Golden-ringed dragonfly explained

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]

Identification

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]

Larvae

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.

Behaviour

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]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cordulegaster boltonii. British Dragonfly Society. 18 August 2010.
  2. Web site: Golden-ringed dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii) . . February 7, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071113230122/http://www.arkive.org/species/ARK/invertebrates_terrestrial_and_freshwater/Cordulegaster_boltonii/ . 2007-11-13 . dead .
  3. Web site: UK Safari . 2008-02-07 .
  4. Web site: Golden-ringed dragonfly videos, photos and facts - Cordulegaster boltonii - ARKive . 2013-11-27 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131204005504/http://www.arkive.org/golden-ringed-dragonfly/cordulegaster-boltonii/ . 2013-12-04 . dead .
  5. Web site: Emperor . . 25 November 2023 .
  6. Web site: Wild Scotland . 2008-02-07 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081006105043/http://www.wild-scotland.co.uk/dragonflies.aspx . October 6, 2008 .
  7. Web site: Dragonflies at Plas Farm . 2008-02-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080213092242/http://www.welshholidaycottages.com/countryside/dragonfly-species.htm . 2008-02-13 . dead .