Guia Libelulas Europa OCR

Bloomsbury Wildlife Guides
Field Guide to the
Dragonflies of Britain and Europe

Second edition
Klaas-Douwe B Dijkstra
Asmus Schrdter
Illustrated by Richard Lewington
Field Guide to the
Dragonflies
of Britain and Europe
including western Turkey and north-western Africa
SECOND EDITION
GENERAL EDITOR KLAAS-DOUWE B DIJKSTRA
EDITOR FOR SECOND EDITION ASMUS SCHROTER
ILLUSTRATED BY RICHARD LEWINGTON
BLOOMSBURY WILDLIFE
LONDON • OXFORD • NEW YORK • NEW DELHI • SYDNEY
BLOOMSBURY WILDLIFE
Bloomsbury Publishing Pic
50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP, UK
Contents
29 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, Ireland
Acknowledgements ..................... 4 Thoughts on field guides . 5
BLOOMSBURY, BLOOMSBURY WILDLIFE and the Diana logo are trademarks of Bloomsbury Publishing Pic Introduction 6
First edition published in the United Kingdom in 2006 Studying dragonflies ................. 6 Dragonfly names ...................... 14
This edition published in 2020 Dragonfly behaviour ................... 8 Dragonfly identification .... 15
Dragonfly occurrence ................. 9 Glossary ........................................17
Copyright © Klaas-Douwe B Dijkstra and Asmus Schroter, 2020 Map key ....................................... 12 Identification of suborders,
Illustrations © Richard Lewington, 2020 Habitat .......................................... 12 families and genera ................. 21
Maps © Klaas-Douwe B Dijkstra and Asmus Schroter, 2020 Flight season .............................. 14 Larvae and exuviae...................... 36
Recommended citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B., A. Schroter & R. Lewington. 2020. Field Guide to the Regional guide to dragonflies 38
Dragonflies of Britain and Europe. Second edition. Bloomsbury Publishing, London. Identification 68
Klaas-Douwe B Dijkstra and Asmus Schroter have asserted their right under the Copyright, Designs and Zygoptera Damselflies 69
Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as Authors of this work Lestidae .......................................... . 69 Coenagrionidae .... .............. 103
Lestes and Chalcolestes......... . 69 Ischnura ..................... ............. 103
For legal purposes the photographic credits on p. 331 constitute an extension of this copyright page Sympecma ................................ . 80 Enallagma................... ............. 117
Calopterygidae ......................... . 84 Coenagrion ............... ............. 120
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any Calopteryx ................................ . 84 Erythromma............... ............. 135
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or Euphaeidae ................................ . 93 Pyrrhosoma ............... ............. 139
retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publishers Epallage .................................... . 93 Ceriagrion................... .............142
Platycnemididae ....................... . 95 Nehalennia................. ............. 144
Bloomsbury Publishing Pic does not have any control over, or responsibility for, any third-party websites Platycnemis .............................. . 95 Pseudagrion............... ............. 145
referred to in this book. All internet addresses given in this book were correct at the time of going to
press. The author and publisher regret any inconvenience caused if addresses have changed or sites have Anisoptera True Dragonflies 147
ceased to exist, but can accept no responsibility for any such changes
Aeshnidae ..................................... 147 Somatochlora ........................... 238
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Aeshna ........................................ 147 Epitheca ...................................... 250
Anax ............................................. 170 Libellulidae....................................... 252
Library of Congress Cataloguing-in-Publication data has been applied for Brachytron .................................. 182 Libellula........................................ 252
Boyeria ........................................ 184 Orthetrum .................................. 259
ISBN: HB: 978-1-4729-4399-6; PB: 978-1-4729-4395-8; Caliaeschna ................................ 186 Leucorrhinia............................... 274
Gomphidae ................................... 188 Sympetrum.................................. 281
ePDF: 978-1-4729-4397-2; ePUB: 978-1-4729-4398-9
Gomphus and Stylurus............. 188 Crocothemis............................... 301
2468109753 Ophiogomphus ......................... 202 Trithemis...................................... 304
Onychogomphus....................... 204 Brachythemis..............................309
Designed by D & N Publishing, Baydon, Wiltshire Paragomphus............................. 216 Diplacodes.................................. 312
Printed and bound in India by Replika Press Pvt. Ltd. Lindenia ...................................... 218 Selysiothemis..............................313
Cordulegastridae ......................... 220 Acisoma ...................................... 314
MIX
Cordulegaster ........................... 220 Pachydiplax ................................315
Paper from Family affiliation uncertain . 232 Pantala ........................................ 316
responsible sources
FSC FSC® C016779 Oxygastra.................................... 232 Tramea ........................................ 318
Macromiidae .................................. 234 Rhyothemis ............................... 320
To find out more about our authors and books visit www.bloomsbury.com and sign up for our newsletters Macromia.................................... 234 Urothemis.................................... 321
Corduliidae ..................................... 236 Zygonyx .................................... 322
Front cover: Violet Dropwing Trithemis annulata Cordulia ...................................... 236
Back cover: Keyhole Glider Tramea basilaris and Copper Demoiselle Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis
Appendices 323
Photographic and mapping acknowledgements............................ . 331
Index 332
Acknowledgements thoughts on field guides
General Editor's and Artist's acknowledgements for the first edition
Too many colleagues to mention provided their knowledge and support. Steve Brooks and Graham Vick
were supportive when the book was in its embryonic stages. Henri Dumont, Reinhard Jodicke, Vincent
Kalkman, Andreas Martens, Ole Muller, Gert Jan van Pelt, Goran Sahlen, Frank Suhling and Hansruedi
Wildermuth contributed as species authors. Some of them also provided regional texts, as did Andras
Ambrus, Matjaz Bedjanic, Rafal Bernard, Tomo Bogdanovic, Jean-Pierre Boudot, Pawel Buczynski, Steve
Cham, Adolfo Cordero Rivera, Sonia Ferreira, Matti Hamalainen, Otakar Holusa, Gilles Jacquemin, Geert
De Knijf, Milen Marinov, Rudiger Mauersberger, Brian Nelson, Maurizio Pavesi, Rainer Raab, Boudjema
4 Samraoui and Florian Weihrauch. Many of the above helped with the distribution maps, especially
Adolfo, Jean-Pierre, Otakar, Pawel, Rafal, Rainer and Sonia, and the mapping team was strengthened
with Elena Dyatlova, Milos Jovic and Cosmin Manci. Others provided specimens and photographic
references for illustration, particularly Gilles, Graham and Reinhard, but also Graham Giles, Bob Kemp,
Gunther Peters and Wolfgang Schneider. Adrian Parr invested much time to discuss vernacular names. ▲ Erythromma najas pair mating.
Access to the facilities of the National Museum of Natural History Naturalis in Leiden, where K-D received
particular support from Jan van Tol, was crucial to the project. Finally, we must honour our publishers i i my lie,I held guide, to the birds of Europe, at the age of nine. We lived in Egypt, however, so
Andrew and Anne Branson for their initiative and commitment. We owe all of the above incredible n, irnlh birthday I began to write and draw my own book. Then, with no reference for them at
thanks, especially Vincent, who was K-D's indispensable touchstone and workhorse throughout the i I.tiled Io describe and name dragonflies at the age of 12. Later, I'd learn that my 'blood-red
project. 1 i- *i illy'. ii id 'grass dragonfly' were the male and female of just one species, now called the Broad
With such a large and expert team it was not always easy to agree on how this'next generation'field • HIH I K|hl years after naming one 'hairy dragonfly' as a boy, my friends and I found the first
guide, as we liked to call it, should take form. As one author put it after another discussion: 'Editing: h ii ml I mperor in the Netherlands. From that moment on, my passion for dragonflies was fully
the final frontier... To boldly rewrite what everybody has written before...'We hope to have 'boldly 1 bpd And so, when this book's first edition came out in 2006,1 felt I was fulfilling my destiny.
rewritten'something new, that will take many on exciting voyages of odonatological enterprise. 1 miiom years later, the field guide (now available in five languages) remains my proudest
K-D B Dijkstra and Richard Lewington 1 i’iik’iiI. Reaching about ten new users every day in its first ten years, it surfed on a surge of
i Ihe dragons themselves, meanwhile, advanced as summers warmed, or rebounded as
Acknowledgements for the second edition 1 i iis inovered, while others declined. Regional dragonfly societies flourished and published
In addition to the people listed above, we are obliged to the following people for support during various .ind by 2015 all of Europe's species had been mapped. Six more species were found in
stages of the revision process: Vasil Ananian, Jorg Arlt, Phil Benstead, Natia Berdzenishvili, Magnus Billqvist, 1 msi covered, of which two were new to science. Most other continents now have guides or
Angelika Borkenstein, Christophe Brochard, Andrea Corso, Cecilia Diaz Martinez, Andre Gunther, Fons mdl ic k ip, loo, allowin and online platforms to amass tens of thousands of records each year. In the
Peels, Jorge Perez, Oz Rittner, Malte Seehausen, David Sparrow, Warwick Tarboton, and Santiago Teruel hi i< I ye. ns, all of the approximately 6,300 known species will be assessed for the IUCN Red List of
(of PAROTETS S.O.C.V.). 1 ih’imd Species, and as such Odonata will be the first insect order to be completed worldwide,
K-D B Dijkstra and Asmus Schrdter c loatures represent fresh water - probably life's most precious resource - as vividly as do
1 p H lilies, which emerge from their watery habitats and enter our lives on land to drive the
The following authors contributed genus and species texts: n|i' Ik hi io. I'm often envious of the attention received by insects as pollinators, or by fish
H J Dumont (Calopteryx), R Jodicke (Sympecma, Ischnura, Enallagma), V J Kalkman (Epallage, Pyrrhosoma, in Iiw.iIch conservation, and while people often ask what dragonflies are good for, their
Ceriagrion, Anax, Onychogomphus, Paragomphus, Lindenia, Orthetrum, Brachythemis, Selysiothemis), m' .I value is actually not their use to us. We admire them first for their beauty, not for the
A Martens (Platycnemis), G J van Pelt (Cordu legaster), G Sahlen (Leucorrhinia), F Suhling and 0 Muller, < |i uh »<••. I hey may devour. And we protect them first for the sake of their health and that
(Gomphus and Stylurus, Ophiogomphus) and H Wildermuth (Cordulia, Somatochlora, Epitheca, Oxygastra, ihi H .ind thus our own - environment. Only such an unconditional attitude towards all of
Macromia). All others by K-D B Dijkstra and A Schroter. ...... may (ure us of our destructive demands.
'bl cnudes initiate that conviction with one potent idea: species have identities to honour, just
' i - ■ iple do. Each has a face, a name and a story. Every guide (whether a book, or its edified
' 'Il<'i'. <i route into life's overwhelming diversity, allowing us to get to know other life forms
<'me io love the realms they inhabit. Effectively, through identification, species 'become'
■nd lime, now not into being but into being seen. Thus, we gain awareness of an infinite
■ ■ ■ il parallel worlds, each occupied by another species and all of which are humanity's equal,
in-' therefore, field guides are ultimately about all destinies. Biodiversity lets us see Earth's
ol inequality at their true scale, as a force that affects everything. Does the power to
hi ii id all living space also give the right to take it? Our challenge is not to answer that
1 "on, bill to make it rhetorical. Perhaps one day a global field guide movement will emerge
Ihvi’ I he message home, one species - and one observer - at a time.
Klaas-Douwe 'K-D' B Dijkstra
Introduction r. probably minimal. Whether
one catches dragonflies is a
personal choice, and it is
always good to bear in mind
Studying dragonflies that some may prefer to see
Time and place dragonflies behaving freely,
Although adult dragonflies may be found almost anywhere, at any time, certain places and lather than close up in the
times can provide especially good opportunities to see them. To understand where and when hand. The conservation status
to look for them, some knowledge of their behaviour and ecology is necessary (see: Dragonfly of a species should also be
behaviour, Dragonfly occurrence). Adult dragonflies are most easily found near fresh water, considered (see: Status). The
under warm conditions. This generalisation, however, requires some qualification. Although salt protected status of certain
6
water is uninhabitable for dragonfly larvae, slightly brackish conditions are tolerated by a few species, and wildlife as a
species. Very cold and wild water, such as meltwater torrents, are avoided. Special habitats such whole, also differs between
as bogs, seepages and large rivers harbour specialised species, which may be rare or difficult to nations, as do laws and
find. The richest assemblages of species are found at sunny and sheltered ponds, on lake shores, altitudes concerning land
and on rivers and calm streams, especially where these have a variety of aquatic and waterside access and the capture or ▲ Dutch dragonfly watchers focus in on a Coenagrion armatum in the
vegetation. Many adult dragonflies may also be found away from water while foraging. Rough collecting of dragonflies. Weerribben, shortly after the species' rediscovery in the Netherlands.
meadows, woodland glades, forest edges, roadside verges and other places rich in insect prey
are particularly good. Shy species, for instance members of the family Gomphidae, may be found Research and collecting
more easily in such situations than at their breeding habitat. Inspired by their beauty, mystery or dynamism, some may wish to develop an initial admiration
The best time to look for dragonflies is at midday, in summer, with calm, sunny weather. of dragonflies into a more profound understanding of their distribution, behaviour, relationships
Different species, however, have different periods of adult activity (see: Flight season). In most or conservation. Yet surprisingly little is known about many aspects of these insects. There are
of Europe, a minimum of one visit during the period May-June and another in July-August huge gaps in the known distribution ranges, which are, moreover, changing (see: Range). In
will be necessary to see adults of all the present species. Rain and wind are not conducive to some regions, especially in south-eastern Europe, the taxonomic status of certain species is poorly
observing dragonflies, although unusual weather conditions can sometimes result in interesting known and demands critical examination of relevant characters. The status of most subspecies, in
discoveries: an influx of vagrants or invasions of southern species is often associated with particular, is unclear (see: Scientific names, Subspecies). Besides establishing the correct names of
favourable wind directions. The majority of species are most active in direct sunshine, with some dragonflies, such research may clarify how colonisations, extinctions and hybridisation have shaped
even leaving the breeding habitat when it clouds over. Nonetheless, there are many species, our present-day dragonfly fauna (see: Range). The increased application of molecular techniques
especially damselflies, that are also active in overcast weather, provided it is sufficiently warm. may be particularly useful in clarifying many of these issues. Aside from this more geographically
Although activity is greatest around midday, certain behaviour can merit an excursion at the oriented research, numerous challenges lie in ecological and behavioural studies. The life history of
start or close of the day. For example, many hawker species (Aeshnidae) hunt most actively from many species is poorly known, with simple questions, such as the length of larval development, still
shortly before sunset until dark, while two mate predominantly around sunrise. Emergence, unanswered. Such answers may, for instance, explain how the rapid colonisation of new habitat by
especially of anisopterans, is concentrated in the early hours of the morning. some species is physically possible, while others are vulnerable to change.
Most research requires some handling of dragonflies and, in many cases, the collection of
Watching and catching specimens. As with catching dragonflies (see: Watching and catching), it is important to know
A pair of close-focus binoculars is essential in order to examine details in the field. Many people the purpose of collecting. Some species, especially in the south-east of the region covered by this
prefer the compact binoculars that fit into a breast pocket, but the better optics of a good pair guide, can be identified reliably only under magnification. In such cases, a collected specimen is
of binoculars is well worth the investment. You should at least be able to focus up to just in front I he best way to documenta record, for instance of a range extension. In many areas, collecting is
of your feet. However, many details cannot be seen even with good optical equipment, making not essential as proof of a record (photographs generally suffice), but may be a tool to familiarise
a net indispensable (see: Dragonfly identification). Numerous species, especially in southern oneself with a species. In any case, it is important to document special records, as it is always
regions, can be identified reliably only at close quarters. The speed and agility of dragonflies possible to overlook details in the field that cannot be reproduced later.
demands a fairly large, light net - the type used for butterflies is generally suitable (net opening If you are considering creating a collection, it is a good idea to contact a national or regional
about 40-75cm wide, handle about 1-2m long). The net must be deep enough to fold closed, natural history museum, not only for advice, but also to ensure that material is preserved for
so the catch cannot escape. A net with a handle composed of loose segments or a telescopic rod posterity. Nowadays, most dragonflies are not pinned like butterflies, but kept in small plastic or
is useful as the length can be varied. Dragonflies are best held with the wings folded together paper envelopes. The most suitable preservation agent is acetone. Dragonflies that are soaked in
between the thumb and forefinger. Larger species (especially anisopterans) can be held at the a( etone (which also kills them) for a night up to a maximum of 24 hours are dehydrated and dry
thorax or legs, provided at least three legs (on one side) are grasped. quickly on exposure to air, limiting discoloration and decay. It should also be remembered that
Although most dragonflies are sturdy and not easily damaged, careless or prolonged handling most of our species can be identified by their larval skin (exuvia), and collecting these is a less
(especially with sweaty fingers) may lead to the loss of legs or damage to the wing membrane. invasive alternative to collecting adults; they merely need to be dried.
Tenerals are too soft to handle safely. Some people object to the capture of animals, including A contemporary argument for collecting is its application in the analysis of dragonfly
dragonflies, but most individuals fly off unharmed after capture if handled carefully. Numerous genes. Complex questions about the age, origin and relationships of species, subspecies and
studies in which dragonflies were caught, marked and released have shown that this procedure populations can be answered only with sufficiently large samples, spread across a representative
does not increase mortality. The impact on populations is negligible, and on the individual itself geographical range. It seems likely that geneticists will increasingly seek the help of dragonfly
Introduction Introduction
observers. Although DNA can be extracted from dry samples, its structure may deteriorate with
time. Preservation in concentrated alcohol (70% or more) is more reliable. In most cases, a single
leg provides enough material for molecular purposes. Extracting DNA from exuviae seems ideal,
as it does not require killing or damaging individuals, but it probably works only with very fresh,
correctly preserved samples.
Literature
Many nations covered by this guide have regional societies, journals, mapping schemes,
distribution atlases and/or handbooks. Altogether, hundreds of titles, in various languages, now
exist on dragonflies. This is only a selection of books of either a general or comprehensive nature:
Boudot, J-P & Kalkman, V J (editors) 2015 Atlas of the European dragonflies and damselflies.
KNNV Publishing, Zeist. 381 pp. Comprehensive reference to the taxonomy, ecology, conservation
and regional and global distribution of British and European species.
Boudot, J-P, Kalkman, V J, Azpilicueta Arnorin, M, Bogdanovic, T, Cordero Rivera, A,
Degabriele, G, Dommanget, J L, Ferreira, S, Garrigos, B, Jovic, M, Kotarac, M, Lopau, W,
Marinov, M, Mihokovic, N, Riservato, E, Samraoui, B & Schneider, W 2009 Atlas of the
Odonata of the Mediterranean and North Africa. Libellula Supplement 9: 1-256. Complement
to the European atlas, also treating the species from Turkey and North Africa covered by this
guide.
Brochard, C, Groenendijk, D, van der Ploeg, E & Termaat, T 2012 Fotogids Larvenhuidjes A i mpt'irum danae pair mating. Dragonflies have a unique way of copulating, for which the males
van Libellen. KNNV Publishing, Zeist. 320pp. Sublimely illustrated guide to north-western L i i '.pecialised secondary genitalia.
European exuviae.
Brochard, C, & van der Ploeg, E 2014 Fotogids Larven van Libellen. KNNV Publishing, Zeist. i ■ mil pupate. The final larval skin, the exuvia, can be found at the waterside as proof of a
272pp (both in Dutch). Sublimely illustrated guide to north-western European larvae. •inplrled life cycle at that site.
Cham, S 2012 Field guide to the larvae and exuviae of British dragonflies. British Dragonfly • I )r.ujonflies are obligate carnivores All species hunt, both as larvae and adults. Most prey
Society, Peterborough. 152pp. Excellent alternative to Brochard et al. (2012) and Brochard & van ir/i’i Icbrate, especially insects, but a large larva may, for instance, eat tadpoles or small fish.
der Ploeg (2014), for British species only. i I)i.ujonflies have a unique mode of reproduction, with indirect insemination and
Corbet, P S 1999 Dragonflies: behaviour and ecology of Odonata. Harley Books, Colchester. • h’l.iyed fertilisation Sperm is transferred by the male from the abdomen tip, where it is
829pp. Most comprehensive and detailed scientific account of all aspects of the group's life i hhhued, to the secondary genitalia at his abdomen base, from where it is passed on to the
history yet written. hi ilr Other animals either transfer sperm indirectly outside the body, or directly. Eggs are
Paulson, D 2019 Dragonflies and damselflies: A natural history. Ivy Press, Brighton. 224pp. 1 11 lin'd when they are laid, allowing males to remove sperm of rival males when they succeed
Richly illustrated popular introduction to the world's species. ....... puLiting with a mated female.
Suhling, F, Sahlen, G, Gorb, S, Kalkman, V J, Dijkstra, K-D B, & van Tol, J 2015 Order linn' facts have many consequences for dragonfly behaviour, explaining such characteristic
Odonata. In: Thorp, J & Rodgers D C (editors). Ecology and general biology. Thorp and ' ihi. as the fierce defence of waterside territories by males (good larval habitat, to which
Covich's freshwater invertebrates. 4th edition. Academic Press: 893-932. General but detailed ■ m iiii.il mates are lured when their eggs have matured), feeding swarms (e.g. where flying
introduction to the order's diversity, morphology and habits. mi emerge), the heart-shaped mating wheel (achieved when insemination from the secondary
Wildermuth, H, & Martens, A 2018 Die Libellen Europas. Quelle & Meyer, Wiebelsheim. i ini.ill.i lakes place) and the male hovering above the female as she oviposits (guarding her
957pp (in German). Most detailed ecological and photographic account of the species found in i mi-.1 rivals that may attempt to replace his sperm with their own).
Europe, from the Azores to the Urals.
I )r;i goiifly occurrence

