UK & Eire Natural History Bloggers

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Lea Park, Thame, Oxfordshire

I went back to our pond this morning to check the exuviae of the Coenagrionidae damselflies that I noted yesterday. This time I found and photographed a couple in immature adults. Though these were immature insects I think, from checking out my field guide, that they are Large Red Damselflies (Pyrrhosoma nymphula). However, I am by no means sure so will check with the folks on iSpot to see what they think!


Also noted that the tadpoles of the Common Frogs (Rana temporaria) are maturing rapidly in our wonderful spring sunshine!


Friday, April 22, 2011

Lea Park, Thame, Oxfordshire

The pond at home is very popular with the local Honey Bees (Apis mellifera). I am not sure where their nest is located (certainly not in our garden); however, there is a constant stream of the bees coming to the pond to drink.


Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)

While watching the bees I noticed many exuviae of Coenagrionidae damselflies. I am not sure to what species they belonged to as only one adult was seen and then only for a very short time. However, that brief view convinced me that the exuviae were from one of the blue/black Coenagrionidae.

Exuviae of Coenagrionidae damselflies