A walk round the pond - Week 35

The black darters here are a bit of a puzzle.  I have seen them every year for the past four or five but have only ever seen mature males, as with these.  The absence of females and juveniles means that they almost certainly don't breed here, not surprising as it isn't really the right habitat.  Black darters are inhabitants of heathland and moorland and breed in acidic ponds.  These are presumably wandering males in search of fresh territories but how far they range and where they come from isn't known.  I was pleased to see them, even if they have turned up six weeks later than last year.  Their arrival brings to 14 the number of Odonata species I have seen at the pond this year.

A common hawker has been trying to establish a territory on the smaller northern pond.  His problem is that it is still being patrolled by an emperor who doesn't fancy sharing, even with a different species.  While he was hovering uncertainly near the edge I took a few flight shots but every few seconds he was chased away.

This is an interesting comparison - a migrant hawker in flight a few metres away.

I think the emperors will be gone soon, leaving the field clear for the common and migrant hawkers.  This may be the last I see of them until next June.

Migrant hawkers are still few in number but I expect they will increase in the next few weeks.  I saw several males,

and one female.

Ruddy darters were making the most of the sunshine.

The common darter season goes on into October so there are still plenty of young looking specimens.

Common blue and emerald damselflies will also be around for a few more weeks.

Smaller butterflies this week included small heath, common blue and wall.  Larger species were red admiral,

peacock,

and painted lady.