Dragonfly behaviour in guide covers all species of Odonata that occur in the wild in Europe and Turkey west of
The limitations of space and the focus on identification mean that this guide does not include an ' i- i nw and the line Samsun-Iskenderun, in north-western Africa up to the northern fringe of
extensive section on the ecology and life cycle of Odonata. In the species texts, only diagnostic ..ili.iia, and on the islands of Cyprus, Madeira, the Canaries and the Azores. Species that
behaviour that may aid identification is provided, e.g. tandem oviposition in a genus where • .i< (identally been introduced to our area, such as those imported with tropical plants as
solitary oviposition is the rule. However, numerous informative introductions about dragonfly ■ i- . am not covered in the guide as none have been known to survive in the wild.
biology exist in print (see above), including the monumental scientific treatise by Corbet (1999), 1 liven I he large geographic area covered in this guide, there is no room to discuss each
as well as online. There are three elementary facts of dragonfly biology that explain most imii.il detail of occurrence in space (e.g. distribution and habitat), time (flight period) and
peculiarities of their behaviour: ' mlei.K lion of both these factors (decline, invasions). For example, Aeshna juncea inhabits
1. Dragonflies are amphibiotic Larvae live in water, adults on land and in the air. The larva • i lypes of standing water at higher altitudes and latitudes, but in the low-lying areas of
sheds its skin several times underwater, allowing it to grow. When it is fully grown, the larva • niial I urope it is largely confined to acidic water, such as bog lakes. The habitat and location
leaves the water, moults a final time, expands its wings and abdomen and, when these have IIhi'ik (» temperature and food availability, which in turn determine larval growth and adult
hardened sufficiently, flies off as an adult dragonfly. This is known as emergence; dragonflies ii« ujeiK e. Such scenarios are too complex for compact species texts, in which we. have tried
Species End. Red Eur. Med. HD Species End. Red Eur. Med. HD
l(> d<-.< nbe qpneral characteristics and mention only broad regional variation. This complexity is List List
exacerbated by the lack of information for many areas, and the degree of recent change that has
/ <"./(macrostigma VU NT Lindenia tetraphylla VU NT ll+IV
been observed. The many remaining 'white spots' and the dynamics of dragonfly distribution
make future research urgent and, while attempting to provide information that is as up to date / numidicus N DD DD Onychogomphus VU EN
as possible, we call on the users of the field guide to contribute to that research. EN IV assimilis
mpecma paedisca
O. boudoti N CR CR
( .ilopteryx exul N EN EN
Status
O. costae E+N NT EN NT
The abundance of a species in an area is susceptible to change in both the long and short term. i haemorrhoidalis E+N
Many species are known to have suffered as a result of the destruction and degradation of their O. flexuosus VU VU
( xanthostoma E
habitats. One-fifth of the species covered in this field guide are listed either on the IUCN Red List O. macrodon VU VU
1 '/< )lyc nemis acutipennis E
of Threatened Species or the European Habitats Directive, and a similar number occur only in
O. uncatus E+N
Europe and adjacent north-western Africa (see table opposite). Together, this means that, while /' talipes E
two-thirds of our species are safe in their huge ranges stretching into Asia and Africa, almost a Ophiogomphus cecilia ll+IV
/' •iubdilatata N
third deserve our direct conservation attention. Many additional species are included on national Stylurus flavipes NT IV
(eriagrion georgifreyi VU CR VU
or regional red lists.
Cordulegaster E NT
While some species are threatened with decline, numerous species have expanded or ( tenellum E+N
bidentata
consolidated their range in recent years. These are mostly southern species such as Erythromma (oenagrion E+N
viridulum, Anax imperator and Crocothemis erythraea, which have benefited from the warm C. boltonii E+N
(aerulescens
summers since the 1990s. Their increase is often not gradual, but invasive. With suitable weather, C. helladica E EN EN EN
( hylas VU ll+IV
many individuals of Aeshna affinis or Sympetrum fonscolombii may appear and breed in an area
C. heros E NT NT VU ll+IV
where previously they had been rare or unknown. Some more eastern species are also known to < intermedium E VU VU VU
be eruptive (such as Sympetrum flaveolum) or expansive (S. pedemontanum') in their occurrence. C. insignis EN NT
( mercuriale E+N NT NT NT ll+IV
While many species have suffered through habitat change, others such as Chalcolestes viridis C. picta VU VU
( . ornatum NT NT II
and Orthetrum cancellatum may benefit from ponds or gravel pits created by humans.
C. princeps N
(. syriacum NT NT
C. trinacriae E NT NT NT ll+IV
Range Ischnura fountaineae VU
The current distributions of dragonflies in our region were shaped by the impact of the ice Oxygastra curtisii E+N NT NT NT ll+IV
1. genei E
ages on their environment and the species' capacities to colonise changing landscapes. Many VU ll+IV
Macromia splendens E VU VU
dragonfly species were probably completely obliterated by the relatively severe glaciation in 1. graellsii E+N
Somatochlora borisi E VU VU VU
western Eurasia. As a consequence, our fauna is much poorer than that of other temperate 1. hastata VU
regions such as Japan and North America. The fauna in most areas is relatively young, as the Brachythemis VU VU
1. intermedia NT NT NT
most recent glaciation ended only about 10,000 years ago. The most characteristic patterns are: fuscopalliata
Nehalennia speciosa NT NT CR
Leucorrhinia albifrons EN IV
1. Southern species Although Europe was never entirely covered by ice, large areas were Pyrrhosoma elisabethae E CR CR CR
L. caudalis NT IV
inhospitable to many species, and continued so for long periods after glaciation. These species
Aeshna viridis NT IV
survived glaciation where warm conditions persisted, recolonising as the landscape recovered. L. pectoralis ll+IV
Such climatically favourable pockets probably lay near both ends of the Mediterranean Sea. Anax immaculifrons VU
Libellula pontica NT NT
Species with a distinctly south-western European range are thought to have survived at the Boyeria cretensis E EN EN EN
Orthetrum nitidinerve E+N VU
western end - Boyeria irene, Macromia splendens and Oxygastra curtisii are the most charismatic
B. irene E+N
examples. Epallage fatime and Caliaeschna microstigma just enter Europe in the Balkans, and Sympetrum VU VU
Gomphus graslinii E NT NT EN ll+IV
depressiusculum
must have survived somewhere at the eastern end; their closest relatives live in tropical Asia.
Other species now range so widely that it is hard to trace their origin. G. lucasii N VU VU S. (striolatum) N
G. pulchellus E nigrifemur
2. Northern species The species that were most tolerant of cold were able to expand their
G. simillimus E+N NT Zygonyx torridus VU NT
range when taiga and tundra dominated the European landscape, but became confined to high
altitudes and latitudes as the world warmed up. Examples of such 'boreo-alpine' species are
Aeshna caerulea and Somatochlora alpestris. International conservation status of species
Species are endemic (End.) to Europe (E), north-western Africa (N) or both (E+N). They are assessed for the
3. Eastern species These take a position between the southern and northern species, IUCN Red List (2019) as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT)
inhabiting an intermediate temperature range. They expanded from the east, and are or Data Deficient (DD), either globally (Red List) or within Europe (Eur.). The inclusion of species in the EU's
associated with temperate woodlands and bogs. Aeshna grandis and the Leucorrhinia species Habitats Directive (HD) on Appendix II (species must be included in a national network of protected habitats)
are examples of dragonflies that are common in north-eastern Europe and Siberia, but and/or IV (survival of national populations must be ensured) is also indicated, as is the Red List status in the
peter out further west, often being confined to highlands. The fragmented fringes of their Mediterranean Basin (Med.) for selected species.
ranges may be explained by a combination of only partial colonisation, as well as numerous
subsequent local extinctions.
Although not all distribution patterns fall clearly into one of the above scenarios (some species
may have survived in several areas), in general they explain most of what we see today. The
distribution of the three Erythromma species, for instance, suggests that they each developed
from a single ancestor that was isolated in three areas: in the south-west (E lindenii), south-east
(E viridulum') and east (E najas). Nowadays, these species overlap but cannot interbreed. A
similar scenario fits the genus Platycnemis. Populations that diverged genetically in isolation, but
are still able to interbreed to variable degrees where they meet, may explain the complexity of
Calopteryx splendens subspecies.
Maps
Asa result of the dynamic nature of dragonfly ranges (see: Status) and the recent increase in recording
intensity, we have attempted to be as up to date as possible in the species texts and distribution
maps. Maps show the general range of species and are intended to facilitate the identification
process. For any further details on distribution and precise regional occurrence of species we refer to
the Atlas of the European dragonflies and damselflies (see: Literature p. 8). Nonetheless, great gaps
in our knowledge remain. The most glaring blind spots are in Algeria (except the extreme north
east) and Russia, although large areas with low research intensity such as Fennoscandia, Spain,
Romania, Belarus and Ukraine also require more data. Regions that are important for species of ▲ Chalcolestes viridis female ovipositing into a willow twig. Recognising the requirements of both the
taxonomic or conservation concern, such as the southern Balkans, Turkey, Portugal and Poland, also larva and adult is important in understanding a species' habitat preferences.
need more work. Only the triangle formed between Ireland, Germany and Italy is really known well,
but even there continuous monitoring is required as species decline or increase. With this in mind, 1. Water motion: flowing vs standing The majority of species are either wholly confined
it will be clear that the distribution Io water with a current (streams, rivers) or to still waters (ponds, lakes). This strict dichotomy
maps in the guide are an estimate operates at a high taxonomic level. The families Platycnemididae and Gomphidae, for instance,
of species' ranges: data are still .ire almost entirely restricted to running water, while Coenagrionidae and Libellulidae are
insufficient for many areas, and strongly associated with still-water habitats. These differences may be determined by the higher
some regional recording schemes concentration of dissolved oxygen and the different bottom substrates (e.g. stones, sand) that
are only in a preliminary phase of are associated with moving water; some river species find suitable conditions provided by the
preparation. In those regions, the motion of the waves along lake shores.
presented ranges are sometimes 2. Water permanence: temporary vs permanent Many species are intolerant of the
founded on expert judgement. desiccation of their habitat, or the temperature fluctuations that are associated with water-level
Thus, valuable new discoveries are changes. Others, with drought-resistant eggs or larvae, may profit from the warm (and predator-
possible everywhere. free) conditions that prevail in shallow, ephemeral pools, stimulating rapid larval growth (e.g.
Chalcolestes, Lestes, Sympetrum).
Map key
Purple: main area of distribution;
dots indicate either isolated
populations or single records.
Blue: range of non-overlapping close
relative, e.g. Gomphus lucasii on G.
simillimus map.
Habitat
Considering the size of the region covered and the huge range of many species, it is difficult
to provide comprehensive descriptions of each species' habitat. Many species have very specific
requirements at the edge of their range but are more tolerant towards the centre. Central to ► A mass of Water-soldier
(Stratiotes aloides) in a ditch in
each species' requirements is, of course, the water in which the larvae breed, but its surroundings
East Anglia, UK, where it is the
are also important as a home to the adult dragonfly. A suitable pond may be devoid of larvae
main plant used for oviposition by
if forest for the adult's shelter is not available nearby. The primary determinants of dragonfly Aeshna isoceles. On the continent
habitats are, in approximate order of importance: this is the exclusive habitat of
A. viridis.
i Vc(j<‘i.aion Hit' presence and structure of submerged, floating, emergent or waterside plants • ieintific names
piovidos <i complex array of microhabitats for roosting, perching, oviposition and larval survival, ii u nigh the taxonomy of European Odonata is generally well resolved, some problems remain
lew relationships between plants and dragonflies are as simple as the preference of Aeshna mi I I here are often inconsistencies in the usage of scientific names. In recent literature and on the
viridis lor Water-soldier (Stratiotes aloides) swamps, or that of Nehalennia speciosa for swathes i <11 ii fl, for instance, the alternative genus names Anaciaeschna for Aeshna isoceles, Lestes for
ol line-leaved sedges (Carex). /m/< <fetes viridis and Gomphus for 5tylurus flavipes are still frequent, as are incorrect spellings
4. Water chemistry The trophic status and pH of waterbodies influence their bottom substrate, 1 I lx- .pecies names of A. isoceles, Cordulegaster bidentata and Sympetrum fonscolombii. This
vegetation and water clarity. Extreme conditions such as acidified or eutrophic lakes often support ih< .lies a lack of consensus, generally brought on by the uncritical practice of those proposing
large numbers of only a few species, while intermediate conditions may harbour more diverse .nd adopting name changes. Our choices for the affiliation of species to genera and whether
assemblages of specialised species. Such chemical balances are highly sensitive to environmental i lam subspecies are better treated as species are summarised in Appendix 1, while a checklist
change, making dragonflies of mesotrophic lakes among the most vulnerable in our area. i piovided in Appendix 3.
Of course, these four factors, and the diverse variables they encompass, are intricately
15
interrelated, as are the responses of dragonflies to them in their different life stages. Moreover, Vernacular names
complex factors such as parasitism, predation and competition between dragonfly species for i hiiiliar names are instrumental in promoting dragonflies, and must be as applicable, compatible
resources such as food further influence the suitability of a habitat for a species' survival. mil usable as possible. The discussion on English names for European species has seen
polarisation rather than consensus, producing a fragmentary and debated array. We saw the
ii .... I lo develop standardised international names for all species covered (see: Appendix 2).
Flight season .< >i nolimes these deviate from names used (or proposed) by the British Dragonfly Society, which
The life cycle of dragonflies, and thus the period in which the adults are on the wing, is have a more regional focus, and we provide those as alternatives. Alternative names for our
determined largely by larval development. The adult dragonfly can emerge only once its larval .p(‘( ies used in North America (NA) are also provided.
development is complete. Larval growth rate is governed by water temperature and availability
of food, which depend on habitat. As a result, flight periods differ regionally, but also annually.
In the species texts, a general impression of seasonality is given, but it will always be possible to I )ragonfly identification
find adult individuals before or after the dates indicated. Ii i this guide the illustrations form the basis for identifying species, and descriptions and diagnostic
In temperate regions, the warm season is generally too short to allow the emergence of more iahlos have been kept to a minimum, focusing on the diagnosis of a species and essential details
than one generation each year, but there is a notable dichotomy between species in which the < >1 habitat, status and range. However, when identifying dragonflies, readers should be aware of
larvae grow to their maximal size before winter or after it. Once the water warms up in spring, l heir variability, especially in size, colour and markings. This range of variation cannot be covered
species with mostly full-grown larvae can emerge in great numbers as soon as conditions are 11illy in the artworks, or even in the text, but, despite this, dragonfly identification is not difficult.
favourable. The period in which most adults appear is therefore short and early, on average. ()nce the observer knows the general differences between male and female or young and old
Such species are known as 'spring species'. Larvae that are still small at the end of winter (or have individuals, it becomes easy to correct for variation that at first seems confusingly complex (see:
yet to hatch from the egg) cannot emerge until their development is complete. The emergence Measurements, Field characters, Variation).
of these so-called 'summer species' is spread out across a longer and, on average, later part of A lavishly illustrated field guide invites a different usage than a traditional identification manual
the warm season. with dichotomous keys. We expect users to approach species identification mainly through the
Although most species have only a single abundance peak each year, some are most numerous ■ ii I work, comparing the insect in the field with similar illustrations before consulting the text,
in two distinct periods. There may be various reasons for this. Anax imperator can complete its tables to genera and species have been designed as reminders of the main characters and groups
life cycle in one year and behave like a summer species, or in two years like a spring species. ol similar species, or as simplified tools to select the best way forward where identification is
Sometimes both types inhabit the same water. Sympecma species are unusual because they complex (e.g. with many similar species). The tables (or any identification key, for that matter)
hibernate as adults; the adults die after breeding in spring, and the next generation emerges should not be seen as the rigid presentation of perfectly reliable characters. Such perfection is
in late summer and autumn, hibernating over winter. In arid regions (e.g. northern Africa), utopian, considering the variability and complexity of dragonfly characters. Because of this and
breeding habitats may dry up in summer. Adults are seen there only in spring when they emerge, because of the numerous ways in which characters are presented in the book, we advocate an
they aestivate elsewhere (e.g. in montane forests) and they then return in autumn when rains 'organic' approach to species identification. Feel free to browse through the information provided
replenish their habitat. Aestivation is the opposite of hibernation, although siccatation (inactivity .ind try different routes from seeing a dragonfly to naming it, e.g. via the artwork or by trying a
during the dry season) is a better term, as it is the unfavourable dry season between emergence diagnostic table first. The most diagnostic (and thus decisive) information is always presented in
and breeding that the adults must survive. Warm conditions may allow fast-growing species such the species texts, rather than in the tables or the annotation accompanying the artwork.
as Sympetrum fonscolombii to have several successive generations in one year. Influxes of this
migratory species into central Europe may be early enough in spring to allow the development of Anatomy and terminology
a local generation by the end of the summer. The perpetual succession of generations is possible A little knowledge of how a dragonfly's body works may help the observer to understand its
in some species in hot areas, such as at the fringes of the Sahara. topography. Built as aerial, visually inclined predators, dragonflies have large compound eyes
to track their prey, powerful but flexible wings to give chase and strong, forward-directed legs
to catch their prey. The male is equipped for the unique reproductive behaviour of Odonata
Dragonfly names (see: Dragonfly behaviour), with secondary genitalia on the underside of the abdomen base
Some readers will prefer the familiarity of vernacular names, while others favour the international and claspers at its tip to hold the female. The female abdomen tip is either equipped with an
solidity of scientific nomenclature. We therefore provide both types of names. One must bear in ovipositor to insert eggs into plant tissues (Zygoptera and Aeshnidae), or a vulvar scale through
mind, however, that any name is susceptible to interpretation and therefore to change. which eggs are deposited into the water (all other Anisoptera).
Dragonfly iry of terms, abbreviations and synonyms
anatomy hdoinen Posterior portion of body, comprising Ax See: antenodal cross-veins.

