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A damsel in distress

The male (right) and female (left) Emerald Damselfly © WildSmiths

This blog relates a remarkable natural drama which we saw unfold recently, at Ladyfield Farm in Argyll (about which you can read more here).

We were watching the delightful and delicate Emerald Damselflies on the pond. Unlike the darters and chasers, which profligately scatter their eggs over the surface of the pond, damselflies take great care when laying their eggs. Once they have paired-up, the male and female fly around in tandem, the male holding the female firmly behind the head with his clasper. They alight on a stem and slowly reverse to the water’s surface. There the female lowers her abdomen into the water to lay her eggs. On her ovipositor, she has a small blade-like device for cutting slits in the plant stems, into which she inserts the eggs. I had read that she will sometimes immerse herself completely in order to access the lower stems, while the male continues to hold onto her.

Ladyfield Farm – an idyll in Argyll

In one of the Argyll glens, not far from Loch Awe, lies a small piece of paradise. Ladyfield Farm has recently been acquired by some friends of ours who want to use it to promote and showcase sustainable living, alongside their love of music, food and wildlife. We were lucky enough to spend a few days there this week on our way to Coll.

Covid 19 update – July 2020

After spending five months in lockdown on the Essex coast, we’re delighted to confirm that we’re finally going to get to Coll this year. The ferry is booked and we’ll be in business from Tuesday 18th August.