Wednesday 6 February 2013

Striking Gold

It is an exhilarating sight to see a male Golden-ringed Dragonfly defending its territory against all-comers, as well as observing a female Golden-ringed majestically cruising along a stream looking out for a spot to lay her eggs.
We are very fortunate on the Island to boast this species as it is an impressive and colourful dragonfly.This immature female was spotted in Walters Copse during July which is when most will be seen.The eyes are still grey but will turn bright green as an adult.
The Golden-ringed has an unique method of ovipositing.The female will hover vertically over a suitable area of stream and insert its abdomen several times into the stream-bed,pogo-stick fashion.When hatched the larva will live partially buried at the bottom of the watercourse feeding, for up to five years before emerging as an adult.



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