Wettest winter could have damaged dragonfly and damselfly populations in Yorkshire

A black darter dragonfly, wildlife at the site of fracking in Salford

The Trust is asking people to help monitor the insects as part of its annual Great Nature Watch, which launches today - April 4.

Fluctuating river levels and fast currents are known to wash away dragonfly larva (or nymphs). As larva live underwater for up to three years, our unprecedented floods may have a long-term effect on dragonfly populations.

Jonathan Hart-Woods, environment manager for the Canal & River Trust, explained: “Dragonflies, and their sister damselflies, flourish in clean water which is rich in bankside vegetation, such as reeds. This makes them a fantastic indicator of the health of a canal or river.

“While this year’s floods have had an obvious impact on larger animals, birds and fish, we are also particularly concerned with the impact on invertabrates, which form the foundation stones of a healthy water environment. We would expect to see an increase in numbers of mosquitoes and midges which prefer stagnant and isolated water, but we may also see a drop in the numbers of dragonflies emerging this Spring.

“By taking part in the Great Nature Watch, you can help us monitor numbers of dragonflies, damselflies, and in fact, all species living on Yorkshire’s canals and rivers over the coming years.”

Dragonflies are an ancient species, whose ancestors were around before the dinosaurs. While many recognise them as flying summer insects, they in fact spend the majority of their lives as underwater larva.

They emerge ‘on the wing’ for a few brief months to mate and lay their eggs before dying.

The Great Nature Watch is askin people to record their sightings of all wildlife they see on any of Yorkshire’s canals, rivers, reservoirs or lakes. Records can be submitted by downloading the Trust’s free mobile app (search for Canal & River Trust) or online at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/great-nature-watch. Anyone can take part, and record as many sightings as they like between now and September.

Visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk for more.