antehumeral
■ ■<liii(‘nts and terminating in appendages. Basal At or towards the base. Antonym: apical.
■ < nssory genitalia See: secondary genitalia. Bridge space An elongate triangular space on the
■ "nivation Change in adult activity in order basal side of the subnode. See text on identifying
discoidal Aeshna cyanea hi vive summer, e.g. moving to cooler areas, Libellulidae (p. 31).
field mature d iiiniiym: hibernation. See also: siccatation. Carina Keel- or ridge-like structure on thorax or
Yellowish or orangey colour typically seen abdomen. Plural: carinae.
11 I lie wing base of many anisopterans. Clypeus Middle portion of face, between
Amphibiotic Aquatic as a larva, but terrestrial in frons and labrum, consisting of a lower/anterior
IR3 vein Hu- .idult stage. (antedypeus) and an upper/posterior part 17
(with forking) Anal loop Distinct field of cells in the anisopteran (postdypeus).
radial
supplemental
' hi ii Iwing base; its shape is determined by a vein Coloration Pattern of colours and markings.
medial vein (Rspl) n il loops around the field, starting close to the Converge Coming together terminally. Antonym:
triangle supplemental
•< I'.lerior corner of the triangle and ending close to diverge.
vein (Mspl)
ili<* wing base. See text on identifying Corduliidae Costa Thick vein on leading edge of wing,
mil idatives (p. 30). running from base to tip.
Anal triangle Triangular field of two or more cells Coxa Segment of leg that connects it to the
ui’xl Io the membranule in the hindwing base of thorax ('hip'). Plural: coxae.
postocular
spots < m.iny Anisoptera. Cubital cross-veins Cross-veins in the wing
Andromorph Presence of colours typical of between the triangle and the wing base.
iii.ilure male in female. Synonym: androchrome, Abbreviation: Cux. See text on identifying
homeomorph, homeochrome. Antonym: Corduliidae (p. 30).
Lestes gynomorph. Cux See: cubital cross-veins.
barbarus )’ quadrilateral
mature d Anisopteran Pertaining to the suborder of true Denticles Minute black teeth covering parts of
diagonflies (Anisoptera). the body.
thorax Antedypeus See: clypeus. Denticulate Bearing denticles.
antehumeral
Antehumeral stripes Pale stripes on the thorax in Diapause A state of suspended development
stripe middorsal carina
upper appendage liont of the humeral suture. See text on identifying that may occur at one or more stages in the life
humeral suture
lower appendage
< oenagrionidae (p. 24). cycle and that typically constitutes an anticipatory
pronotum
Antenodal cross-veins Cross-veins that lie along response to conditions unfavourable for
prothorax I he anterior wing border between node and base. uninterrupted development.
occipital triangle
ocelli
Abbreviation: Ax, antenodals. See text on identifying Discoidal cell Conspicuous (group of) cells near
coxa interpleural suture
, (enclosing Cordulegaster Anisoptera (p. 26) and Libellulidae (p. 31). wing base, known as the quadrilateral in Zygoptera
< vertex) boltonii metapleural suture
Anterior Lying at the front, i.e. towards the head. and the triangle in Anisoptera (see those definitions).
jr— frons metastigma Antonym: posterior. Discoidal field Field of cells that extends distally
postdypeus -1 Anterior lamina Transverse structure of from the triangle towards the wing border. See text
I—clypeus
(compound) eye antedypeus J secondary genitalia that lies in front of hamules. on identifying Libellulidae (p. 31).
labrum
Apex Extreme tip. Antonym: base. Distal Away from the body. Antonym: proximal.
mandible upper appendage Apical At or towards the tip. Antonym: basal. Diverge Going apart terminally. Antonym:
Appendages Extremities at the end of the converge.
lower appendage
vertex Leucorrhinia dubia abdomen. In male dragonflies there are upper and Dorsal On or towards the upperside. Antonym:
mature d
lower appendages, which are used to clasp the ventral.
<3 abdomen tip
female on the head (Anisoptera) or the pronotum Dorsal carina Central ridge over length of
labrum $ abdomen tip (Zygoptera) during mating and when in tandem. abdomen upperside.
secondary genitalia
labium appendage
Synonym: Anal appendages. Dorsum Upperside, literally back. Antonym:
tibia (pl: tibiae) ' Appressed Pressed against the body. venter.
^7 femur (pl: femora)
Arculus Thick, bracket-like cross-vein that lies Eclipse Overlap of structures, so one is concealed
centrally in wing near base. Two longitudinal veins by another when seen from a certain direction.
anterior lamina
/X branch off the arculus. Emergence The moment when the dragonfly
hamule
Auricles Ear-like structures on sides of S2 in males larva leaves the water, sheds its skin and departs as
sheath (valvifer) valve
of some Anisoptera. a flying adult.
ovipositor
Exuvla Iho shed larval skin. Plural: exuviae. below the node. Abbreviation: Mspl. See text on 1 MiinoMtmce See: pruinosity. Subtriangle Roughly triangular field of one or
Femur I ong and relatively thick leg segment identifying Aeshnidae (p. 28). • •HhiM-.ity A waxy grey or bluish bloom that more cells that lies basal of the forewing triangle
above the 'knee' ('thigh'). Plural: femora. Median space Field in wing between base b >1 •. < iii v<irious parts of the body as the in some Anisoptera. See text on identifying
Foliation Leaf-like expansion on terminal and arculus, which is free of cross-veins in all p Hilly m.ilures; especially noticeable on some Corduliidae (p. 30) and Libellulidae (p. 31).
abdomen segment ('flaps'). Anisoptera except some Aeshnidae. ■ I, lilirlhilid'. Synonym: pruinescence. Sutures Fine grooves separating parts of the body,
Form Discrete alternative appearances of Membranule Roughly triangular opaque Hilnptorostigma Replaces pterostigma in e.g. on the thorax sides and in the face.
individuals within populations, especially in colour membrane (i.e. not transparent like the majority of H<vyx lemales; differs because it is not well Tail-light Conspicuous patch of colour near end
of females. the true wing membrane) on posterior side of the hI i’d ,md is crossed by veins. of abdomen.
Frons Dorsal part of face, i.e. the 'nose' or anisopteran wing base, largest in hindwing. fi I’f plerostigma. Tarsal claws Paired hooks at tips of legs.
'forehead'. Mesostigmal plate Dorsal region of the thorax • ........ .ilgma Conspicuously thickened and often Tarsus Group of small terminal leg segments
Fw Abbreviation for forewing. directly behind the pronotum; its structure is i nt • Mini area on leading edge of wings near wing ('foot'). Plural: tarsi.
Genera See: genus. distinctive for some zygopteran females. |in,,.('nl in most odonates. Abbreviation: Pt. Teneral A newly emerged ('fresh') adult dragonfly, 19
Genital lobes Ventral expansions of S2 that in Metapleural stripes Black stripes on the r- .<•<’ postnodal cross-veins. soft and shiny, without the full coloration of the
secondary genitalia lie behind the hamules. metapleural suture, which is the most ventral and ■ Hi.idHIateral Conspicuous four-sided cell mature adult.
Genus A category in which species are classified, posterior suture on the thorax sides. ■ 'i K"> of cells) near the base of all wings in Thorax Middle portion of body, bearing legs and
e.g. Lestes sponsa belongs to the genus Lestes. Metastigma Respiratory opening visible as a spot i"pli’ia. See texton identifying Zygoptera wings.
Plural: genera. on side of thorax, just in front of metapleural suture. (|» 22) Tibia Long and relatively thin leg segment below
Gynomorph Presence of typical dull colours in Mid-dorsal carina Keeled central suture on front ii idlal supplemental vein Longitudinal vein the 'knee' ('shin'). Plural: tibiae.
female. Synonym: heterochrome, heteromorph, of thorax, separating left and right sides. Hl mill < lear beginning and end points, that Triangle Conspicuous small triangular field of
gynochrome. Antonym: andromorph. Mspl See: medial supplemental vein. • < ■! ill ally in apical half of the anisopteran one or more cells near the base of all wings in
Hamules Grasping organs of secondary genitalia, Node Kink or break in leading edge of wing, ii h i Abbreviation: Rspl. See text on identifying Anisoptera. See text on identifying Anisoptera
most clear in Libellulidae where typically they roughly midway between base and pterostigma. • ■ .hiiidae (p. 28) and Libellulidae (p. 31). (p. 26), Corduliidae (p. 30) and Libellulidae (p. 31).
consist of a hook (anterior) and a lobe (posterior). Ocellus Light-sensitive organ appearing as a small ii pl See: radial supplemental vein. Upper appendages See: appendages. Synonym:
Humeral stripes Black stripes on the humeral single-lens eye; three of these lie between and/or I I in.I abdominal segment superior appendages, cerci.
suture of the thorax. See text on identifying in front of the compound eyes. Plural: ocelli. ‘.2 4 Second to fourth abdominal segment, etc. Venation The network of veins in the wings.
Coenagrionidae (p. 24). Occipital triangle Dorsal, triangular portion of -.<<( ondary genitalia Apparatus for storage and Venter Underside, literally belly. Antonym:
Hw Abbreviation for hindwing. occiput (back of head) lying between the eyes in iiansler of sperm, located beneath the male's dorsum.
Interpleural stripes Black stripes on the thorax Anisoptera (except Gomphidae). abdomen base (S2). The male transfers sperm Ventral On or towards the underside. Antonym:
below the humeral suture. See text on identifying Odonate A member of the insect order Odonata, la mi his primary genitalia (in abdomen tip) to his dorsal.
Coenagrionidae (p. 24). i.e. a dragonfly or damselfly. ondary genitalia, enabling him to clasp (see: Vertex Raised structure on the most dorsal part of
Iridescent Reflectively glistening. Oviposition Egg-laying. appendages) and inseminate the female at the head, enclosed by ocelli.
Jizz General appearance or first impression that Ovipositor Apparatus used to lay the eggs line lime. Synonym: accessory genitalia. Vulvar scale A lip-, spout- or funnel-like structure
one obtains of a species in the field. into plant tissue, located beneath the terminal Sl< catation Change in adult activity, e.g. reduced below S8 in females, along which the eggs leave
Labium Lip-like structure covering the mandibles abdominal segments in females of Zygoptera and j-xual activity, in order to survive periods of drought. the body, present in those species that do not
on the underside of the head, i.e. the 'underlip'. Aeshnidae (other females have a vulvar scale). Sub- Prefix indicating proximity to a certain state, oviposit into plant tissue.
Labrum Lower portion of face, a lip-like structure Postclypeus See: clypeus. <• i|. sub-basal is near but not exactly at the base. Vulvar spine Spine on the underside of S8 at the
shielding the mandibles from the front, i.e. the Posterior Lying behind, i.e. towards the rear. Subnode Oblique vein that runs down from the base of the ovipositor found in some damselflies.
'upperlip'. Antonym: anterior. node. See text on identifying Coenagrionidae (p. 24).
Lateral Along the sides. Antonym: medial. Postnodal cross-veins Cross-veins that lie along Subspecies Category in which discrete regional Zygopteran Pertaining to the suborder of
Lateral carina Ridge over length of each side of the anterior wing border between the node and v.uieties of a species are classified. damselflies (Zygoptera).
abdomen, separating upper- and underside. pterostigma. Abbreviation: Px, postnodals.
Lower appendage(s) See: appendages. Postocular spots Paired, contrastingly coloured
Synonym: inferior appendage(s), epiproct (in pale markings next to the eyes on the back of the Sexes
Anisoptera, which have one lower appendage), head in many damselflies. See text on identifying II is important to be able to determine the sex of a dragonfly, since males and females, even
paraprocts (in Zygoptera, which have two). Coenagrionidae (p. 24). of the same species, often look very different. Males can best be separated by the presence of
Maturation period The immature period before Pronotal hindlobe See: pronotum. '.(‘condary genitalia. In most cases, these protrude distinctly below the male's abdomen base
the adult dragonfly is sexually mature; also the time Pronotum A shield-like plate covering the top of (view abdomen from the side). Males also tend to be more colourful, with well-developed
when some dragonflies disperse to new breeding the prothorax; the shape of the rear edge hindlobe (lasping appendages at the abdomen tip; females are generally plumper and have saw- or
grounds. is diagnostic in many damselflies, especially spout-like organs below the abdomen tip, which are used to lay eggs. In any work on dragonfly
Medial Along the middle. Antonym: lateral. females. identification, a strong focus on males is inevitable: because they behave more conspicuously,
Medial supplemental vein Longitudinal vein Prothorax Small separate portion of thorax behind the majority of individuals encountered are likely to be male. Moreover, many characters, such as
without clear beginning or end points that the head, bearing the forelegs. pruinosity and bright colours (but also secondary genitalia), are male-specific. Other characters,
lies centrally in the anisopteran wing, roughly Proximal Towards the body. Antonym: distal. such as venation and markings, apply equally well to females.
male relatively EnaIlagma cyathigerum Characters of male and V million
colourful female dragonflies size, colour and markings can vary depending on sex, age and origin. In the
lexis, sexual dimorphism and size variation are generally covered under 'Field characters',
below S2 •ii oilier variation is treated under 'Variation'. Individual variation is substantial, making it
mature $ ible lo (over comprehensively in illustrations and descriptions. Most confusion originates
abdomen relatively thick in $
(blue n/e i elated variation. Generally bright colours (especially red) and pruinosity develop only
j<Iiill dragonfly matures. All libellulids, for instance, appear yellowish or brownish with
\ I 111.ii kings at emergence. In many odonates, even the black markings are restricted at
ovipositor
i'Ii'iko Similarly, wing colour, especially yellowish shades, is often age-dependent; some
below S9-10 ovipositor
below S9-10 h . lose the amber tones present at emergence, while others develop smoky wings with
vulvar spine ■ mil' variations occur frequently, and have therefore been named. These may be regional
Sympetrum sinaiticum present in some 21
damselflies ■ i monte (see: Subspecies) or are found together within populations (see: Forms).
mature <5 male relatively male appendages more
mbtpecies
/
abdomen relatively short
iir past, numerous subspecies have been named, often on the basis of unstable characters
and thick in $ i < ■ lent of black markings) and without geographic and genetic considerations (e.g. regional
• inhi in blackness may merely reflect climatic gradients). Moreover, many areas and species
r 11< ii >ily known, and variation may even be greater than is currently recognised. We believe
vulvar scale >i 111. my subspecies will not prove to be genetically distinct entities worthy of recognition once
below S8-9
iiii'iir. of geographic variation in characters, especially of DNA, are analysed. For this guide,
i .k h is on the inclusion of subspecies could not be taken consistently and have been left to the
i<-Iion of the authors. Generally, only diagnosable subspecies, which are reasonably discrete
\ ih<-ii characters and geography, are included. Since precise range limits are generally poorly
vulvar scale
i ■ >< •wn (if they exist), subspecies are not marked on the distribution maps.
below S8-9
Measurements
All given measurements are approximate and must be regarded as an indication of scale, not I orms
as a species' total range. The lengths provided are: total (Tot), from head to abdomen tip; Ink' males are rather uniform in their appearance within populations, females of many species
abdomen (Ab) only; and hindwing (Hw) length. Data often originate from varied (often limited hi appear more different from one another, most importantly in the presence or absence
or invalidated) sources. Furthermore, most species vary considerably in size. Because of this, and . d 'male-like' coloration. It is likely that some of these females, called andromorphs, have
because size difference between sexes is limited, we have not provided separate values for males ■ •hi.iined their unusual coloration only with great age. However, in Coenagrionidae, female
and females, except for the large Cordulegaster species, where differences are more substantial • nlour forms are genetically determined, independent of age. Clear examples are seen in the
(see: Variation). i >■(! damselfly genera Ceriagrion and Pyrrhosoma, where wholly red andromorph forms exist, as
• 'll as wholly black so-called gynomorphs and intermediate (part red, part black) forms. The
Field characters • Ir.linction between andromorphs and gynomorphs can thus be gradual and is not always clear.
As the title implies, this guide is intended for use in the field, since most characters are visible I hr. variation is taken a level further in the genus Ischnura, where there is both a genetic and a
with the naked eye or through binoculars. Some field characters may seem vague or subjective, i h'velopmental component: discrete, brightly coloured (violet, pink, orange) teneral forms obtain
such as the species' general hairiness or hue. Such characters describe the 'jizz' of a species - the hiownish 'female' or blue 'male' colours with maturity (see Glossary for synonyms in confusing
general appearance or first impression in the field. Jizz often determines whether an individual ii'iminology of andro- and gynomorphs).
requires closer inspection. With experience, the majority of species can be recognised in the
field, simply by sight. Nonetheless, all users, especially inexperienced ones, are recommended
to examine specimens in the hand (see: Watching and catching). The most reliable characters Identification of suborders, families and genera
are often small and demand detailed examination (see below). In the 'Field characters' sections I hr insect order Odonata is traditionally divided into three suborders: Zygoptera, Anisoptera and
of the species texts we have attempted to compare each species with the most similar ones, Anisozygoptera. Zygoptera are known as damselflies, but both the Anisoptera in a strict sense
frequently referring to other texts for more information. .ind the Odonata as a whole are referred to as dragonflies. This confusing usage is especially
prevalent in Europe; throughout the Americas, dragonflies are regarded more in their strict
Hand characters •mnse. For absolute clarity, members of the two suborders are often called 'zygopterans' and
Characters of general appearance (colour, markings) that are visible with the naked eye or with misopterans', respectively; combined, they are 'odonates'. Worldwide, the Zygoptera and
close-focus binoculars are treated as field characters (see above). Hand characters include more Anisoptera each number more than 3,000 species, while the Anisozygoptera includes only one
technical features, mainly sexual characters (male's appendages and secondary genitalia, female's lapanese, one Himalayan, and two somewhat disputed Chinese species. These are most like
pronotum and ovipositor) and wing venation. These often require slight magnification, in which ■ misopterans, but are named for their damsel-like wings.
case a 10x hand lens generally suffices. Many difficult characters of venation are required to Separating the two suborders found in our region is the first step to identification. Usually the
separate families and genera. These are explained in the Glossary and the section 'Identification posture is enough: anisopterans are robust and rest with outstretched wings, while zygopterans
of suborders, families and genera'. are slender and rest with the wings folded together. However, there are exceptions to the
Separating suborders of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) wings with
B stalked bases
Hw base shape Eyes Wings at rest Suborder
similar to Fw base Widely separated by head Usually held shut Zygoptera

