Key changes to species distribution since 2005

The presence of Emerald Damselfly in Hunter’s Bog and the Wells o’ Wearie is a positive addition to the species seen in 2005. It was seen in both locations in 2006 (BDS, 2010), and breeding behaviour was noted in Hunter’s Bog in 2009 (HSRS, 2010).

Common Darter distribution has declined since 2005. In that year it was noted in Hunter’s Bog, Bawsinch and the Wells o’ Wearie, with breeding activity seen in the latter two locations. It was last seen in Hunter’s Bog in 2008 (BDS, 2010). Its presence in Bawsinch has declined to a single individual seen there on 3rd August 2010, with no evidence of breeding.

Common Hawker was not seen during the 2010 survey and there have been no HSRS casual records or BDS records since 2005.

Key changes to locations since 2005

Dunsapie Loch showed no evidence of any Odonata breeding in 2010. The only Damselfly identified in the immediate vicinity was a single Common Blue in the marshy ground south of the loch on 10th June. Azure Damselfly were present and Common Blue Damselfly used the loch for breeding in 2005 (Checkley, 2005); and there are references to “50 Common Blue Damselfly at Dunsapie Loch” in the SWT ‘Invertebrate study of Holyrood Park’ (Saville and Sommerville, 1991).

Dunsapie Loch is mentioned as “a representative example of the freshwater aquatic plant communities in the City of Edinburgh District” in the Arthur’s Seat Volcano SSSI citation (Scottish Natural Heritage, 1986), and this apparent decline may be of some conservation concern.

Additional data from 2010 casual records

2 cojoined pair of Azure Damselfly were noted during a visit to Bawsinch on 10th June. This proves breeding behaviour for this species in Bawsinch in 2010.

A single Emerald Damselfly was still present in Hunter’s Bog on 17th September 2010, changing the last date for this species.

St Margaret’s Loch remains empty of Odonata. This is likely to be due to the lack of emergent vegetation and the periodic heavy algal blooms during the summer period.

For a Google map of Holyrood Park Damselflies and Dragonflies please see http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=201742939875258577422.0004abb78c5202c315242

A full length electronic copy can be obtained from the author.

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