British scientists say damselflies from Europe 'not harming similar species' in United Kingdom

New research conducted by the University of Exeter and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology reveals that a damselfly species that migrated to the United Kingdom from Europe poses little threat to native damselflies and dragonflies.

“With range-shifting increasing globally, we need to understand what impact newly arrived species have on ecosystems,” said Regan Early of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall, according to the University of Exeter website. 

“In this case it seems the small red-eyed damselfly has established itself in the UK without harming similar species," she added. "It may be establishing itself most strongly in areas with good habitats, and these biodiverse sites could be important for increasing numbers of range-shifters in the future.”

The study, which analyzed data from the British Dragonfly Society, found the majority of native dragonflies and damselflies either saw an increase in presence or remained unchanged in areas colonized by the small red-eyed damselfly. 

Although two damselfly species could have been negatively affected, the research states further investigation is required. One of the negatively affected species is closely related to the new species, with Early noting habitat preferences and flight season similarities could led to the survival of the new species.

Findings shed light on the interactions between range-shifting species and native ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of understanding the impact of newly-arrived species in the face of climate change-driven range shifts.

The study, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, looked into the effect of small red-eyed damselflies at sites where 17 native United Kingdom dragonflies and damselflies have been located.

“Our approach allows rapid assessment of how range-shifters are affecting native wildlife,” said Jamie Cranston from the University of Exeter. “It shows how citizen science can be really powerful, in this case by providing an 'early warning system' about possible threats to UK wildlife.”

The paper was published in the journal, Insect Conservation and Diversity.