Much wider than Envelop head and often touch each other Spread out Anisoptera
Fw base
23
• p.irating families of damselflies (Zygoptera)
length Ax in forewing Wings Family ►

l/mm 12 or more Often coloured. Gradually narrowed Calopterygidae A
towards base, with many cross-veins Euphaeidae
right up to point of attachment to
body
28mm 2 Always clear. With narrow stalk-like Lestidae Platycnemididae B

bases that are almost devoid of Coenagrionidae
cross-veins
rule: the Chalcolestes and Lestes species perch with half-open wings, as their vernacular name
'spreadwings' suggests. A multitude of characters distinguish the suborders, but wing shape and
the position and size of the eyes are easiest to recognise (see below). A: Large damselflies
This section provides the tools to separate the higher categories (suborders, families, genera)
Body Pterostigmas Ax in ►
of Odonata covered in the guide. Characters are compared in tables, and difficult ones (e.g.
forewing
of wing venation) are explained in the accompanying text, where they are in bold for quick
reference. Many groups are easily distinguished by one or more diagnostic characters. These Metallic green to blue Absent in 8, but $ with whitish 18 or more Calopterygidae:
are generally unique features that separate them from other groups in the same table, e.g. if 'pseudopterostigmas' (crossed by Calopteryx (p. 84)
'absent postocular spots' is diagnostic for one group, the other groups may be expected always veins)
to possess these spots, unless stated otherwise. Because there are frequently exceptions, even to Pale to dark, becoming Very long in both sexes, whitish 12-14 Euphaeidae:
diagnostic characters, words such as 'often' and 'usually' are used to indicate where exceptions grey pruinose to black Epallage (p. 93)
are possible. Genera can also be identified by reading the genus texts, or by first scanning the
artwork and then confirming a suspected identification with the tables.
B: Small damselflies
Identifying Zygoptera Diagnostic characters ►

All families have a combination of characters that facilitate swift recognition. Because I’l rectangular, longer than high, not diamond-shaped. Many cells in wings Lestidae
Coenagrionidae, which includes the majority of damselflies encountered in the field, is a large pentagonal, not the majority quadrangular. Two longitudinal veins branch off the
and diverse group, it is easiest to exclude the four other families by their diagnostic features vein connecting the arculus and subnode, about halfway down that vein. Body
first. Two families with relatively few species are instantly separated from the three other ones
often metallic green and/or with bluish pruinosity
by their large size and dense venation. The families can also be separated by the shape of the
I ibiae feather-like: partly pale and often expanded, not dark and entirely thin. Platycnemididae:
quadrilateral. This four-sided structure lies centrally near the wing base and is formed by a
I lead very wide (3x as wide as long) with pale band across vertex from eye to eye. Platycnemis
single cell in all families except Calopterygidae, where it is a narrow rectangular series of many
Quadrilateral is rectangular, not a skewed trapezium (p. 95)
cells. The anterior side of the quadrilateral in Coenagrionidae and Lestidae is so short that the
cell appears like a skewed trapezium, or even almost like a triangle in Lestidae. In Euphaeidae None of the above, but the following combination is distinctive. Pt typically a Coenagrionidae
and Platycnemididae, the anterior side is about as long as the posterior and therefore the diamond. Most cells in wings quadrangular. Quadrilateral is a skewed trapezium.
quadrilateral is more or less rectangular. Body rarely metallic green or pruinose. Head about 2x as wide as long, at most with
pale band in front of vertex (on frons) or behind it (or with postocular spots there).
Tibiae thin and often dark
very wide
H.Hing genera of small damselflies (Coenagrionidae)
Hinostic characters Genus ►

. ..... . spots absent. Eyes and often body red. Note: females especially may have Ceriagrion A
i< d, but always lack both postocular spots and a vulvar spine Erythromma
Pyrrhosoma
,i .is above. Note: all damselflies with two distinct postocular spots and without Coenagrion B
i. i >l< nir belong here, as does any female with a vulvar spine Enallagma
Erythromma
Ischnura
1 ■ .1 < X < () only. Mature 8 combines red face, postocular spots and pruinose body Pseudagrion
(p. 145)
Lestidae
quadrilateral i in.illy exclusive to bogs with slender sedges, very local from the Alps north and Nehalennia
a skewed
r.i 1 Iw usually less than 15mm. Body bright metallic green. Rear of head bears a (p. 144)
ilr bow-shaped marking, rather than two distinct postocular spots
pterostigma
diamond-shaped
a Red and red-eyed damselflies
•i.Kjnostic characters ►
Coenagrionidae
i and Pt reddish, not black. Frons with transverse ridge between antennae Ceriagrion
(p. 142)
body not largely red, but dark marked with blue. $ body with blue and green Erythromma
Iml never red tints (p. 135)
None of the above, but combination of red(dish) body (except in some 9) and Pyrrhosoma
U.K k legs distinctive (p. 139)
Separating genera of spreadwings (Lestidae)
Pterostigmas Body Wings at rest ► ■ Bluet and bluetail damselflies
Equidistant from wing tips in Metallic green to bronze and/or Usually Chalcolestes and Diagnostic characters Ante Inter 8 S2 2 vulvar ►
Fw and Hw bluish pruinose half-spread Lestes (p. 69) humeral pleural upper spine
Clearly closer to tips in Fw Buff marked with glossy brown stripes stripes side
Always closed Sympecma
(p. 80) 11 Hire upperside S8 in 6 black, not Wide Present Black Absent Erythromma
blue. 8 upper appendages longer (p. 135)
Identifying Coenagrionidae
than lowers and S10. 2 has a knob on
Aside from the numerous southern libellulid genera, separating coenagrionid genera may
both sides of the thorax, just behind
give novice enthusiasts most identification problems. Mature males of most species are easily
I he pronotum
allocated to two groups, based on the presence or absence of postocular spots and bright red
Combination of narrow antehumeral Narrow Present Blue Absent Coenagrion
coloration, particularly of the eyes. Immature males, as well as females, may be more confusing,
but the presence in Enallagma and Ischnura females of a vulvar spine on the underside of S8, at ■■tripes and presence of interpleural (p. 120)
the base of the ovipositor (visible with a hand lens), prevents much confusion. Orange Ischnura stripes is diagnostic in most cases
females, for instance, may be mistaken for red damsels, but have large postocular spots and a 7 combines torpedo-shaped black Wide Absent Blue Present Enallagma
distinct vulvar spine. Pseudagrion and Nehalennia each have only one species that fall outside markings on abdomen with a vulvar (p. 117)
these groups, but are highly localised in occurrence (see below). spine. Diagnostic combination of
The genera of bluets and bluetails (table B) are often mistaken for one another. The thorax thorax and S2 markings in 8
markings are informative in most cases. The antehumeral stripes are the pale 'shoulder' stripes
Pt of Fw in 8 and some 2 black and Variable Variable Black Present Ischnura (p. 103)
that lie anteriorly on the thorax. They can be narrow (i.e. narrower than the black humeral stripes
white, not uniformly coloured
below) or wide (equally wide or wider than the humeral stripes). The interpleural stripes are
short black stripes on the sutures below the humeral sutures. The appearance of these markings
is variable in Ischnura, in part because of the diverse female colour forms; here, the vulvar spine
may again aid identification.
acute corner of
lorewing triangle
Identifying Anisoptera points outwards
Willi <i lillle practice, separation of the anisopteran families becomes second nature. In
particular, the three families that are considered as more primitive (sharing certain features of Anisopteran families
wing venation) are easily distinguished by the eyes: either distinctly separated (Gomphidae),
just touching (Cordulegastridae) or broadly confluent (Aeshnidae). As a group, they are most
easily distinguished by the shape of the triangles, which is similar in the fore- and hindwings. In
the Corduliidae and Libellulidae, the acute corner of forewing triangle points in a different
direction, because the triangle is shifted a quarter-turn. Therefore, the long axis of the triangle
is parallel to the long axis of the wing in the hindwing, but perpendicular to it in the forewing.
Another feature of the 'primitive' families is seen in two of the many antenodal cross-veins, eyes just numerous thinner
two thick
touching unaligned antenodal
aligned
which are relatively thick and cross a longitudinal vein, i.e. their anterior and posterior sections
antenodal cross-veins
are aligned. The other antenodal cross-veins are thinner, and the numerous cross-veins on both cross-veins
sides of that vein are not aligned. In the Corduliidae and Libellulidae, all antenodal cross-veins
Aeshnidae
are of similar thickness and alignment. Males of all anisopterans, except Anax (Aeshnidae) and all
Libellulidae, possess an anal triangle, a conspicuous triangular field at the hindwing base next
to the membranule, which coincides with a pair of auricles, two ear-like structures on the sides
of S2, and often with an angled posterior border of the hindwing.
Behaviour is a good aid to diagnose anisopteran families, and is best observed in territorial
males or foraging individuals. 'Fliers' patrol their hunting or breeding territory constantly, and
seldom perch. They rest with a hanging posture, the abdomen raised slightly above vertical at separate
most. 'Perchers' make flights from a perch, holding the body well above vertical (unless they
are weak or teneral) and often even above horizontal. The genera Pantala, Tramea and Zygonyx
are the only fliers among the Libellulidae, while all Corduliidae are fliers. Although Corduliidae
and Libellulidae are easily separated by jizz (see artwork), structural differences are either subtle
or restricted to males. This includes the diagnostic presence of long and low pale keels on the
anterior side of the tibiae in corduliid males (not necessarily on all leg pairs).
Separating families of true dragonflies (Anisoptera) Cordulegastridae
anal triangle
Diagnostic characters 3 Anal Acute Behaviour ►
triangle corner of
and forewing Gomphidae
auricles triangle
points
Eyes separated by ridge, not touching Present Outward Percher Gomphidae

(p. 29)
Abdomen often dark with blue spots that Present or Outwards Flier Aeshnidae (p. 28)
are coloured by internal pigments, not absent
pruinosity (i.e. brighter and cannot be
scraped off). $ with complete ovipositor
Eyes only just touching, not widely Present Outwards Flier Cordulegastridae:
confluent. $ with long spike-like vulvar Cordulegaster
scale, extending well beyond abdomen tip (p. 220)
Hind margin of eyes shortly but abruptly Present Backwards Flier Corduliidae
arched at about mid-height. Body often (p. 30)
metallic green
Abdomen often bluish pruinose or red Absent Backwards Percher Libellulidae

