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This species was first recorded in the UK in Essex in 1999. Since
that date it has been rapidly spreading north and west in the country.
It was discovered in Warwickshire for the first time 15 August 2004 at
the Swift Valley Reserve, Rugby. This followed almost immediately on
its discovery in Northamptonshire. Breeding activity has been observed
at this site.
The species can be expected to colonise suitable habitat in the
county rapidly in the next few years. It is particularly associated
with water bodies
with floating vegetation such as Hornwort (Ceratophyllum), Water
Milfoil (Myriophyllum) and Water-Tyme (Elodea). At the
Swift
Valley it was exploiting Ivy-leafed Duckweed Lemna trisulca.
Since 2004 there has been a rapid extension of its range. In summer
it can be the dominant species at some sites and appears to be tolerant
of lower quality water.
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