Photobirder: June 2020

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Lilypad Whiteface 25th June 2020

Lilypad Whiteface (Vannliljetorvlibelle) Leucorrhinia caudalis in Norway on 25th June 2020

It was great to experience this rather unusual dragonfly species again after first finding them in 2017 at the same locality near Holmestrand in Vestfold province. Using binoculars, males may be easily observed sitting on lily leaves often with their abdomen and reproductive organs raised high, giving them a characteristic stance. This year's visit to the lake revealed a minimum of 15 males, each sitting on their chosen lily leaf and at least one pair securing the next generation.

It is a rare and protected species in Norway and only found at several localities in the traditional provinces of Østfold, Akershus and Vestfold. It is also mostly a rare and local species throughout its distribution in northern parts of central Europe and eastwards inland in Russia, but also with scattered populations in southern Europe.

Lilypad Whiteface, male on a lily leaf - Holmestrand, Norway 25th June 2020

Lilypad Whiteface, male raising its abdomen - Holmestrand, Norway 25th June 2020

Lilypad Whiteface, male with raised abdomen - Holmestrand, Norway 25th June 2020

Lilypad Whiteface, male - Holmestrand, Norway 25th June 2020

Lilypad Whiteface, mating pair - Holmestrand, Norway 25th June 2020

Monday, 22 June 2020

Dragonflies in Vestfold & Telemark, Norway during early June 2020

During the first half of June was an excellent time for some interesting local dragonflies. During several visits to a pond close to Borrevannet it was possible to closely photograph several Ruby Whiteface Leucorhinia rubicunda and Yellow-spotted Whiteface Leucorrhinia pectoralis which were new recorded species for Horten. In addition there where loads of newly hatched Four-spotted Chasers Libellula quadrimaculata on this tiny pond as well as hordes of damselflies sp. and a Hairy Hawker Brachytron pratense which made a very brief visit. At the northern end of Borrevannet first Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens were found although provisionally not the number that is usual here. On a butterfly expedition to Gjennestadvannet, several species of dragonfly were found including several Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis, Small Whiteface Leucorrhinia dubia, Downy Emerald Cordulia aenea and two adult male Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa which is one of my all-time favourites.