(p. 31)
Introduction
Introduction
Identifying Aeshnidae • i ding genera of hawkers (Aeshnidae)
Separating the genera in this family is straightforward with some knowledge of wing venation. Cross-veins IR3 fork Rows of ►
..... -.lit characters
The absence of several (usually two to four) cross-veins in the median space of the wing cells above
in median
bases is very apparent because it is in marked contrast to the other spaces at the wing base, Rspl and
space of
which always have cross-veins. The IR3 fork, when present, can be found centrally in the apical Mspl
wing base
half of the wings, as a prominent forking in a longitudinal vein between the radial supplemental
• I Hip following Absent Present 3-5 Aeshna
vein and pterostigma. There may be one or more (1-5) rows of cells before the radial and
(p. 147)
medial supplemental veins (the rows lie between these veins and the longitudinal vein
anterior to them). Whether the end of the radial supplemental vein is directed towards a part of i i- (illon uniform, not banded. <3 Hw base Absent Absent 4-5 Anax
the wing anterior of the tip (Anax) or posterior of it (other genera) is also informative. Although ml not angled, anal triangle and auricles on S2 (p. 170)
all aeshnid females lack auricles on S2 and angled hindwing bases, and most have abdomens hi 1 nd of Rspl points between Pt and wing tip 29
that are not waisted near their base, the presence of the first character in males is diagnostic for 2 Boyeria
H i. ollen darkened at tip Present Absent
Anax and that of the latter for Brachytron. (p. 184)
il M l< linen cylindrical near base, not waisted. Absent Present 1 (2) Brachytron
Aeshnidae wings Images to scale. Examples of features listed in tables are shown.
i lw base rounded, but anal triangle and auricles (p. 182)
IR3 forked
i ni. Pt very long
mly slightly longer than broad Present Present 1 Caliaeschna

(p. 186)
Rspl i- utifying Gomphidae

rows points towards hough the genera in this family are superficially alike, males can instantly be assigned to the
before the Rspl wing tip
and Mspl •i i < ■< I genus by the shape of their appendages. Females may pose more problems. The genera
•mphus and Stylurus can be recognised by the narrow, pale central line running down the
pi inside of the abdomen, but due to variation some familiarity with this feature is required,
anal loop is a distinct field of one or a few cells, which lies between the triangle and anal
i.ingle in the hindwing. If present, it interrupts a straight perpendicular vein that runs from the
mg's hind margin to the most posterior thick longitudinal vein in the wing base.
anal triangle and angled Aeshna anal triangle absent and base of Anax
hindwing base present in d hindwing rounded also in <3 • ‘parating genera of clubtails (Gomphidae)
cross-veins in
IR3 not forked
i »i.ignostic characters d upper appendages Anal ►
IR. forked
and branches of lower loop
ouble row
lolal length more than 65mm. Uppers much longer M Present Lindenia (p. 218)
of cells
the Rspl Ii i<ingles in wings of more than than lower and parallel, /fjj
pterostigma very and Mspl
< me cell. Broad foliations on like fingers wl
'.7-8
no waist
in <3
Broad foliations on S8-9 Uppers much longer than J|L Absent Paragomphus
wing often
darkened at tips lower and parallel, with tips (p.216)
anal triangle curved down like hooks W
present in <3, Brachytron
but base of Boyeria
hindwing rounded i Jpperside of abdomen marked All similarly long and Absent Gomphus and
with pale line that is much diverging S Stylurus (p. 188)
narrower than abdomen is broad
7 occiput with thorny horns All similarly long and Present Ophiogomphus
parallel (p. 202)
All similarly long and arched S Present Onychogomphus

None of the above
towards each other, with (p. 204)
tips meeting, like a grasper
Identifying Corduliidae, Macromiidae and Oxygastra
• <mi(j genera of emeralds (Corduliidae), cruisers (Macromiidae)
Hu11.iii nly ( orduliidae traditionally included genera that are related to Libellulidae, but possess a
•mje-spotted Emerald (Oxygastra curtisii)
number of characters (often seen as primitive) that have been lost in that family. Not all genera
are closely related, and Macromia and Oxygastra are considered to belong in other families. •-.tic characters Face Fw triangle Cux Anal 3 lower ►
Separating genera is quite easy, especially in males, but three features of venation require and in loop appendage
explanation. The forewing triangle and subtriangle (the latter is the triangular field that lies subtriangle Hw shape central cleft
basal of the triangle) can lack a cross-vein, thus being of one cell (1), or be split up into more ip will) large, dark Largely 3(2) 2 Boot Absent Epitheca
cells (2-3) by one or more cross-veins. The number of cubital cross-veins in the hindwing is p .pul Body mainly yellow (p. 250)
counted between the triangle and the wing base. The anal loop shape is determined by a vein uol metallic and/
that loops around a distinct field of cells in the hindwing base, starting close to the posterior pI Abdomen tapers
corner of the triangle and ending close to the wing base. The enclosed area may be boot-shaped h i illy Irom broad base to
(elongate with a distinct heel and toe, as in all Libellulidae), sack-shaped (elongate without a II il H iw lip
'foot') or not elongate but rather square.
ini’ll usually thickest at Marked 2-3 2(1) Boot Absent Somatochlora
i.ilher than more basally yellow (p.238)
Corduliidae wings Images to scale. Examples of features listed in tables are shown.
h uiiinally
3 cells in
•wri appendage with All dark 2-3 1 Boot Present Cordulia
subtriangle and
, 2 in triangle i ...... . teeth not only at tip, (p. 236)
hi il’.o just before it
. 10 with high pale crest on All dark 1 2 Sack Present Oxygastra

Cordulia • ippnr.ide (p. 232)
i >l.il length 70mm or more. Largely 1 3 or Square Absent Macromia

1 b Ax in forewing, not yellow more (p. 234)
/ 10
i h ntifying Libellulidae
p.n.iling genera in this family relies mostly on wing venation, and may be difficult. Only
genera in bold in the table on the next page are widespread, and their identification is
3 (sometimes 2) .iightforward if two features are combined. (1) The possible blackish spot at the hindwing
1 cell in
cells in subtriangle I • ise is very dark brown and should not be confused with amber at the hindwing base,
subtriangle and
and triangle
yjtriangle i n< h may form a marked yellow to brown-orange patch covering a considerable part of the
ng (e.g. coming near triangle). (2) The number of antenodal cross-veins in the forewing
munted along the anterior wing border between the base and node. The last (i.e. most
distal) antenodal cross-vein in the forewing is closest to the node and can be complete like
Epitheca
ill other antenodal cross-veins, crossing a longitudinal vein, or incomplete, with only the anterior
11.ill present (indicated as 1Z>).
I he numerous additional genera are found only in southern regions, or as vagrants, and
mostly have just one or two species in our area. For convenience, they are split into four groups
m the same criteria, and compared further in separate tables, where in most cases they are
.< parated by a combination of venation features. The forewing discoidal field extends distally
liom the triangle and has a distinctive number of rows of cells at its base (1-4), and may narrow
numerous Ax < H widen towards the wing border. The forewing triangle can lack a cross-vein, thus being of
(15 here)- (>ne cell (1), or be split up into more cells (2-3) by one or two cross-veins. Basal of the forewing
mangle lies the subtriangle, a roughly triangular field that may consist of one or more cells
(I 6). There may be a single (1) or double (2) row of cells before the radial supplemental
vein (Rspl) - the rows lie between this vein and the longitudinal vein anterior to it. Finally, the
genus Libellula is characterised by having additional (two or more, rather than one) cross-veins
Macromia
in the bridge space, an elongate triangular space on the basal side of the oblique vein that
runs down from the node.
Always remember that venation characters are not written in stone, but in a flexible network
of veins that may be altered in development. Exceptions to the stated characters can occur, as is
shown by some variation in the tables, but also by the artwork in this book, which is based on real
3 Cux anaHoop'rather square individuals and not on the taxonomist's ideal of a species. Some examples are shown on p. 34.
Introduction
Introduction
Separating genera of Libellulidae mimers without blackish hindwing spot and with eight or fewer antenodal
< veins in forewing
Blackish spot at Hw base
Absent Present .... •-.lie characters Last Ax Fw Fw Subtriangle ►

in Fw discoidal triangle
81/2-20 Ax in Fw, often two ► A ► B
field
rows of cells above Rspl Crocothemis Libellula
Orthetrum .ni horn North America. 1 3 2 3 Pachydiplax
Tramea
Pantala lull1, contrasting with (p.315)
Trithemis
Trithemis m. Hallie base of frons. Hw
Zygonyx yellow, crossed by two
.1 nk h.ns
6-8 Ax in Fw,* usually one ► C ► D 33
row of cells above Rspl Sympetrum b hlien often red 1/2 3(2-4) 2 3 Sympetrum
Leucorrhinia
Acisoma* (p. 281)
Brachythemis
Brachythemis Diplacodes* ne o| oilier stated y2 2 1 1-2 Diplacodes
Diplacodes* Pachydiplax ■ 1. U.K tors (p. 312)
Pachydiplax Rhyothemis
iih transverse ridge like 1/2 3 1 1 Brachythemis
Selysiothemis Urothemis
H mi S3. All wings may be (p. 309)
* Acisoma and Diplacodes occasionally have 8’/2 Ax.
• i i r.ively marked with brown
iy liom their base. There may
A: Skimmers without blackish hindwing spot and
i" iwo rows of cells above Rspl
with 81/2 or more antenodal cross-veins in forewing
Alrica only. Abdomen 1/2 2 1 1 Acisoma
Diagnostic characters Amber at Fw Rows of ► I, .nip-shaped, black with (p.314)
Hw base discoidal cells before I'liiiented whitish spots
field Rspl
H.ilion very pale, almost 1 2 1 1 Selysiothemis
No black on legs Marked Widens 1 Crocothemis (P-313)
H ivr.ible
(p. 301)
Last Ax in Fw is complete. <3 abdomen often Absent or Widens 1-2 Orthetrum Skimmers with blackish hindwing spot and eight or fewer antenodal
becomes grey-blue pruinose faint (p. 259)
mss-veins in forewing
Hw length 45mm or more. Patrols without Absent Narrows 1-2 Zygonyx
•agnostic characters Last Ax Fw Fw Subtriangle ►
perching and does not rest in horizontal (p. 322)
in Fw discoidal triangle
position. Abdomen dark with 6-7 pale rings
field
Pt in Hw much smaller than in Fw. R3 very Faint Narrows 2 Pantala
i IW Africa only. Dark area 1/2 3-4 2-3 4-6 Rhyothemis
wavy. Two Cux in hindwing, not one. S4-5 (p. 316)
■ overing basal third of Hw. (p. 320)
with transverse ridges like that on S3
I'ody entirely bronzy
None of the above Marked Narrows 2(1) Trithemis
i Hire face white 1 3 2 3 Leucorrhinia
(P-304)
(p. 274)
Vagrant from North America, 1 3 2 3 Pachydiplax

B: Skimmers with blackish hindwing spot and
i ace white, contrasting with (p. 315)
81/2 or more antenodal cross-veins in forewing
i lark metallic base of frons.
Diagnostic characters Number of Ax in Fw Fw discoidal field ► 1 Iw base yellow, crossed by
Two or more cross-veins in bridge 12-20 Widens Libellula (p. 252) iwo dark bars
space of both wings NW Africa only, d abdomen 1 2 1 3 Urothemis
becomes dark blue, not pale (p. 321)
Hw base marked with dark 101/2-12’/2 Narrows Tramea (p. 318)
'keyhole'. Pt in Hw much smaller blue, pruinose
than in Fw. Two rows of cells None of other stated 1/2 2 1 1-2 Diplacodes
subtending Mspl in Fw (haracters (p-312)
Total length less than 40mm. Face 91/2-12’/2 Narrows Trithemis (p. 304) S4 with transverse ridge like 1/2(1) 3 1 1 (3) Brachythemis
dorsally often with metallic lustre that on S3 (p. 309)
I Ibillulldiie wings forewing forewing
'.tibtriangle of triangle of
i -.uni>!<■'. ol Ic.iliiK11. listed in tables are shown on only a selection of genera. Not to scale.
I<i*.l Ax iik oinplele, only
complete distal
Ax and 3-celled
subtriangle of
this individual are
wavy
35
Pachydiplax Pantala
Acisoma Brachythemis fuscopalliata
forewing triangle and
Rspl subtend
single row of c
discoidal field forewing discoidal

of 3 rows at base field widens
Rhyothemis Selysiothemis
Brachythemis impartita Crocothemis
forewing discoidal field

of 2 rows at base
Sympetrum Trithemis
Diplacodes Leucorrhinia
Rspl subtends double

row of cells
several (4 here) bridge

cross-veins single bridge cross-vein
Libellula Orthetrum Urothemis Zygonyx

Introduction
Introduction
I .arvae and exuviae h . .1 true dragonflies lack lamellae, having gills in the gut instead. They let water in through the
i> .| >11.ilion, which can then be expelled with great force, propelling the larva forward.
When we study dragonflies, most attention is given to the adult insects, as in this field guide.
I lowever, to truly understand a species' ecology or follow its population trends, the larvae and
exuviae (the larval skins left after the adult emerges) are much more informative. Indeed, most
European species spend more time below the water surface than above it. The larvae, moreover,
are ferocious predators like the adults, with diverse appearances and behaviour.
All dragonfly and damselfly larvae have mouthparts modified to grasp passing prey with incredible speed,
much like the chameleon's tongue or mantis's front legs. This labial mask is unique to the insect order Odonata,
although the shape varies greatly between species and is therefore a useful character to separate them.
Uta 37
* hn.i i lenata. ▲ Leucorrhinia caudalis
▲ Aeshna mixta. ▲ Macromia splendens.
All damselfly larvae have three lamellae at the end of their abdomen that function as external gills. These
are often leaf-like but differ widely in size and shape, allowing for species identification.
a >>i du legaster helladica.
let I lie fully grown larva has crawled out onto a

I, branch or other bankside structure, the larval
▲ Onychogomphus uncatus.
n i bursts open and the adult emerges, as here in
i i )nychogomphus uncatus.
Iioshly emerged adult (described as 'teneral'), like this Epitheca bimaculata male, will rest for some
imip lo harden out before flying off, leaving the larval skin (known as an 'exuvia') behind. Multiple
< i iviae are often found piled on top of each other at suitable emergence sites, as with Trithemis
miilata here.
▲ EnaIlagma cyathigerum. ▲ Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis. ◄ Epitheca bimaculata, male.
The larva of Epallage fatime is unique in Europe ▼ Trithemis annulata.

for its swollen lamellae and the filamentous gills
below the abdomen segments, recalling a mayfly
larva.
▲ Chalcolestes viridis.
► Epallage fatime.
Regional guide to dragonflies n .ind Aeshna juncea
I'h 'I in Ihis list.
mu.i id lh(> rivers
lli.il <»l the lakes,
This book aims to make it easier to identify dragonflies in the field, and also to tail i t'lt'iyx virgo, C.
enable people to encounter the dragonflies themselves by suggesting some good I'l.ilyi nemis pennipes
iiii'llnirs Gomphus
places to visit. The regional section is not intended as a detailed site guide, nor as a
aiiu\ .ire characteristic
comprehensive discussion of biogeography. Instead, it sketches the local flavour of rich iIh hi '.< andinavian
but sometimes elusive faunas and the character of the landscapes where they occur. in liiinsled areas,
The highlighted sites are only a fraction of the best habitats. Many are unknown and •i/i unphus forcipatus and
/ i .h'i boltonii appear,
will yield new discoveries, and the most interesting sites may well be those that are not
' viigo on its own.
mentioned. Moldova, for instance, is not treated, simply because very little information rnjhl species are
is available. Currently, some 35 species are known from this country, with up to 20 ii, I' nown from Norway, Bog in the tundra of Abisko National Park, Sweden.
more likely to be discovered. At least 84 species are known from the European part ml lenmark and 64 from
J. ii,wilh southern species like Erythromma all five Leucorrhinia (albifrons, caudalis, dubia,
of the Russian Federation, but aside from Kaliningrad, an exclave on the Baltic
’in, Anax imperator, Crocothemis erythraea pectoralis, rubicunda) may occur in the same lake.
Sea between Poland and Lithuania where 60 species occur, this vast area is poorly inpt'lrum fonscolombii expanding and more A beautiful but hard-to-find locality is
explored. In the south-east, for example, IihI lo be found. MSrdsjon, near Norrtalje, in Uppland (Sweden).
Hu1 lundra, at or above the mountain birch A visit there can yield up to 17 species. In many
Mediterranean species such as Epallage
i l<'vol, (ew species are able to breed. Aeshna lakes in this area, Water-soldier (Stratiotes aloides)
fatime and Cordulegaster picta occur,
. i, Somatochlora alpestris and Leucorrhinia growth enables Aeshna viridis to breed, and
and the only European populations of uida may be found in good numbers. The floating Sphagnum facilitates large populations
the Asian species Sympecma gobica, ■ ■ .< imatochlora sahlbergi can be observed of Aeshna subarctica. Coenagrion johanssoni
Coenagrion glaciate, Coenagrion i i mire lakes around lake Davvajavri often occurs with the latter species. Takern and
lir. ist of Kiruna (Sweden) and along the Hornborgasjon, shallow, reed-filled 'bird lakes'
ecornutum, Somatochlora graeseri and
i.il toad west of Bugoynes on the southern in southern Sweden, are interesting habitats to
Sympetrum tibiale (not included in the i < ■ ol the Varanger Fjord (Norway). visit. Here, one can find large populations of
book) are also found. 'ii I mi the boreal forest, boggy areas normally species such as Coenagrion armatum, Aeshna
i j H >i I only four species: Aeshna caerulea, serrata and Somatochlora flavomaculata, as well
i mu ea, Leucorrhinia dubia and L. rubicunda. as vast numbers of Sympetrum species late in
Denmark, Norway and Sweden • ililies with some sedges growing among the season. Forty species have been observed
Scandinavia contains a wide variety of habitats, sphagnum and with only relatively small in the Takern area alone, including Epitheca
from icy mountains and tundra in the Scandes, n water surfaces contain more species, bimaculata. A well-known locality for this rare
through vast moraine landscapes and down to iJi as Coenagrion hastulatum, C. johanssoni, species is Dagstorpsjon, north of Hdor, in Scania
Key and order of entries fertile clay and sandy areas in the south. Most ill.igma cyathigerum, Aeshna grandis, Libellula (Sweden). In this mesotrophic brown-water
1 Denmark 17 France 32 North of the region is covered with boreal coniferous I aliimaculata and sometimes Cordulia aenea. lake, the population may number thousands
2 Norway 18 Switzerland Macedonia forest, where peatbogs constitute up to 30% of < i< >0(1 starting point for those intending to of individuals in a good year. The best way to
3 Sweden 19 Austria 33 Romania the area. Here, water is present everywhere, in bog l dore these northern habitats is Abisko, west observe them is by boat or canoe.
4 Finland 20 Czech Republic 34 Bulgaria pools, lakes and rivers. The southern part of the i imna (Sweden), where there are hiking paths A particularly interesting habitat is the coastal
5 Ireland 21 Slovakia 35 Albania region is drier, as many lakes and wetlands in the ii ling into the Sarek National Park brackish waters of the Baltic Sea, perhaps best
6 Great Britain 22 Hungary 36 Greece agricultural regions have been drained. I he western coast of Norway between explored in northern Uppland, near the small
7 Netherlands 23 Portugal 37 Turkey Many of the remaining lakes in the south are i rondheim and Bergen has a relatively mild village of Halinas. The land has risen by about
8 Belgium 24 Spain 38 Cyprus home to strong populations of a wide variety J l.intic climate and some interesting small a centimetre per year since the last Ice Age, and
9 Luxembourg 25 Italy 39 Canary Islands, of species, many of which are threatened in i H >gs and lakes where Pyrrhosoma nymphula, small, shallow lakes are continually forming.
10 Germany 26 Slovenia Maderia and other parts of Europe, such as Aeshna viridis, < imatochlora alpestris and 5. arctica occur, as Here, you can find Brachytron pratense, Aeshna
11 Poland 27 Croatia the Azores Leucorrhinia albifrons and L. pectoralis. A typical veil as dark populations of Sympetrum striolatum serrata and Orthetrum cancellatum. Other
12 Estonia 28 Bosnia & 40 Morocco species composition in many Scandinavian waters Hint are sometimes treated as the distinct species lakes in this area house large populations of
13 Latvia Herzogovinia 41 Algeria is Lestes sponsa, Enallagma cyathigerum, Aeshna '. nigrescens. Some bog lakes in south Sweden Somatochlora flavomaculata. The Baltic island of
14 Lithuania 29 Serbia 42 Tunisia gran dis, Cordulia aenea, Libellula quadrimaculata, ne home to large numbers of species. All six Oland is special for its alvar, a limestone plateau
15 Belarus 30 Montenegro Leucorrhinia dubia, Leucorrhinia rubicunda and northern Coenagrion (armatum, hastulatum, with only a very thin layer of topsoil. Large
16 Ukraine 31 Kosovo Sympetrum danae. In forested areas, Coenagrion /ohanssoni, lunulatum, puella and pulchellum) and populations of Orthetrum cancellatum, and up
Regional guide Regional guide

