Wednesday, 12 August 2026

A couple of damsels

19th July 2026 - around the Granta Park lake, Andy M found a few damselflies - including newly-hatched (or 'teneral') Common Blue Damselfly. Shortly after emergence, the colours of teneral damselflies are pale and muted, slowly getting stronger as they dry out. These teneral forms can be hard to distinguish, but this one was starting to show the characteristic patterning of a Common Blue Damselfly.  

Along the river were several Banded Demoiselle, which strongly prefer to be around running water.

teneral female Common Blue Damselfly

male Banded Demoiselle

No comments:

The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

  • To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
  • To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
  • To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
  • To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)