Sunday 23 February 2020

Common Hawker (Aeshna juncea) Exuviae

It's been a couple of months since my last post but I have still been keeping myself quite busy. Firstly, it was a great privilege to be offered the role of taking over as the new County Dragonfly Recorder (CDR) for East and West Kent. This has seen me most evenings verifying over 3000 records, some going back to 1998! Its been very interesting getting to know various recorders names and locations of where Kent's dragonflies and damselflies can be found. Even better to see areas where I didn't necessary know a species could be seen. I have already been in contact with a few people about survey work during the year and hopefully, the role will enable me to venture to areas where I wouldn't normally find myself. As always, the camera will be with me and I shall make sure that I continue to capture the species I encounter. With the weather being nothing short of awful of late, I have only made it out on a few occasions with the net to see what nymphs can be found. Nethergong has seen me netting Emperor, Broad bodied Chaser, Hairy Dragonfly and plenty of Azure and Blue tailed Damselfly nymphs and a trip to Westbere saw a few Red eyed Damselfly nymphs being netted. Fingers crossed that the weather will eventually get better soon and that I can get out a few more times with the net. Back to this weekend where it was not surprising that once again the weather was not good so I decided that I would photograph a few Common Hawker exuviae indoors which were sent to me from a fellow odonata enthusiast, Jon Mee from Wales. This is a species that does not occur in Kent, the nearest colony being to the West at Thursley Common in Surrey. Jon kindly sent me a handful in the post which survived their trip from Wales and it was nice to be able to add this species to my collection. Having had a good look through the 10X hand lens at the features of this species, I then spent a pleasant hour in the warmth photographing the exuviae from a few different angles. these will also be added to my website in due coarse. If the weather warms up and with March on the horizon, we will soon be into the last few weeks until the first Large Red Damselflies emerge. It wont be long!
 
 Side view
 
 Showing head and side of throax
 
 Side view
 
 Showing quite broad and rectangular Labial Mask
 
 Showing lateral spines on S7 -S9
 
 Showing the tip shape to the Epiproct
 
 Top view
 
 Showing the eye and head shape
 
Common Hawker (Aeshna juncea) exuviae - side view


10 comments:

  1. There will be a few minds boggled for the uninitiated on these excellent images of exuviae Marc. Congratulations for the offer and acceptance of the post of CDR for East & West Kent.

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    1. Many thanks Pete. I'm always fascinated by the exuviae. Like finding little golden nuggets in the vegetation. Hopefully I will be able to do the role justice.

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  2. Excellent pictures of exuviae of the Common Hawker. Fantastic Marc.

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    1. Many thanks Bob. Thankfully they don't move but still awkward sometimes to get the shots believe it or not.

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  3. Sounds like a good step up the ladder Marc. Congratulations and good luck. Are we now to expect even greater things from you.
    Mike.

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    1. Many thanks Mike. Please don't expect anymore. Will hopefully post some pleasing shots every now and then and continue my adventures.

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  4. That exuvia seems to have survived its journey in the post in perfect condition, Marc. The photography is absolute perfection! I might have to make an effort to find Common Hawker this year - I've only seen one (briefly) once, in Scotland, and only got a record shot.

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    1. It's amazing that any survived the journey but most did. I've only ever seen a few but had nice views a couple of years ago in Cornwall. Thursley turns up the odd one which is probably my nearest location for the species.

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  5. Those are super photos Marc and I particularly like the one of the eyes and head shape. Congratulations on taking over as the new CDR for East and West Kent, that is great. Best wishes, Chris

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    1. Hi Chris and good to hear from you. I just love the story behind the exuviae. So fragile to handle but great to study. Hopefully see you out soon.

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