Male. Taken at Farmoor, Oxon on July 13th 2008. Click image for larger version.
(1/200th sec at F10. Approx 2x life size.)
Male. Taken at Chimney Meadows, Oxon on June 22nd 2008. Click image for larger version.
(1/200th sec at F9. Approx 2x life size.)
Female. Taken near Montmorillon, France on June 29th 2010. Click image for larger version.
(1/160th sec at F/9. Approx 2x life size.)
Mating wheel. Taken at Farmoor, Oxon on July 13th 2008. Click image for larger version.
(1/250th sec at F10. Approx 1.5x life size.)

© David Hastings

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 quite greyish brown with age.
 
The prefered habitat of this species 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. It is fairly common in Britain and has expanded its range northwards.
 
Males characteristically perch horizontally on exposed surfaces. They fly swift and low, skimming the water surface, while defending their territories. Mating can occur in flight or on land. 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.

Sightings

14-Jul-2011	:	Thrupp Lake, Oxon (1)
19-Jul-2010	:	Whelford Pools, Glos
24 to 29-Jun-2010	:	The Brenne and Vienne, France
22-Jun-2010	:	Bullfield Lake, Oxon
05-Jul-2009	:	Otmoor, Oxon