The rediscovery of this species at Alvecote Pools in the north of
the county
by Brian Mitchell in 1992 after some 50 years absence was one of
the
odonating
event of the 1990s for Warwickshire. Since Brian found it there
have
been
regular sightings each year at Alvecote and it is now well
established
there.
A second population was found at Stockton Quarry in 1999.
Breeding has been proved at both these sites. Both are
post-industrial brown-field sites. Such sites are important for
dragonflies and other wildlife in Warwickshire as elsewhere in
Britain
and it is important to protect
them from development. An interesting observation is the
difference in
quality of the water at these two sites. At Alvecote, unusually
for
Warwickshire, the water is acidic, highly so in some pools.
Stockton is
a limestone quarry.
An adult female was recorded at Kenilworth 31/5/2002 and a male
on
the Oxford Canal near Wormleighton in 2007 at the early date of 26
April.
In 2009 much more significant sightings the species were made at
two
new sites. Napton and Wormlieghton reservoirs. Several males and
females were seen on different occasions at both locations. The
males
were holding territory and copulation was observed so there is the
possibility of two new breeding sites being established. Proof
will
have to await the finding of exuvia or observing emergence. Both
these
reservoirs are part of the Canal system and subject to
considerable variation of water level through the year. It will be
interesting to see if the dragonflies can tolerate this and breed.