If you spend time outdoors in southern New Brunswick, you will notice some new, colorful insects buzzing around the local marshes.

According to a recent report from CBC News, climate change is driving new species of dragonflies and damselflies into the province. Over the past 20 years, researchers and citizen scientists have spotted insects in southwestern New Brunswick that historically never lived in the Maritimes.

Why New Insects Are Moving In

John Klymko, a zoologist at the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre, points directly to climate change. “Winter is becoming less severe, summer’s becoming warmer,” Klymko told CBC. “Things warming up in the spring earlier than they would have historically and getting cold in the fall later than they would have historically.”

This shifting climate allows these insects to find suitable habitats further north. They take advantage of the warmer weather by colonizing our region.

Meet the New Arrivals

One notable newcomer is the scarlet bluet damselfly. Researchers first discovered it in New Brunswick in 2016. Klymko notes this arrival is significant because the insect is rare in other areas. “This recent expansion into Maine and the Maritimes nearly doubles the species global range,” he said.

Other recent arrivals include the eastern amberwing, Martha’s pennant, and widow skimmer dragonflies. These insects prefer marshy habitats and are already spreading toward the northeastern part of the province. Experts expect them to eventually reach Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Bad News for Native Species

While the newcomers thrive, native species face new threats. Klymko worries about local insects like the Canada whiteface and muskeg emerald. These native dragonflies sit at the southern edge of their range in New Brunswick. As temperatures rise, they will leave the province.

“What is most interesting and, you know, worrisome is this potential decline of species that are at the southern edge of their range here,” Klymko explained.

The new arrivals also compete with existing populations for food, such as mosquitoes and other small insects. Researchers need more data to understand exactly how this competition affects the local ecosystem. Local citizen scientists play a crucial role here. By photographing the insects they see, residents help experts track these environmental shifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What new dragonfly species are in New Brunswick?
Recent arrivals include the eastern amberwing, Martha’s pennant, and widow skimmer dragonflies, along with the scarlet bluet damselfly.

Why are these insects moving to the Maritimes?
Climate change causes warmer summers and milder winters. This allows southern insect species to survive and thrive further north.

How do the new arrivals affect native insects?
New species compete with native populations for food like mosquitoes. Additionally, warming temperatures force native species like the Canada whiteface to move further north to survive.

How can I help researchers track these insects?
You can act as a citizen scientist by taking photos of dragonflies and damselflies you see in your area and sharing them with local conservation groups.