We found Common Blue, Azure and Blue-tailed Damselflies. Also an early Common Darter Dragonfly. The dragonflies are usually found later in the season, peaking in numbers from mid July to September. The beautiful, brightly-coloured adults of both groups are sadly only around for a few short weeks. Most of their lives are spent underwater as larvae. They may stay as larvae as long as a year and in the case of the larger dragonflies even up to five years!
Robroyston Park is also home to the Black Darter which can be found in quite large numbers. This dragonfly seems to have particularly shimmering wings, making them look like the fairies out of storybooks.
Finally, in search of the Four-spotted Chaser, we headed for Commonhead Moss where these have been recorded in previous years. This Dragonfly is particularly adept at avoiding capture in a net. A neat trick passed on to us, was to place a handy, long stick in the ground near its hunting grounds along wet ditches. The Chaser will then come to perch on the stick and can be easily photographed and identification checked. This allows the dragonfly enthusiast a rest from running about with a net!
There is still a great deal to be learnt about the ten or so species of these fascinating creatures that are found in Glasgow. Which sites are they at? What are their population sizes? Are there species that have yet to be recorded within the City boundary?
There is now an LBAP Action Plan for Dragonflies and Damselflies which hopefully will encourage groups to carry out surveys and monitoring to answer some of these questions.
Further information on Glasgow's Local Biodiversity Action Plan.