The golden-ringed dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii) is a large, striking species of dragonfly found widely in Europe and locally in northwestern Africa, especially near flowing waters like streams. It is the longest British species of dragonfly,[1] and the only member of its genus to be found in the United Kingdom.[2]
In the United Kingdom, they are easily identified by their distinctive black and yellow stripes, which is not found in any other dragonfly in the country.[3] A very large species, males average and the longer females average . Wingspan is up to .[4] The female is the longest British dragonfly, in part due to the unusually long ovipositor,[1] and in other measurements it is exceeded by the emperor (Anax imperator).[5]
The female lays the eggs in shallow water. The hairy larvae live at the bottom of the water and are well camouflaged amongst the silt.[6] They emerge after about 2–5 years, and usually under the cover of darkness.
They are often seen flying leisurely over mountain streams or a river; they also occasionally show up at a pond. They are also typically seen flying over heath land. Their bright yellow and black stripes make them easy to identify, even from a fair distance away. They feed mainly on insects ranging from small prey such as midges to flies, butterflies and even bumblebees. This strikingly-coloured insect is incredibly aerobatic and they sometimes fly very high up into the sky.[7]