In six '.pci i<". ol Sympetrum, Ihr Nuuksio uplands, where the 20th century. Anax imperator and Aeshna mixta
.nt' lound id lh(> walers here. h ihil*. several small forest lakes with have colonised since 2000.
A good point to start exploring ■ HI hi xjgy borders, both inside and Dragonflies are most abundant in the natural
i. Mockelmossen, between h. iiindaries of Nuuksio National fens and lakes of the central plain and the drumlin
Resmo and StenSsa, where i hesI place to see A. crenata is perhaps belt (low, whale-backed hills of glacial drift) in
several footpaths lead into the nr.i between lakes Bodominjarvi and the northern half of the island. Between eight
area. Wetlands on Gotland hit.i|<»ivi, where lake Pikku Sorlampi and ten species are found at many sites, with the
often have good populations il.ii offers good observation conditions, best locations boasting 13 or 14. Aeshna grandis,
of Aeshna isosceles, and the i. . emerges in early July and is on the Brachytron pratense and Coenagrion pulchellum
rare Nehalennia speciosa was id ihi' first week of September. Other are the most characteristic species. The speciality
Ita recently rediscovered here.

Both Baltic islands have had
.... I boreal species in Nuuksio, where
• . aie known, include Coenagrion
of these wetlands is Coenagrion lunulatum.
Raised bogs were once common in the large river
41
an influx of species from the . •///, Aeshna subarctica, Leucorrhinia valleys and lake basins of the central plain, but
south and the east during r. .ind L. caudalis. most have been harvested for their peat. Intact
the last ten years, such as re '.errata occurs along the entire southern raised bogs support only a few acid-water species
Sympecma paedisca, Sympetrum .lem coast. It breeds mainly in brackish (e.g. Aeshna juncea and Pyrrhosoma nymphula'),
fonscolombii, Erythromma A bog lake in Nuuksio National Park, Finland. in inlets with rich aquatic vegetation. It can but where bogs were cut by hand for fuel (a
viridulum and Anax imperator. i > men at Uutela, a small nature reserve to dying occupation today) diverse and interesting
Lakes in the south of the region may contain marshes cover large areas, especially in the north. i l ol central Helsinki. Other localities worth wetlands have been created. Good examples of
Gomphus vulgatissimus in large numbers. The abundance of wetlands and suitable dragonfly 1.11 an be found around Lupinlahti Bay, in this habitat can be seen at the Montiaghs Moss,
Algunnen, in Smaland (Sweden), and many habitats is stunning. i, and between Tvarminne and Hanko. near Lough Neagh, in Northern Ireland, and in
lakes in the area of Ry, on Jutland (Denmark), Currently, 62 species are known, the latest imply, Orthetrum cancellatum, Sympetrum the Boora Parklands, near Tullamore, Co Offaly.
are good habitats to explore. In the latter area additions being Aeshna affinis (2008), Anax iium and the very rare Nehalennia speciosa Brachytron pratense, Coenagrion pulchellum and
more than 30 species are found, including strong imperator and Sympetrum pedemontanum (both i . i largely restricted to brackish-water Sympetrum danae are usually common on all
populations of Aeshna subarctica and Libellula 2010), Lestes virens and Sympetrum fonscolombii i.ii'. in Finland. Somatochlora sahlbergi these sites.
fulva. Having recently colonised northern Jutland, (both 2011), Anax parthenope (2013), and Anax 1 .<'arched for on the fjell plateau south In the south-west, the bogs and small lakes
Aeshna serrata can be found at several clear lakes ephippiger and Stylurus flavipes (both 2014). No i Nuorgam (Utsjoki municipality), Finland's in the region of Killarney support the only Irish
with large reedbeds, such as Han Vejle. Rivers fewer than 25 species have been found north of .11H'inmost village, being abundant at several populations of Somatochlora arctica and Cordulia
well worth visiting include Susan at Naestved, the Arctic Circle, and 16 species north of 68°30'N. i 11 lakes here just east of lake Skaidejavri aenea. These are best seen in the Killarney
on Zealand (Denmark), and the two rivers Eman Aeshna caerulea is a dominant species in Lapland. .1 ..ivaara fjell, south-east of lake Kilpisjarvi National Park. Ephemeral wetlands in the karst
and Alsteran, between Kalmar and Oskarshamn For the enthusiast with less specialised quarry, any ....... lokid municipality) in the country's extreme regions of western Ireland, known as furloughs,
(Sweden). Here, Calopteryx splendens and random drive along smaller roads in the interior of iih west, is another good place to find this are the most distinctively Irish dragonfly habitat.
C. virgo, Platycnemis pennipes, Pyrrhosoma Finland is likely to lead to good dragonfly habitats, . .pedes, which breeds here in several small to These are the principal habitat for Lestes dryas.
nymphula, Gomphus vulgatissimus, Somatochlora such as small boggy ponds, bays of lakes or small i i Imm-sized mire lakes that support sedges and Shallow, base-rich but naturally oligotrophic lakes
metallica and Libellula fulva are found. In streams. The south-eastern corner of the country i longrass. are a feature of western districts, and are the
northern Sweden, the rivers harbour mostly (north and east of Hamina) has the richest fauna M Hamalainen main habitat of Orthetrum cancellatum in Ireland.
Calopteryx virgo, Onychogomphus forcipatus and (at least 45 species). Areas surrounding lakes B Nelson
Cordulegaster boltonii. Ophiogomphus cecilia is Lohjanjarvi and Enajarvi (50-80km west of Ireland
found in the Rane alv in the very far north. Some Helsinki) are especially recommended. The highest in land's climate is temperate due to the moderating Great Britain
good areas for those wishing to explore these number of species is to be found in the second illuence of the surrounding Atlantic Ocean and the Comprising England, Scotland and Wales, Great
northern rivers are found around lake Siljan in half of July, the most common species being mil Stream. The whole island was covered by ice Britain is on the northern edge of the distribution
Dalarna (Dalecarlia), in the Klaralven area in Coenagrion hastulatum. ii i he height of the last Ice Age, and consequently of a number of species that are common in
Varmland, or the Ljusnan area in Halsingland. The hope of seeing such rare species as Aeshna i ii ich of the present-day land surface is covered by continental Europe. In general, the species
G Sahlen crenata, A. serrata and Somatochlora sahlbergi iI.k ial deposits, which impede drainage. The centre diversity diminishes as one travels north. There
lures dragonfly enthusiasts to Finland. The first .1 the island is a low-lying limestone plain, with are greatly differing habitat types, from lowland
Finland two are quite easy targets. A. crenata can best H nnerous wetlands in the form of raised bogs, grazing marshes close to or at sea level, through to
The Finnish landscape is characterised by the be found along Salpausselka ridge about 100km lens and lakes. Upland areas (which reach only moorland and highland pools that support some
mixture of forest and water. The coniferous forests, north of Helsinki, where retreating glaciers left moderate altitudes) are mainly found around the regional specialities.
which cover two-thirds of the land area, are blocks of ice that formed deep lakes. Many IH 'i iphery of the island. They experience significantly In recent years, an increasing number of
interspersed with countless lakes, ponds, rivers and of these kettle lakes hold strong populations, < ooler, duller conditions and dragonflies are rare migration events has resulted in the colonisation
streams. Lakes abound in central and south-eastern such as Santastenlammi on the road between .ibove 200m. Thirty-two species have been recorded of new species from mainland Europe, as well
Finland in particular, and to the south-west lies a Tammela and Loppi. Other recommended sites in Ireland; 24 of these are resident species, but four as a northerly range expansion for others. Of
complex archipelago of small islands. Bogs and are 20-25km north-west from the centre of .pecies have not been recorded since the early particular note are Erythromma viridulum, which

this colonised much of south n • .l< J fordshire. This restricted-access site Rade, near Hilversum, a footpath flanked by
east England in the last two ii dy I he best example of schwingmoor beautiful ditches where named species are
decades, and Lestes barbarus, i anywhere in Britain, and supports a abundant. Leucorrhinia pectoralis is often seen.
which was first recorded in 2002 iiii.il population of this species, which The Netherlands' best dragonfly area, however,
and now occurs along the east . hi pools that have dense floating masses is undoubtedly the Weerribben (petgaten and
coast of England. Although Ilium moss. The species can also be legakkers are called weren and ribben here, hence
there were only three records i significant numbers at Whixall Moss, the area's name). All specialities can be found along
prior to 2009, Chalcolestes i north in Shropshire, and also at a few the footpaths of the Woldlakebos, although they
viridis is now established and <i. h as Scaleby Moss, in Cumbria. It is only can also be sought out from the water by renting
not uncommon in south-eastern I Iliern Scotland that the species becomes a boat in Ossenzijl or Kalenberg and exploring
England, especially Essex and i.h .piead. the marshes from there. The only Dutch sites for
Suffolk. Coenagrion scitulum i i ipland areas of Scotland, while supporting Coenagrion armatum are inaccessible, but the other
was deemed extinct in the n d range of species, have significant local speciality, Sympecma paedisca, is common,
1950s, but was refound recently J.iiions of rare species. The lochans, in as are all species mentioned above. Moreover,
and proven to breed in 2010. .l<m Affric area of north-west Scotland, Somatochlora flavomaculata, Leucorrhinia caudalis
The first record of Sympecma l ii11|icrtant populations of Cordulia aenea, and Sympetrum depressiusculum have become
fusca (2008) may be the prelude >i< »< hlora arctica and 5. metallica, as well common in the last decade.
to colonisation by a species Habitat of Coenagrion mercuriale in the New Forest, UK. .. orrhinia dubia and Aeshna caerulea. The The coastal dunes are a good place to witness
that is currently expanding I Hilion of S. metallica is an enigma, being dragonfly movements, with easterly winds in
northward in mainland Europe. At least 58 species Despite its relative abundance on mainland • I on two areas in Britain: one in Scotland midsummer resulting in massive influxes of Aeshna
are now recorded from Great Britain in total, the Europe, Gomphus vulgatissimus has a restricted i Hie other in southern England. Scotland mixta and Sympetrum species. Depending on
latest addition being Somatochlora flavomaculata distribution in Britain. One of the best places I ■ i significant for its isolated colonies of water levels, the shallow valleys in Voornes Duin
(2018), although 13 species are not considered to observe the mass emergence of this species i.ujrion hastulatum, which occur at shallow and at Hoek van Holland, for example, can
established yet. in early summer is along the River Thames, i , particularly in the area of Loch Garten, harbour good numbers of Lestes barbarus and
In southern England the most notable habitats, between Goring and Pangbourne. Libellula fulva >pey valley in the Highlands. three other Lestes species, while Aeshna affinis,
with the highest number of species, are associated is another species restricted to a small number of S Cham Sympetrum fonscolombii and S. meridionale are
with lowland heaths and bogs. Thursley river catchments in southern and eastern England. Netherlands present (and may breed) in some years. Coenagrion
Common, near Guildford, has the highest On the River Arun, in Sussex, it can be found in ...... I the flattest and lowest countries in Europe, scitulum is marching steadily up the coast and is
number of recorded species (28) anywhere in some abundance, along with G. vulgatissimus and i i Irtherlands is also one of the wettest. It expected to pass north of Rotterdam soon.
Great Britain. These include strong populations of Brachytron pratense. The appearance in recent in. hides the delta of the Rijn (Rhine) and Maas The large rivers that shaped the Netherlands
Cordulia aenea, Ceriagrion tenellum, Orthetrum years of L. fulva in new areas suggests that this i h i no), and large areas lie on clay and peat. The seem devoid of dragonflies, but most beaches
coerulescens, Somatochlora metallica and species is starting to increase its range. ii 11 less waterbodies are artificial: miles of ditches along the Lek, Waal and IJssel, all branches of
Sympetrum danae. A nationally important range Aeshna isoceles is a scarce species in Great . in. i io drain the polders and choppy lakes that the Rhine, yield exuviae of Stylurus flavipes and
of heathland and bog habitats can also be Britain, and is restricted to a small number of . ii . w as they swallowed the remnants of exploited Gomphus vulgatissimus. Absent for most of the
found in the New Forest, in Hampshire. Here, sites in Suffolk and Norfolk, where it is mostly i. The green flatlands are demarcated in the 20th century, they recolonised the Dutch rivers
the trampling of pond and stream margins by associated with Water-soldier (Stratiotes abides). .1 by coastal dunes, while moraines and sandy in the late 1990s. Diverse areas on the Belgian
livestock creates a unique microhabitat that is The low-lying grazing marshes associated with l. (jive the east a more continental character. border are Budel-Dorplein, near Weert, and the
favoured by Coenagrion mercuriale, and is one the Norfolk Broads, in eastern England, are the >me 71 species are currently known, Anax Plateaux, near Bergeyk. These are wonderful to
of its major strongholds in southern England. best places to see this species - it breeds in good nppiger and Coenagrion scitulum being added explore, easily yielding 25 species in a weekend.
At the Crockford Stream in the New Forest, numbers in Upton Fen, a Norfolk Wildlife Trust 1995 and 2003, respectively. Specialities are Somatochlora flavomaculata,
where high numbers can be found, a study using Reserve. The main strongholds for Lestes dryas A characteristic Dutch habitat is laagveen: and Sympetrum depressiusculum and S.
marked individuals has been carried out to assess are also in eastern England. It can be particularly i. nl.inds created by peat-cutting. The alternation of pedemontanum. Investigating the Meinweg,
dispersal of this species. The Mynydd Preselli in abundant where it occurs, especially on ditches h jaten (where peat was extracted) and legakkers near Roermond, is equally worthwhile. Nearby
Pembrokeshire (south Wales) also support some on the grazing marshes of Essex and Kent. In here peat was dried) creates a patchwork of is the Roer, with the country's richest riverine
of the strongest populations of this species, which Norfolk, it can be found breeding on shallow i. nt>st, reedbeds and water, with marshy borders fauna, including all five Dutch gomphids and the
occurs on small streams and runnels draining the pingoes, ponds that were formed after the retreat H HI rich aquatic vegetation. This mosaic harbours strongest Dutch population of Ophiogomphus
moorland bogs, grazed by livestock. In contrast, of the last Ice Age - Thompson Common and I H'cies rare in neighbouring countries. Coenagrion cecilia. Secluded bogs (veen) and heathy lakes
it has also been found along some stretches of the nearby Frost's Common, for example, hold mk helium, Erythromma najas, Brachytron (ven) in the pine forests of Drenthe harbour
the rivers Test and Itchen, draining the chalk significant numbers. 'intense, Cordulia aenea and Libellula fulva Lestes virens, Ceriagrion tenellum, Coenagrion
in Hampshire, where it favours adjacent ditch Many British species have shown a northward ii(‘ common. Fields of Water-soldier (Stratiotes lunulatum and Leucorrhinia rubicunda in good
systems on the grazing marshes. range expansion since around 2010. Leucorrhinia iloides) are a typical element, harbouring locally numbers, and Aeshna subarctica where there is
A small number of lowland river systems dubia has, however, suffered a contraction of its l uge populations of Aeshna isoceles and A. viridis. floating Sphagnum.
in England and Wales support scarce species. range. The most southerly site is now at Chartley An easy place to see laagveen is the Krom me K-D B Dijkstra

