Damselfly and Narrowboat Mug – Wildlife on the Canal

Description

Damselfly mug – part of our ‘Wildlife on the Canal’ series.

There’s nothing like the gentle, rustling buzz of a damselfly’s wings as it skims the water’s surface.

We think the image of the damselfly on this white, microwave safe mug, really captures the essence of a canal and the damselfly.

The watercolour image, printed in high resolution on both sides of the mug, can withstand up to 3000 dishwasher cycles!

Add one to your home, whether that’s on a narrowboat or dry land, or buy one as the perfect gift for a narrowboater or nature lover.

A few facts about the Damselfly

Damselflies, belonging to the order Odonata, are fascinating and delicate insects closely related to dragonflies. In the UK, they are a common sight along canals and other water bodies during the warmer months. Damselflies are smaller, slimmer, and generally more delicate in appearance compared to dragonflies, with their wings held along the body when at rest.

There are several species of damselflies in the UK, with varying colours and patterns. They are known for their vibrant hues, typically in shades of blue, green, red, and yellow, making them a colourful addition to canal ecosystems. The most commonly spotted species along UK canals include the Common Blue Damselfly, the Blue-tailed Damselfly, and the Banded Demoiselle.

Damselflies play a crucial role in the aquatic ecosystems of canals. As predators, both in their larval stage and as adults, they help control the populations of smaller insects and maintain a balanced environment. Their presence is also an indicator of good water quality, as they require clean, well-oxygenated water for breeding.

The life cycle of damselflies begins with eggs laid in or near water. The larvae, known as nymphs, live underwater for about a year, where they undergo several molts before emerging as adults. The adult stage is relatively short, lasting just a few weeks, during which their primary focus is on reproduction.

Observing damselflies along the canals can be a delightful experience. They are often seen darting over the water’s surface or resting on vegetation. Their mating behaviour is also quite distinctive, forming a shape known as a ‘heart’ or ‘wheel’ when the male and female attach during copulation.