Thursday, July 14, 2016

Gold-ringed dragonfly


We found this magnificent male gold-ringed dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii beside the river Derwent near Blanchland in Northumberland last week.



































This was an unusually cooperative insect, allowing me to get very close. I suspect that it had only recently emerged from its nymphal stage. It flew briefly, then settled down again to sunbathe.



































The female gold-ringed dragonfly has the longest body of any British dragonfly species; males are a little shorter and have a slightly clubbed tail, but are nevertheless spectacular insects.
















10 comments:

  1. Cracking shots, Phil. I'd say you're correct, this isn't a mature individual. The eyes have yet to become fully green.

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    1. Didn't realise they changed colour, Graeme. I wonder if that affects their vision?

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  2. What a find. Congratulations on the photographs.

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    1. Haven't seen one of these for quite a while, Adrian...

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  3. This is one on my 'to see' list.
    Excellent shots Phil.

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    1. The upper reaches of the Northumberland Derwent are a really good breeding ground for it, Keith

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  4. I haven't seen one of these for decades, Phil. They are rather rare in this area. I reckon I shall be making a trip to try and find one soon! Thanks for prompting me with your delightful images!

    Best wishes - - - Richard

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  5. Replies
    1. have to say I was really thrilled that it let me get so close...

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