Belgium and Luxembourg Fraiture, and the Fagnes of Spa-Malchamps. ■ - d.iled population of Boyeria irene on subarctica, Somatochlora alpestris and S. arctica.
Although it is one of the smallest European These are wonderful hiking areas. Specialities here i Ortze, discovered in 2010. The species Interesting communities of dragonflies are
countries, Belgium has a diverse range of natural are Aeshna subarctica, Somatochlora arctica and I mainly between Hermannsburg and the developing in the former brown-coal mines in the
regions and habitats. The rather flat northern part is Coenagrion hastulatum. < < influence with the Aller, such as the region between Cottbus and Halle: Lestes virens,
characterised by its many rivers and mostly artificial In the extreme south, locally called the Gaume, in .i south of Evers and around the bridge Ischnura pumilio, Orthetrum coerulescens, O.
waterbodies. The north-east has poor sandy soils the fauna is unique. Here are found populations i Winsen. The oxbows in the floodplain of brunneum, Sympetrum fonscolombii, Leucorrhinia
that are intersected by small river valleys and peaty of Cordulegaster bidentata at crons (travertine li-i and the ditches in that of the Weser, dubia and L. albifrons can be encountered at large
soils. The Ardennes, in the south, is a heavily calcareous deposits), e.g. at Buzenol; Coenagrion ii I Bremen, are well known for their new lakes, temporary waters and seepages.
wooded hilly region, with many clear, sparkling mercuriale, C. scitulum, Libellula fulva and 11 ions of Aeshna virdis and Coenagrion In Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-
rivers, and with peat moors on the highest tops. Orthetrum brunneum in the valley of Laclaireau, pub 11''Hum. Westphalia), peatbogs provide some excellent
An This is also the wettest and coldest part, with a

continental character. Some 71 species are known,
with Orthetrum albistylum added only in 2016.
between Buzenol and Ethe; a huge population
of Somatochlora flavomaculata at Landbruch
(Vance); and, with luck, some southern species
i i
Pleistocene lake landscapes of
i lonburg and Brandenburg are ideal for
i i lilies. About 5,000 lakes of different types,
sites. Good examples are the Heidemoore,
small moorland ponds in between inland sand-
dunes, such as in the Wahner Heide, near
45
The Kempen (Campine region), in the north such as Anax parthenope and Aeshna affinis at ■ II .is pools and wetlands, form a 300km- Koln (Cologne), or in the Schwalm-Nette
east, has the greatest dragonfly diversity of the several ponds in the region (e.g. Etalle, Latour). ii!'Iwork of habitats between Schwerin and nature reserve, near Viersen. Schlatts are small
Low Countries, with up to 48 species recorded The fauna of adjacent Luxembourg is like that 11 ii t/Oder. Sympecma fusca, Brachytron lakes in western Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony)
at a single locality. The best place to start a visit of south-east Belgium. The grand-duchy's and Aeshna isoceles, Anax parthenope that developed where postglacial ice blocks
is Den Diel, at Mol-Postel, or the Hageven, in Germany's only known population of Oxygastra I ibellula fulva are found along the reed were left behind. The best example are the
Neerpelt. This region, which extends into the curtisii occurs on the border river Our. .of the lakes and channels. Together with Dianaseen, near Cloppenburg. Only a few
Netherlands (see Plateaux, above), includes a G De Knijf '/i<’ca bimaculata, they can be observed relicts of the formerly huge peatbogs, the Dosen,
mosaic of mesotrophic vennen (heathy lakes), iming a boat excursion on the lakes around have been preserved, as the Esterweger Dose
extensive fish ponds and rivulets. Sympecma Germany mplin. In the Schorfheide-Chorin UNESCO in the Emsland. In these habitats, Lestes virens,
fusca, Brachytron pratense and Libellula fulva Ranging from the North Sea and Baltic Sea to i i phere Reserve, 40 dragonfly species can be Ceriagrion tenellum, Coenagrion lunulatum and
are some of the more interesting spring species, the northern Alps, Germany offers a wide variety ........ over a typical sunny weekend in June, Aeshna subarctica may have huge populations.
which in summer are replaced by Sympetrum of beautiful and interesting sites for dragonflies. i I. ih • Onychogomphus forcipatus can be found Kuhlen (oxbows and swamps), such as the
depressiusculum, S. pedemontanum, Orthetrum There is an outstanding diversity of habitats: mil teaches of the clear Gollinsee lake. Small Fleuthkuhlen, near Geldern, are typical of the
coerulescens and Ceriagrion tenellum. the major rivers Rhein (Rhine), Elbe, Oder and h illow lakes, with rich submerged vegetation Niederrhein (Lower Rhine) valley. Brachytron
Further to the west lie the heathlands of Donau (Danube) and their catchments; the north .1 -1 '.wampy banks, have a dragonfly fauna of pratense and Libellula fulva are specialities here.
Kalmthout and Groot Schietveld at Brecht- eastern lowland plains, peppered with lakes; low i io 38 species, including Leucorrhinia caudalis, Good sites for Sympetrum depressiusculum are
Wuustwezel, which are best visited in spring, mountain ranges with springs, rivulets and bogs; i pectoralis, Sympecma paedisca, Erythromma the Diilmener and Ahlhorner Fischteiche, both
when Coenagrion lunulatum and Leucorrhinia and the glacial bog and moor region in the south. udulum and Somatochlora flavomaculata. A extensive pond systems for carp breeding that
rubicunda are abundant. Also worth exploring are With some 81 recorded species (77 of which are i /|>ical, easily accessible site is Steisssee lake near regularly dry out in winter.
the heathlands of the Teut, at Zonhoven, or the considered established), Germany has a typical i i I zelthin, in the western Uckermark. Pools in At the border of Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-
Zijpbeek, at Lanaken. Specialities here are cross section of central European dragonflies. itbogs harbour populations of Leucorrhinia Palatinate) with Luxembourg, the river Our
Coenagrion hastulatum, Ceriagrion tenellum, All dragonfly species are protected in Germany, ihifrons and Aeshna subarctica. harbours the only known German population of
Somatochlora arctica, S. flavomaculata and and collecting specimens or even netting adults I or part of the 20th century, the Oder and Oxygastra curtisii. The Oberrhein (Upper Rhine)
Orthetrum coerulescens. The oxbows typically is prohibited without special permits. However, Spree were the most important German refuges lowland plains between Karlsruhe and Freiburg
found along the river Schelde (Scheldt) at the exuviae may be collected outside nature reserves. H Stylurus flavipes, along with Gomphus are a hotspot for Coenagrion mercuriale. Southern
Damvalley near Ghent, or the Creek at In former times, north-west Germany was ulgatissimus and O. cecilia. Today, however, the species such as Anax parthenope, Crocothemis
Rupelmonde, hold Erythromma najas, Coenagrion especially rich in heathland and peatbogs. Ibe is important for these gomphids. Aeshna erythraea and Orthetrum albistylum can easily be
pulchellum, Libellula fulva and Brachytron pratense. Despite widespread agriculture, several good / finis and Lestes barbarus breed in temporary found here. Springs and rivulets on the western
The Ardennes region is well known for its sites for Coenagrion lunulatum, C. hastulatum, waterbodies adjacent to the river. Populations slopes of the Schwarzwald (Black Forest) are
riverine dragonflies. The most promising rivers Aeshna subarctica and A. juncea still exist in the i >f Aeshna viridis reproduce in masses of Water- habitats for Cordulegaster bidentata and C.
are the Ourthe, Lesse and Semois, with many Liineburger Heide (Luneburg Heath), especially oldier (Stratiotes aloides) growing in ditches and boltonii. The High Rhine between Bodensee
populations of Onychogomphus forcipatus, around Celle. In May, these habitats produce I ionds in the former floodplain of the Havel, (Lake Constance) and Basel is the only German
Calopteryx splendens and Gomphus vulgatissimus. huge numbers of Leucorrhinia rubicunda and L. west of Berlin, and in peat-cutting areas in the breeding site for Gomphus simillimus, and
Along the Ourthe, between Barvaux and Durbuy, dubia. Because of their favourable microclimate, Peene valley, near Anklam. Drainage ditches Boyeria irene may be observed at the shores of
is the most northerly population of Oxygastra the bogs are often also inhabited by Ceriagrion in the tributary of the river Unstrut, between the Bodensee. Near Ulm, Schmiechener See,
curtisii. In the upper reaches and along most of tenellum, Lestes virens or Orthetrum coerulescens. Sangerhausen and Gotha, are good sites to look a shallow seasonal lake, is a perfect breeding site
the tributaries, Calopteryx virgo and The streams flowing into the Elbe and Aller rivers for Coenagrion mercuriale and C. ornatum, which for Lestes dryas and Sympetrum flaveolum, and in
Cordulegaster boltonii are quite common. The are rich in Ophiogomphus cecilia, Cordulegaster are at the edge of their distribution here. some years even for S. meridionale.
most interesting high peat moors in the Ardennes boltonii, Calopteryx virgo and Platycnemis In the high altitudes of Erzgebirge, Thiiringer Mittelfranken (Middle Franconia) is well
are the Plateau des Tailies, near Baraque de pennipes. The local speciality is the strong but Wald and Harz, peatbogs are home to Aeshna known for its populations of Stylurus flavipes,

arctica, S. flavomaculata, Leucorrhinia caudalis u Iok'sIs. In the lake areas, waterbodies and roads in the neighbourhood are also excellent
and L. pectoralis, and a diligent searcher may even mm hogs and/or small forest lakes for this species. The lakes of central and north
be able to discover the tiny jewel of this region, • I hy Sphagnum harbour Aeshna Poland and the Baltic States are prime habitats
the highly endangered Nehalennia speciosa. i < i < m inlarly), Leucorrhinia albifrons for Libellula fulva. Lakes of a lower trophic status,
Ascending to the Alps, the rare Aeshna caerulea i illy) and Nehalennia speciosa (locally, and which are frequently rich in submerged, floating
can be found at Sphagnum bogs high up around ic I here is shallow water with slender- and emergent vegetation, especially sedges
Oberstdorf. i It!('•.). Aeshna crenata and Coenagrion (Carex), support interesting Leucorrhinia species.
F Weihrauch, R Jodicke, mi or( ur in these habitats only in the L. albifrons is widely distributed and locally
A Martens and R Mauersberger ii p.ii I of the lake zone. At small lakes in fairly common in north Poland and the Baltic
11H i< l c hannel 2km east of Golce (north States; L. caudalis is generally more scattered,
Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, ii numerous N. speciosa are the main but not scarce in the north. L. albifrons is a
47
Latvia, Belarus and Ukraine m, and A. subarctica and L. albifrons also characteristic species of spectacular 'Lobelia lakes'
This huge region is dominated by lowlands, nt Ii habitats in the Labanoras Regional in north Poland. These are mostly slightly acid,
with large areas rich in postglacial features. i-i i I 11 ii* forests to the south of it (east poor in nutrients and characterised by specific
The mountains are limited mainly to southern i i o oiler a similar fauna, but the local vegetation (Lobelia, Isoetes, Litorella}, clear water
Poland and Ukraine (the Sudety Mountains and i y r. A. crenata. In small lakes in north- and low concentrations of calcium. Examples
Carpathians). A continental climate predominates. ti ia and south-east Estonia, C.johanssoni are Czarnowek lake, north of Zlocieniec,
The range of landscapes is extremely large, from ar. group (but A. crenata is absent), with a or Bieszkowickie lake, near Bieszkowice.
boreal forests (taiga) in the north, through temperate i ■ >| ml.ilion at Vinnora lake (1.2km south- Remarkably, Sympetrum striolatum also occurs in
forests, up to mountains in the south-west and i I he south-west corner of Kerigumae lake, this rather boreal habitat. In June and early July,
temperate grasslands (steppe) in the south-east. a Also worth visiting are the lakes Mazais sightings of L. caudalis are possible at certain
The distinguishing feature of the region is the • a . along the road to Pskov, 3km south-east lakes, such as takie, 5km south of Goscim in west
abundant and diverse primary water habitats, H ii, and Lidacis, between Garulis lake and Poland (together with Erythromma lindenii}, and
which are largely well preserved. The most i ill (I alvia). the south-eastern corner of Sventas, in Grazute
valuable are: lakes of various trophic status (i.e. a I m )< |s and mires to the south of the lake Regional Park of north-east Lithuania (a boat is
Wetland in Chiemgau, south Germany. nutrient enrichment), situated mostly in a broad iwhich are mainly small and in forest, needed at both lakes). Good lakes in south-east
zone from north Belarus, through south-east imn inhabited by Somatochlora arctica and Estonia are Kiilajarv, near Plaani (also with L.
Gomphus vulgatissimus and Ophiogomphus Estonia, east Latvia, east and south Lithuania hy N. speciosa. Both species are found albifrons}, and Vaaba jarv, near Kooraste.
cecilia, which are found in larger rivers, such as up to north and central Poland; bogs and uih east Poland, e.g. 1km south-east of Also characteristic of north-east Europe are
the Regnitz. An outstanding large population of waterbodies bounded by Sphagnum (with their H wm’mla. A classic habitat of S. arctica, small waterbodies with Water-soldier (Stratiotes aloides}
Coenagrion ornatum breeds in the ditches of the abundance decreasing towards the south); fens ’ i iinpletely overgrown with Sphagnum, is and the associated Aeshna viridis. Oxbows and
river Altmuhl catchment, around Ansbach. Gravel and marshes, both in lake districts and river ■ I i) /km south of Majdan Kasztelanski. In other waterbodies north of Khvaensk (Hvoyensk)
pits and larger oxbows in the Donau (Danube) valleys; and numerous medium and large rivers, i 'i n h|, swarms of 5. arctica may be spotted in Belarus, a viewing platform at the south-east
floodplain around Plattling offer the best chance which are largely unregulated (less so in the •I Khvaensk (Hvoyensk)
to watch (with binoculars) restlessly patrolling south-west) and frequently associated with an is yplatskii National Lake in Bialowieza Forest, north-east Poland.
males of Epitheca bimaculata, and to collect its intact array of river valley habitats. • mI (Belarus), and nearby
impressive exuviae in May (if one is not deterred At least 80 dragonfly species are known from .....mlc hy (Simonichi) bog is
by the brambles). Sympetrum pedemontanum the region, Lindenia tetraphylla (Ukraine, 2013) i n i < •( I by Aeshna subarctica,
is a typical species of the gravel plain around and Pantala flavescens (Poland, 2016) being the mhinia albifrons and
Munchen (Munich), with its ephemeral waters. most notable recent additions. The northern ....... his Nehalennia speciosa.
Here, in ditches and brooks of the Dachauer range limits of many Mediterranean species run n< .i lakes, frequently with
Moos, a very large population of Coenagrion through this region. Especially noteworthy is the iii HI vegetation, e.g. in the
mercuriale also breeds, together with Orthetrum rich and abundant eastern dragonfly fauna. The i" -wlenski National Park
coerulescens. Numerous fens and moors, many comparative rarity and declining populations i ih west Poland), the llawa
of them nature reserves, are found in the broad, of eastern species in west and central Europe • District (north Poland),
glacially formed belt bordering the Alps to the makes this region an important refuge for them. lo'.iivski (Goloseevskie) lakes
north, comprising the Allgau, Werdenfelser Knowledge of the regional fauna is moderate i i (Kiev) and Supii (Supoy)
Land, Oberland and Chiemgau regions, e g. in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Ukraine, and i H'ji Yahotyn (Ukraine),
Murnauer Moos, Kirchsee or the lake region limited in Estonia and Belarus. Closer study of i bl numerous exuviae of
around Eggstatt and Seeon. Here, a number this region will be a major challenge for European Tie< ,i bimaculata in May.
of specialities are found, including Sympecma odonatologists in the future. Hi binoculars, adults may be
paedisca, Coenagrion hastulatum, C. pulchellum, Acid waters characterised by Sphagnum • n Hying over the lakes in late
Aeshna isoceles, A. subarctica, Somatochlora moss are abundant in the boreal and temperate i lay and June; forest clearings

