· by nottscoleoptera.bsky.social ·10h ago · view on bsky.app ↗

I do an annual survey of several Reens and Ditches in South Wales, a small job I’ve kept on since retirement. Both Dytiscus dimidiatus and Hydaticus transversalis had been missing for several years until this year when they made an appearance once more.

#coleoptera #dytiscidae

3 comments — live from bluesky

HoverflySpotterM.D · 0 · 8h ago

Brilliant

GlosBio · 2 · 9h ago

Using 'Reens' I guess your survey area is what is now *The Caldicot & Wentloog Levels*. Lived by *The Moors* between Rogiet & Redwick, early 1960s-early 1980s. Introduced to water beetles through tadpole farming & garden pond (recommended as beetle-attractant but ☠️ for tadpoles). @sewbrec.org.uk

Adrian Dutton · 2 · 8h ago

Spot on, not many of the reens I now survey have the right profile, they’re now too steeply sided but still enough to keep me going back.

GlosBio · 3 · 8h ago

'My' reens were full with low concrete edgings - which I stood on. Yes, I was allowed to walk over to them on my own or with a few friends despite that & 'stay out until dark', walk miles over fields, etc - just like they say about the 60s & 70s. We survived (just). @scarredforlife.bsky.social

Gary Easton · 1 · 7h ago

I lived in Somerset on Kenn Moor in the early 70s. I remember keeching the reens to keep them clear of weed a couple of times a year.

Adrian Dutton · 0 · 4h ago

These I survey are now choked with Phragmites. NRW clear them every now and then but they’re definitely not in tip top condition.