Lower Moor Farm NR, Wiltshire, UK
Family : Corduliidae
Sub-Family : Corduliinae
Species : Cordulia aenea aenea
A medium-sized dragonfly with a total body length of 50-55mm and a wingspan of around 70mm. Widely distributed throughout much of Europe spreading eastwards through Russia to Korea and Japan. Flying time for this beautiful species is from May to early July. Although it likes sunny locations this dragonfly is often active in overcast weather, unlike many other species that 'go to ground' as soon as the sun disappears.
Preferred habitat is a freshwater pond situated within, or close to, deciduous woodland. Sparse emergent vegetation, scattered bankside trees, and a carpet of leaf litter on the pond floor offers the best conditions for breeding. Other habitats include gravel pits, slow-moving rivers, canals, and in southern Europe around alpine lakes. The larval period lasts from two to three years and the survival rate is extremely low. The number of larvae that develop into adults can be less than 1% according to some estimations.
All my insect pics are single, handheld shots of live insects.
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