STATUS, HABITAT USE AND CONSERVATION OF THE SCARCE BLUE-TAILED DAMSELFLY ISCHNURA-PUMILIO (CHARPENTIER) (ODONATA, COENAGRIONIDAE) IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND

The status and distribution of the rare and local scarce blue-tailed d amselfly Ischnura pumilio in Britain and Ireland is reviewed from a na tional mapping survey. Although the species is now extinct from parts of East Anglia (where it was recorded early this century) and has expe rienced recent declines in the New Forest area, information suggests t hat it is perhaps as common now as it ever has been. The species is we ll established in valley mires, floodlands and other natural wetlands, particularly in western Britain. In recent decades, it has been repor ted increasingly from artificial wetlands such as those created by min eral extraction, newly created ponds and ditches. Colonies at artifici al wetlands tend to be more transient, associated with the early stage s of plant seral succession. Disturbance to such habitats which perpet uates bare substrates and openness of vegetation appears to sustain th e insect at such sites. Despite apparent differences between natural a nd artificial sites, the microhabitats favoured by this highly dispers ive damselfly are similar throughout its range. Suitable management pr escriptions are discussed for its effective conservation.