Male. Taken at Radley Lakes, Oxon., on July 11th 2019. (© David Hastings)
(1/125th sec at f14. Click image for larger version)
Male. Taken at Radley Lakes, Oxon., on June 28th 2024. (© David Hastings)
(1/640th sec at f11. Click image for larger version)
Imm. male. Taken at Narborough, Norfolk, on June 18th 2024. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f11. Click image for larger version)
Female. Taken at Aston, Oxon., on June 2nd 2022. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f13. Click image for larger version)
Female. Taken near Montmorillon, France on June 29th 2010. (© David Hastings)
(1/160th sec at f9. Click image for larger version)
Pair in cop. Taken at Whitecross Green Wood, Oxon., on June 12th 2023. (© David Hastings)
(1/640th sec at f13. Click image for larger version)

Description

Wing span: 70-82 mm; Body length: 44-50 mm

A medium-sized dragonfly, with the abdomen tapering evenly from S2-3. Females and immatures are pale, yellowish brown with two bold lines running along the length of the abdomen. The wings are clear, have a yellow costa and a very dark brown or black pterostigma. The males develop a blue pruinescence on the abdomen darkening to the rear with with S8-10 becoming black. Their eyes are very dark green. Females retain their colour and markings, though they become greyish-brown with age.

The main distribution of this species is in England. It is also found in Ireland and south Wales.

Its prefered habitat is larger standing or slow-flowing waters, generally open and often with un-vegetated margins. It occurs in brackish waters and can tolerate high fish densities. It is a good colonist of new sites, especially while open margins persist.

Eggs are laid in flight. They hatch after five or six weeks and the larvae live partially hidden by bottom debris. They emerge after two or three years. The main flight period is June and July.

Males characteristically perch horizontally on exposed surfaces. They fly fast and low, skimming the water surface, while defending their territories. Mating can occur in flight or on land.

A locally common species.

Earliest UK sighting: 26th May ; Latest UK sighting: 29th August

Sightings