Colonization and changing status of four Odonata species, Anax imperator, Anax parthenope, Aeshna mixta and Sympetrum fonscolombii, in Ireland 2000-2002

摘要

The first Irish occurrences of three dragonfly species, Anax imperator, Anax parthenope and Aeshna mixta, and an influx of Sympetrum fonscolombii in 2000 are documented. Occurrences of all four species in 2001 and 2002 are described, including proof of breeding of Anax imperator and Aeshna mixta. These records are discussed in the context of trends in north-west Europe and presented as circumstantial evidence for the impact of global warming on an element of the Irish fauna.