Male. Taken at Barnwell CP, Northants, on May 26th 2023. (© David Hastings)
(1/640 sec at f8. Click image for larger version)
Female. Taken at Cholsey, Oxon., on May 9th 2024. (© David Hastings)
(1/1000th sec at f13. Click image for larger version)

Description

Wingspan: 54 - 70 mm; body length: 45 - 48 mm

An unmistakable demoiselle. The male has translucent wings which each have a broad, dark iridescent blue-black spot (or band) across the outer part. On immature dragonflies the spot is dark brown. The female has translucent, pale green iridescent wings with a white patch near the tip, and a metallic green body.

It is common in southern England, Wales and Ireland. It is rare in northern England and absent from Scotland.

This species is characteristic of mature, slow-flowing streams and rivers with muddy sediment.

Females can lay up to 10 eggs per minute for 45 minutes. They lay in a wide variety of emergent or floating plants, sometimes even submerging to do so. The eggs hatch after 14 days. The larvae have very long legs and are stick-shaped. They usually take two years to develop into adults. The flight period is May to August.

Males are territorial. They court females by flicking their wings open and performing an aerial dance in front of them. Females stay away from water unless looking for a mate or egg-laying.

This species is common and widespread.

Earliest UK sighting: 29th April ; Latest UK sighting: 28th August

Sightings