De opmars van de Kanaaljuffer (Cercion lindenii) in Nederland

Cercion lindenii is among the increasing number of expanding dragonflies in The Netherlands. Before 1982 C. lindenii was a rare damselfly, probably not reproducing here for long periods. The tides turned in the early eighties when a large population settled near Eindhoven. Since then, the species rapidly colonised brooks and rivers, large sand pits and canals. In the eastern part of the province of Noord-Brabant it is now one of the most numerous dragonflies. Since 2002 successive records were done north of the large rivers Rhine and Waal and C. lindenii is now reproducing here in large numbers too. The northern limit is now in the northeastern part of the province Overijssel, but it is expected that the species will colonise the northern half of The Netherlands soon.