Paul Ashton – Page 7 – Yorkshire Dragonfly Group

Leven Canal

Posted on 22 April 2009 by Paul Ashton

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Habitat

Former canal now designated as an SSSI. Fed by calcareous spring water of high quality and supporting a range of fenland plant species along its margin

Access

Off the Beverley to Bridlington Road A1035 in Leven (TA1045).

More Information

OS Map from BING Maps

Species List

Hornsea Mere

Posted on 22 April 2009 by Paul Ashton

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Habitat

Large shallow natural lake close to the coast.

Access

Parking at Kirkholme Point at (TA193470).

More Information

OS Map from BING Maps

Species List

Filey Dams

Posted on 22 April 2009 by Paul Ashton

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Habitat

A Yorkshire Wildlife Trust site consisting of fresh marsh.

Access

Accessed via Wharfedale road off the A1039.

More Information

OS Map from BING Maps

Filey Dams – YWT

Species List

Eastrington Ponds

Posted on 22 April 2009 by Paul Ashton

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Habitat

Local Nature Reserve at (SE7829). The main pond is the former site of Eastrington Brick Works. There are several borrow pits foound along either side of the railtrail, the pits the result of building the former Hull and Barnsley Railway.

Access

There is a car park which is accessed off Howden Road, west of Eastrington village.

More Information

OS Map from BING Maps
A plan of the site can be downloaded from East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s website.

Species List

Broomfleet Washlands

Posted on 22 April 2009 by Paul Ashton

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Habitat

Fenland type habitat with a series of fishing ponds.

Access

Leave the M62 at the North Cave junction. Take the B1230 to Newport. Before reaching Newport take the left turning to Broomfleet along Wallingfen Lane. At the end of the road turn right on to Common Road. Continue straight on, the road eventually turns in to a deeply rutted track which is passable with care, car park can be found before the track rises towards the railway. Alternatively turn left off Common Road on to Carr Lane. At the end of the road turn right on to Main Street. Take the right hand bend and follow the road until reaching the bridge over the Market Weighton Canal, don’t cross the bridge, the road is wide enough to safely park. Walk north towards the railway where there is an underpass on to the washlands complex.

Note: The site may be used for cattle grazing and could also be in use for shooting.

More Information

Market Weighton Canal Trail
OS Map from BING Maps

Species List

Noddle Hill Nature Reserve

Posted on 22 April 2009 by Paul Ashton

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Habitat

A Hull City Council owned site. Fishing Pond.

Access

Take Bransholme Road off Noddle Hill Way (TA111348).

More Information

OS Map from BING Maps

Species List

Allerthorpe Common

Posted on 22 April 2009 by Paul Ashton

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Habitat

A Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Site – acidic wet/dry heath, mire, grassland and woodland with ponds.

Access

From A1079 Hull -York Road, towards Sutton-upon-Derwent and Thornton; 1st left towards Thornton. Park 1/2 mile on right. Cross road and walk track by Forest Enterprise gate. Take ride on left to junction with line of pylons. Reserve is along track on right. Grid ref SE 761475.

More Information

OS Map from BING Maps

Species List

Heathland Pond

Tophill Low Nature Reserve

Posted on 22 April 2009 by Paul Ashton

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Habitat

A wide range of freshwater habitats including marsh, lagoons, dykes and small ponds.

Access

From the A164 Beverley to Driffield Road. Leave the A164 at Watton, sign posted Tophill Low Pumping Station and follow the brown tourist signs along unclassified road for 6.5km/4 miles. Turn right at the main gates and follow the road round to the car park. Open Wednesday to Sunday 9am – 6pm during the summer months, and 9am – 4pm during the winter. The reserve is normally closed Mondays and Tuesdays, but is open on Bank Holiday Mondays.

More Information

OS Map from BING Maps
Tophill Low Nature Reserve

Species List

Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens

Posted on 26 April 2008 by Paul Ashton

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Length

45-48mm; Wingspan: Male 61mm; Female 65mm; Hindwing 27-36mm; Larva: 30-40mm

Males

Translucent wings with a broad, dark iridescent blue-black band on outer part of both wings, there is no pterostigma. Body is metallic blue-green. Immatures wing band is dark brown.

Females

Translucent pale green wings, white ‘false pterostigma’, larger on forewing than hindwing, metallic green body. Sometimes androchrome females are observed (male coloured females), these can be identified by the ‘false pterostigma’ which males lack.

Behavior

Males are territorial, though large numbers can be found together. They attract females by flicking their wings open whilst performing an aerial dance in front of them, flopping down on to the egg-laying site. Females stay away from water unless looking for a mate or egg-laying. Adults will make use of nettle beds and tall grasses to rest.

Habitat

Mature, slow-flowing streams, rivers and canals, with muddy sediment. Can overlap with Beautiful Demoiselle where habitat contains patches of sand and gravel. Prefers open banksides, where as Beautiful Demoiselle will happily use shady areas. Adults of both sexes can be found well away from water and ponds where breeding is unlikely, thought they will breed in lakes adjacent to rivers. Sensitive to waterway management (clearance of vegetation) and pollution.

Flight Period

Status

Abundant along occupied rivers and streams.

Distribution Map

Locations

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Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa

Posted on 22 April 2007 by Paul Ashton

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Length

35-39mm; Wingspan: Male 42mm; Female 45mm; Hindwing 19-22mm

Male

Metallic green in colour. This species has a slow maturation period of two to four weeks, over this period a blue pruinescence appears on the thorax between wings and segments 1,2, 9 and 10. Eyes blue. Confusion species is Scarce Emerald Damselfly which is extinct in Yorkshire. Both sexes rest with wings half open.

Female

Metallic green, with pale beige sides to the thorax. Distinctly thicker abdomen than male.

Behaviour

Weak flyer usually remaining close to emergent vegetation, rarely going far over water. Copulation usually takes place close to breeding site and last from 30 minutes to over an hour. Females usually arrive to oviposit in tandem with the male. Oviposits in to stems of emergent grasses, rushes, sedges and horsetails, usually above surface, but can submerge, including the male. Fairly sedentary and can be absent from seemingly good sites.

Habitat

Still or slow moving water such as ponds, bogs, ditches, canals and lake edges with dense emergent vegetation. Tolerates brackish and acidic water. Sensitive to excessive clearance of emergent vegetation.