Golden-ringed Dragonfly - British Dragonfly Society

Description

A striking, black insect with yellow rings along the length of the abdomen.

The female is the UK’s longest dragonfly because of her long ovipositor.

Male: a slight club shape to the abdomen.

Female: more parallel sided and has a very long ovipositor.

Click on an image to enlarge it.

Species Group	Dragonflies
Scientific Name	Cordulegaster boltonii
Status & Distribution	Widely distributed in Scotland, Wales, and north and west England.
Habitat	Breeds in acidic rivers and streams of all sizes. May be found away from its breeding habitat over heathland.
Flight Period
Adult Identification	Length Male: 74mm Length Female : 84mm Distinctive yellow and black rings. Bright green eyes that only meet at the top of the head. Male: a slight club shape to the abdomen. Female: more parallel sided and has a very long ovipositor.
Larval Information	Similar long body shape to Hawker but more robust and with a broader head. Obvious setae (hairs). Jagged jaws to the mask.
Threats	Climate change; increasing temperatures and erratic rainfall threaten the species bog pool habitat. Ditch installation and drainage. Peat cutting. Forestation of the uplands.
Similar Species	Common Club-tail much smaller eyes are separate.