Information and photo credit Dr Phil Smith,
Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii) have been spotted at Ainsdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve not farm from the Ainsdale Discovery Centre.
This species is found infrequently. Largely considered a migrant but with some breeding populations in the UK, considered unstable by the British Dragonfly Society.
Phil discovered three males basking on bare sand and has advised that the last major influx was in July 2009. So keep your eyes peeled and check out any Darters you might see as these can be easily confused with other species.
All Dragonflies, and their habitats, are considered local priorities for conservation effort in North Merseyside: http://www.merseysidebiodiversity.org.uk/download/sap2008-dragonflies/
Many thanks for Dr Smith for sharing this sighting.
