Shropshire Birder
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Shropshire
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Golden-ringed Dragonfly
A large unmistakable Dragonfly, on the wing during the Summer from June until the end of August. It requires quite specialised conditions, namely acidic running water so heathland streams are a typical habitat. The black abdomen has alternate broad and narrow yellow rings on both sexes. Males are recognisable from the 'waisted' appearance and swollen tip to the abdomen; females by the long pointed ovipositor which extends out beyond the tip of the abdomen. Cramer Gutter on Catherton Common is a typical and usually productive site where adults may be seen cruising up and down the narrow stream or resting on bracken or adjacent trees.
A male hanging on vegetation ....
Another male, the waisted appearance and swollen tip to the abdomen quite obvious....
A female in flight, has more parallel sided abdomen and the long ovipositor is just about visble ....
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