The Golden-ringed Dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii) is a large, striking dragonfly and the longest British species, the only one of its genus in Britain.
Golden-ringed Dragonfly - BugBotherer
Identification[]
They are easily identified by their distinctive black and yellow stripes, which no other dragonfly in Britain has.
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. 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 occasional 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
When the Golden-ringed Dragonfly is active
from a fair distance away. They feed mainly on insects ranging from small prey such as midges to flies, butterflies and even bumble bees. This strikingly-coloured insect is incredibly aerobatic and they sometimes fly very high up into the sky.
Golden-ringed Dragonfly - C.N.Images