Vaserne

By Peter Petersen

July

The Banded General (Stratiomys potamida) is called: Gulbåndet Pragtvåbenflue in Danish. This species is relatively rare in Denmark but is found here in this nature reserve.

This is probably the Fen Raft Spider (Dolomedes sp. aff. plantarius). To determine the species you have to look at the genetals but this female was holding her cocoon with young spiderlings so we did not bother her.

The Fen Raft Spider (Dolomedes sp aff plantarius) is also known as fishing spider and it can catch pretty large fish. This specimen was a large one with a legspan of around 8 cm which makes this species one of the largest spiders in Denmark.

The Fen Raft Spider (Dolomedes sp aff plantarius) is considered rare in Denmark. This is most likely because of the loss of habitat associated with deforestation.

The Red Collar Soldier Beetle (Crudosilis ruficollis also known under the name Silis ruficollis) is called: Rødbåndet blødvinge in Danish.

The Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans) is called: Stor Farvevandnymfe in Danish.

The Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) is not native to Denmark, but is very common in many color variations.

A pair of Four-banded Longhorn Beetle (Leptura quadrifasciata). This species is called: Firebåndet Blomsterbuk in Denmark.

This pair of Four-banded Longhorn Beetle (Leptura quadrifasciata) are mating.

This Red-breasted Carrion Beetle (Oiceoptoma thoracicum) is feeding on a crushed snail. This species is called: Rødbrystet Ådselbille in Danish.

The Tree Damsel Bug (Himacerus apterus) is called: Stor Nymfetæge in Danish. This is a common insect here.

I mostly find Tree Damsel Bug (Himacerus apterus) in forests with wetlands.

The caterpillar of one of the most common butterflies in Denmark. The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) This species is called: Nældens Takvinge in Danish. This species mostly feed on nettle.

The Orangeheaded Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris) is called: Orangehovedet Blødvinge in Denmark. We have more than 50 species of Soldier beetles (Cantharidae) in Denmark.

The Three Spotted Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus) is called: Treplettet Nældetæge In Danish.

I often see the Three Spotted Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus) on different plants including nettle of course.

The Spotted Firebug (Corizus hyoscyami) seem to prefer pea flowers.

Another common species here is the Spotted Firebug (Corizus hyoscyami). This species is called: Rød Kanttæge in Denmark.

The Sun Fly (Helophilus pendulus) is called: Almindelig Sumpsvirreflue in Danish. I often find them around blackberry plants.

The Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus) is called: Stor Bredpande in Danish. This butterfly is the most common of the skippers here.

Two species of aquatic leaf beetles inhabitat this area. I have found the Depressed Aquatic Leaf Beetle (Donacia marginata) called: Trebulet sivbuk in Danish. This species have 3 pairs of bumps (depressions) of the wings.

A side view of the Depressed Aquatic Leaf Beetle (Donacia marginata) makes this feature more visible.

The other species here is the Grooved Leaf Beetle (Donacia semicuprea). This species can be recognized by the central longitudinal groove of the pronotum (part between the head and the wings)

The Grooved Leaf Beetle (Donacia semicuprea) is called: Rillet sivbuk in Danish. 

The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is called: Landsvale in Danish. This bird is often breeding in the bird towers here.

The Dark Brown Cranefly (Nigrotipula nigra) is called: Mørkebrunt stankelben in Danish.

Even though the Dark Brown Cranefly (Nigrotipula nigra) is common in Denmark, I have rarely seen this species.