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New Dragonflies Invade New Brunswick Skies
26 May
Summary
- Dragonfly and damselfly species are appearing in New Brunswick.
- Climate change is cited as the reason for insect migration.
- Native species may decline due to new arrivals and competition.
New species of dragonflies and damselflies have recently established themselves in New Brunswick. Researchers note these colorful insectivores are being observed with increasing frequency in the province's southwestern regions over the past two decades.
Climate change is identified as the primary driver behind this ecological shift. Milder winters and warmer summers are creating favorable conditions, allowing species previously absent from the Maritimes to colonize new territories. The scarlet bluet damselfly, first recorded in 2016, has significantly expanded its global range into Maine and the Maritimes.
While these new arrivals thrive, concerns are growing for native species like the Canada whiteface and muskeg emerald. These native dragonflies, potentially at the southern edge of their range, may be forced to leave New Brunswick. Additionally, the newcomer species will compete with existing insect populations for food, impacting the local ecosystem.
Citizen scientists play a crucial role in documenting these changes through photographic evidence. Targeted surveys have aided in identifying new arrivals, such as the lilypad forktail damselfly discovered in 2017. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of this species expansion on food sources.
