PRESS RELEASE

Thursday 09 August 2007

Enter the dragon's den

As one of the world's fastest moving insects, it's a wonder that we ever catch sight of dragonflies buzzing around our watersides and wetlands preying on smaller, often harmful insects.

But since three species' of the speedy creatures have been lost in Britain already over the last 40 years, Cheshire Wildlife Trust is now keeping an extra eye out for the elegant insects and asking nature lovers to do the same.

Characterised by their elongated bodies, large eyes and strong transparent wings that shimmer when they catch the light, dragonflies are often found around water because their larvae, known as 'nymphs' are aquatic.

Sue Tatman, Wildlife Gardening Officer for Cheshire Wildlife Trust, said: "Dragonflies are absolutely mesmerising to watch with their impressive aerial manoeuvres and jewel-like colours. It's important that we help protect the remaining species before it becomes critical. I advise the public to enjoy watching dragonflies but not to catch them or interrupt them in their natural environment"

A good place to start spotting dragonflies is at the Trust's own Dane Moss reserve just south of Macclesfield, home to 11 different species of dragonfly and damselfly, including one of Britain's rarest dragonflies the black darter.

And as the celebrations for Meres and Mosses Month continue there are lots of activities over the next few weeks where you can learn more about the different species that frequent Cheshire’s ancient lakes, including dragonflies. These incorporate a guided walk around Gowy Meadows, near Chester, with Jacki Hulse on 24 August and pond dipping with James Grundy at Deer Park Meer, Cholmondeley on 27 August.

Despite a plethora of world legends in which dragonflies are said to be everything from horses possessed by the devil to the adder's servant, they are actually harmless to humans and if caught, although they may bite, this would scarcely break skin.

Mosquitos and midges, on the other hand, are not so lucky as dragonflies hunt for these as well as flies, bees and butterflies, which makes them a true gift to any garden pond.

For more information about Meres and Mosses Month and the grand finale event visit www.meresandmossesmonth.info or call 01743 284297.

Dragonfly file
- dragonflies belong to the order Odonata
- female dragonflies lay eggs in or near water
- the largest dragonfly fossil ever found showed a wingspan of 70-75cm
- dragonflies have excellent eyesight due to their eye structure. Their compound eyes have up to 30,000 facets, each of which is a separate light-sensing organ or ommatidium arranged to give nearly 360* field

To find out more information about the work of Cheshire Wildlife Trust visit www.cheshirewildlifetrust.co.uk or call 01948 820728.

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