting animal. The nymphs
need to climb out of the pond to change into the last
stage of their life cycle by using marginal plants and
lilies. Fortunately, we planted these many years ago
and have been reaping the benefits ever since by
continually seeing these creatures.
Damselflies have the smallest bodies of the dragonfly
family. They have the same body-structure as all
dragonflies with a long, slim body with 4 translucent,
membrane wings which culminates in a delicate net
like structure.
I have witnessed Blue Tailed Damselflies at
Millstream Fork more often than other species,
probably because they prefer gardens and ponds. I
then used Blue Tailed Damselflies as my introductory
marker to help me identify other flying insects. When
I continuously made comparisons and contrasts with
this one creature I knew very well, other damselflies
later become easier to distinguish.
When I have seen damselflies or demoiselles early
in the morning, I have witnessed them warming up
their bodies, especially their muscles, by basking
in the sun. I often think that they are using their
translucent net wings to gain warmth and strength
from solar energy.
Contact Andy on 01895 520184 | email [email protected]
www.ffes.org.uk
Andy Mydellton, author and journalist, leads the South Buckinghamshire registered charity, the Foundation for
Endangered Species. Being based in South Bucks, they are in a position to advise people in this area about wildlife.
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