I got quite a surprise reviewing my Verify page on iRecord last night, seeing the photo below, which is a video grab.
It shows a male Lesser Emperor, perhaps not fully mature, as the blue saddle is less extensive and the eyes are less obviously green than in a fully mature individual. Also the abdomen is more strongly marked.
It seems this was a chance find by the observer who is new to the world of dragonflies! It flew off strongly shortly after the video was taken.
The location was SP42520902, which is in a publicly accessible "dog walkers" field, reached from Chilbridge lane just past the little bridge.
The origin of this individual is clearly of interest. It is most likely a local breeder, being so early in the season and not fully mature. The question is where it has come from. There are various candidates including Cassington Gravel Pits and the extensive Lower Windrush Valley Gravel Pits around Standlake. Unfortunately there is limited access to many of these lakes.
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| Male teneral Lesser Emperor © Katie Jones |
Has anyone checked out the pond just to the south of that field? So here:
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I'm told by the observer that it is privately owned with "keep-out" signs prominently displayed
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