shore of tukie lake in Poleski National Park in Pozna (Leucorrhinia caudalis, L. pectoralis, L. < k h »< I populations of the former are follow suit, being recorded for the first time at five
and peat excavations north of Dorohucza (east albifrons), and 0.8km south-east of Zaglebocze, • Hu -1eqion that extends between the places in 2017.
Poland), and the environs of Borne Sulinozo in the buffer zone of Poleski National Park, where " >m <n id the Massif Central, from the In addition to many Mediterranean species and
(north Poland) are all hotspots for this species. If a diligent searcher may find Nehalennia speciosa, i ilmliir onde. Here, it will be found records of rare species such as Lindenia tetraphylla,
you visit the first two localities in May, check the Aeshna subarctica, L. albifrons, L. pectoralis and III lit i illy in slow- and moderate-flowing Brachythemis impartita, Selysiothemis nigra and
half-open vegetation of slender emergent plants Sympecma paedisca. The last species is locally I I* my rivers, where Boyeria irene is also Orthetrum trinacria, the true speciality of Corsica
for the elusive Coenagrion armatum. abundant in the region - in east Poland, for id I ho best populations of Macromia is the Tyrrhenian endemic Ischnura genei. As in
Lowland rivers in a large part of the region have example, huge numbers may be observed in in - pi esent in the same area, but this Sardinia and Sicily, it is widespread in all standing
notable populations of gomphids. Ophiogomphus ponds in Zalesie Kanskie, near Rejowiec, or 3km i.ii<. except in some spots in the and slow-flowing waters. The eastern species
cecilia, found on a wide range of rivers, is most south-west of Brus Stary, in the Poleski National M.issif Central and in the Languedoc Chalcolestes parvidens and Somatochlora
easily seen on smaller watercourses such as those Park. In ponds and gravel and sand pits (but also hi.imly either in naturally calm river meridionalis and the southern Paragomphus genei
49
in the Drawienski National Park or the Grabia at natural waterbodies) in south-east Poland * h where the river is dammed (e.g. on also occur on Corsica, but they are very rare and
river (north and central Poland, respectively). The and Ukraine, Orthetrum albistylum is widely I .it n between Millau and Albi). will be found only by chance or careful searching.
region is the centre of Stylurus flavipes occurrence distributed, having expanded its range in recent • • ill herbaceous brooks, e.g. with The Loire catchment is the main dragonfly
in Europe. Its exuviae can be collected in large times. The south of the region is also especially WniH Mini {Mentha aquatica), Coenagrion hotspot in western and central France, with good
numbers on the banks of many larger lowland favourable for species with Mediterranean * eriagrion tenellum and Calopteryx habitats for gomphids. Stylurus flavipes and
rivers, e.g. the Warta, Wisla, Pilica, Narew and affinities. The best localities are in Ukraine, where . i/(/<i//s are widespread, but Coenagrion Ophiogomphus cecilia are most common. The
Bug (Poland, even in cities such as Warszawa and large numbers of Aeshna affinis and Sympetrum n\ is extremely localised. The subspecies best stretches for these two are on the Loire
Poznan); Nioman (Nemunas; Belarus, Lithuania); meridionale may be encountered without effort. • »./<•/ boltonii immaculifrons can be and Vienne in the Indre-et-Loire department,
Prypiat (Pripyat; Belarus, Ukraine); Biarezina The broad environs of Kaniv, Baryshivka and i .1 <>l the Rhone on any small sandy the Loire in the Loiret department and the
(Berezina; Belarus); and Dnipr (Dnepr) and Yahotyn (central and northern Ukraine) are mjer streams and rivers on the southern Loire and Allier in the Nievre department.
Vorskla (Ukraine). recommended, also for O. albistylum. •I Ihi' Alps and Massif Central down to They can be found alongside other gomphids,
The rivers and streams in the mountains R Bernard and P Buczynski iihm.mean always have good populations such as Gomphus vulgatissimus, G. simillimus,
and foothills of southern Crimea (such as the France i il 1 .1 >e< ies Onychogomphus forcipatus G. pulchellus, the subspecies Onychogomphus
Alma river and watercourses in the environs France experiences a combination of Atlantic i/</■., while O. uncatus prefers even more forcipatus forcipatus and, more scarcely,
of Simferopol) are home to populations of and Mediterranean climates and has diverse ii Rowing, almost torrential, rivers. O. uncatus. The Parc Naturel Regional de
Calopteryx splendens with very small wing spots, landscapes, ranging from sea level to 4,808m. in iiI waters are also characteristic of la Brenne, near Chateauroux, is popular with
sometimes treated as the endemic species C. As a consequence, the French dragonfly fauna part of France. Small pools called visitors from northern Europe, but many of its
taurica. In Crimea, it is also worth visiting the includes 97 species of diverse origin. Ten species ■ were constructed on the calcareous numerous ponds are on private land. In addition
waterbodies in the steppe zone for the numerous are restricted to south-west Europe, of which HlAlH i lo < ollect rainwater
Lestes macrostigma and Sympetrum meridionale. Platycnemis latipes, P. acutipennis, Gomphus In- Ii • i' »< k. They harbour River with shingle bank. Gorge du Tarn, Massif Central, France.
Special habitats harbour special species: graslinii and Macromia splendens are known i I h il.ilions of Lestes
Sympetrum pedemontanum inhabits small only from the Iberian peninsula and France. A I barbarus and
watercourses, such as ditches, streams and small quarter of the species are largely Mediterranean ///< in scitulum. Along the
rivers, frequently adjacent to or flowing through in occurrence, some of them restricted to the Mm i mean coast, brackish
ponds and marshes. The ditches near the ponds Tyrrhenian Islands. Seven species have an African ■ ' upport a vegetation
in Chojno-Mlyn (west Poland), the Neresla river origin, and some of these have recently expanded ii ili'iant plants such
and neighbouring ditches in Tykocin (north-east their range to the north. i i oi is (Sa//cor/?/a).
Poland), and stagnant waterbodies in a gravel Different regions support a distinct array of died sansouires are
pit in Matuizos (south Lithuania), can provide dragonflies. The lowland areas can be conveniently id in the Camargue
amazing encounters with this species. Aeshna divided into the south (Aquitaine, Mediterranean H i of the Rhone), and
serrata is found in brackish and fresh waters and Corsica), north-west and central, and north in I.ivoured habitat of
rich in reeds, which border (or are close to) the east mainland. Streams in the Aquitaine and the i ii.moan and tropical
Baltic Sea: Saaremaa, an island opposite the Mediterranean areas hold most of the south and .mil as Lestes barbarus,
Estonian mainland, is a good site. Binoculars are south-west European specialities. Almost any river • iigma (found mainly
recommended to observe males patrolling along has species such as Calopteryx xanthostoma, I ), Anax parthenope,
reeds in the sea's bays and lagoons. They also Platycnemis latipes, P. acutipennis, Gomphus PI >i(]or, Sympetrum
hunt in forest clearings and edges. simillimus and Oxygastra curtisii, and the subspecies •L <mbii and 5. meridionale.
In addition to natural habitats, human-made Calopteryx virgo meridionalis, sometimes in dense »»/-. annulata reached the
waters are abundant in the region, being populations. Some of these species even colonise 11 mainland in 1994 and
important for some species. In Poland, easily standing waters in great numbers. More restricted n I.inly widespread in the
accessible sites include the peat excavations near are two legally protected south-west European i md south-west. The
Strzeszynskie lake and the Bogdanka stream endemics, Gomphus graslinii and Macromia .I / kirbyi is expected to

cold and torrential to harbour I • di Lugano and Lago di Origlio, is place to find some of the typical alpine species.
dragonflies, but moderately ..... for central Europe. The Alpine region, Alp Paniiol and Alp Fursch, with their vegetated
flowing rivers are suitable. l.mtastic scenery and small lakes, ponds ponds of different sizes, just above the tree line,
The numerous peatbogs and h". between 1,200m and 2,000m, is most are within walking distance of the Maschgakamm
swamps are full of promise for I n<I lor dragonfly-watching. However, cableway station. Aeshna juncea, A. caerulea,
dragonfly-watchers. Common / is reduced to some specialised species Somatochlora alpestris and Leucorrhinia dubia are
species such as Lestes sponsa, i Hound and above the tree line. Many most characteristic here. At the three small lakes
Coenagrion puella, Enallagma • iemote, small and hard to find, and can of Seebenalp, 11 species have been recorded,
cyathigerum, Pyrrhosoma lied only on foot, while others are easily with strong populations of Somatochlora metallica
nymphula, Aeshna grandis, I >le by car or public transport. The best and Enallagma cyathigerum, the latter being the
ll./H Cordulia aenea, Somatochlora

metallica and Libellula ii
i d i is July and August, but note that dragonfly
uiig is not allowed.
only damselfly at this altitude.
The Upper Engadine, a wide, high-altitude
51
quadrimaculata can easily be <)f the characteristic habitats of the Jura valley in the Grisons, is another excellent place for
Lake in the Upper Drugeon Valley, Jura, France. found. Somatochlora arctica is Mountains are peatbogs, although most have watching alpine dragonflies. The small bog lake of
widespread in peatbogs and I.imaged by former peat exploitation. Lac Lej da Statz, near the tourist resort of St Moritz,
to the many waterbirds in this scenic area, visitors may be encountered at any ilf (.i uere, near Seignelegier, is a small bog lake and its woodland surroundings interspersed with
may encounter Leucorrhinia caudalis, L. pectoralis suitable location and at any altitude, except in the ii i n )0m, set in beautiful surroundings, with 22 boggy clearings support three Somatochlora
or Epitheca bimaculata. Pyrenees, where only a few localities are known. lH including Coenagrion hastulatum and species, together with Aeshna caerulea, A.
Standing waters constitute the most attractive Somatochlora alpestris is much more restricted in i i. i juncea, typical for the region. The fish subarctica, Leucorrhinia dubia and Coenagrion
dragonfly habitats in north-east France. Ponds altitude and reproduces with certainty only in the II. H ii F. of Bonfol, partly situated in woodland, hastulatum. A similar fauna may be found further
with flourishing aquatic plants and reedy fringes Vosges above 800m, and in the Alps within and in 11 it- best place in Switzerland to see Epitheca up in the valley, e.g. in the bogs around Maloja
in more or less forested landscapes in the above the upper tree line, above 1,800m. In the " ulata. The ponds hold more than 40 and Lago Cavloggio. In the Lower Engadine,
Lorraine and Champagne-Ardenne regions hold southern Alps, an area with a fairly sunny climate, Ji i ii mfly species, including Libellula fulva and near Scuol/Tarasp, at the small lake named Lai
populations of Epitheca bimaculata. In some it can easily be observed some kilometres north 'um parthenope. Nair because of its black water, 14 species may
localities, more than 500 exuviae have been of the Sal£se pass in the Mercantour National i the northern foot of the Jura Mountains, on be encountered. Quite close by, just beyond the
collected in one season on a single pond. The Park. While Aeshna juncea, Leucorrhinia dubia Hu Swiss Plateau, lies the Lac de Neuchatel Swiss border, above Nauders in Tyrol, another
mid-May emergence period is the best time to and Sympetrum danae are abundant species in ii 'La Grande Cariâie' on its southern black-water lake known as Schwarzer See is
see the species, as adults become very elusive most boggy habitats, in France Aeshna subarctica i ■ H lor, comprising 800ha of managed reedbeds worth a visit, as is the Gruner See and a number
later. The best spots are in the forested parts reproduces only in the Vosges and Jura above ii ii i .edge swamps, with 45 dragonfly species. of nearby marshy forest clearings. Somatochlora
of the Parc Naturel Regional de Lorraine, an 700m, where it is scarce. Coenagrion hastulatum Important populations of Sympecma fusca, arctica, S. alpestris, S. metallica, Aeshna grandis,
area devoted to balance both human activities is another speciality confined to small populations i J> halennia speciosa, Brachytron pratense and Erythromma najas and Coenagrion hastulatum are
and nature conservation, especially the Pays in true peatbogs and acidic pools. In addition to o 'inatochlora flavomaculata occur here, the typical of the Tiefwald region.
des Etangs, in central Moselle department, peaty habitats, spring areas are very promising hii r representing the main food for nestlings of In the western part of the Swiss Alps, the
and the Foret de la Reine, west of Nancy. and support good populations of Cordulegaster i i's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides) during the Aletsch region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
These areas are also noted for Leucorrhinia boltonii. In travertine springs (calcareous i im-rgence period. The best site for dragonfly- warrants an excursion. At Breite Bode, above
caudalis, and more widespread species such as seepages), Cordulegaster bidentata is the main w.itching is Champ Pittet, near Yverdon. In Riederalp, with fantastic views over the longest
Aeshna mixta, A. isoceles, Brachytron pratense, speciality, also occurring at low levels in the north Hu German-speaking part of the Swiss Plateau, glacier in the Alps, some small ponds supporting
Crocothemis erythraea, Erythromma viridulum east quarter of France. lln semi-urban Greifensee region, near Uster, alpine species can be found; Somatochlora
and Lestes virens. In the small Territoire-de-Belfort J-P Boudot and G Jacquemin r. .mother area with a rich dragonfly fauna, alpestris and Aeshna juncea can even be
department, numerous artificial fish ponds in the III. mks to several large ponds that were recently encountered in the botanical garden of the
Parc Naturel Regional des Ballons des Vosges Switzerland 111 -ated in the fenland, especially at the southern Riederfuka nature conservancy visitor centre.
support Sympetrum pedemontanum. Switzerland is a small, mountainous country, with mid of the lake. They have been colonised by In contrast are two sites situated in the warmer
Both the north-east Lorraine and north-west the Alps in the south and the Jura Mountains in more than 35 species. As well as common Rhone valley floor in the Valais: the Pfinwald, a
Alsace regions lie on red sandstone, particularly the north-west together comprising almost three- lowland fauna, rare and Mediterranean species pine forest on a prehistoric landslide near Sierre,
in the so-called Vosges du Nord. The very quarters of its area. Between these mountain ■j ich as Orthetrum albistylum, Sympetrum with a number of large ponds; and the oxbows of
sandy rivers and brooks here typically have ranges is the densely populated and intensely h tnscolombii and Crocothemis erythraea may Leukerfeld, near Leuk. These sites each harbour
good populations of Ophiogomphus cecilia, farmed Swiss Plateau, with its rolling hills, plains be seen. Tributary streams support Calopteryx at least 30 species, including Erythromma lindenii,
together with Cordulegaster boltonii, Gomphus and some large lakes. i irgo and C. splendens, and from the outlet, E. viridulum, Aeshna isoceles and Leucorrhinia
vulgatissimus and G. pulchellus. With 77 species, the dragonfly fauna is ilie Glatt river, Gomphus vulgatissimus and albifrons. Alpine species may also be found in the
The mountainous areas have a distinct fauna, comparatively rich, and includes Mediterranean as Onychogomphus forcipatus emerge in good southern parts of the Alps. Several good locations
which includes boreal species. The most attractive well as alpine elements. The presence of Boyeria numbers every year. are situated at higher altitudes of the Ticino valley,
habitats here are acid bogs, but spring areas can irene, at the Vierwaldstattersee (Lake Lucerne), Within the Alps, the Flumserberg region such as Piora, above Ambri Piotta.
also be promising. Many running waters are too Zugersee and Agerisee, and of Oxygastra curtisii .ibove the Walensee, in the east, is a rewarding H Wildermuth

Austria also occur at many places in Tyrol, e.g. at •Ik-. Irom central Vienna, support Austrian Cordulegaster species occur together:
Austria is dominated by high mountains in the Hartkaseralp near Ellmau, at Wildschonau/ i populations of Coenagrion pulchellum, bidentata inhabits the areas around the springs
west and south. The gently sloping northern and Schatzberg near Auffach, at the Filzenscharte/ i pmlense, Aeshna isoceles and Epitheca of small tributaries; heros is found in the central,
north-eastern parts form the Danube plain, which Trattenbach pass between Westendorf and Wald i I in ther west, and even closer to the mostly forested, reaches of the stream; and
passes into the shallow basin of Vienna, with the (Pinzgau, Salzburg), and in the Swiss Stone Pine • in lhe Obere (Upper) Lobau, Anax boltonii occurs mainly along the lower reaches
large lake of Neusiedler See in the extreme east. (Pinus cembra) forest near Obergurgl/Otztal In •/ •<■ and Libellula fulva are interesting where meadows border the stream. The ditches
With 78 species, Austria's dragonfly fauna is diverse the lower Inn Valley, the Thierberg region near • look out for. The most important site and streams of south-eastern Styria are home
and encompasses Mediterranean as well as alpine Kufstein and Kramsach (with the Reintaler lakes < /. Ilavipes is situated where the river to an interesting variety of dragonflies, including
elements, including specialities such as Lestes harbour 42 and 37 species, respectively, including MhkIi . km»is the Danube, on the Austrian- Somatochlora meridionalis. This species prefers
macrostigma, Coenagrion hylas, Stylurus flavipes, Sympecma paedisca and Libellula fulva. The iii border. The March and its floodplains half-shaded banks of flowing waterbodies, e.g.
M Cordulegaster heros and Somatochlora meridionalis,

as well as Chalcolestes parvidens. the latest addition
to the Austrian list. Aside from 5. flavipes, none of
Lech valley between Stanzach and Weissenbach
is one of the very last wild rivers of the Alps. It
harbours an interesting flora and fauna, and is
lo significant populations of Epitheca
>ia and Orthetrum albistylum. Where the
10 m.illy inundates large parts of lowland
the Miihlgang, south-west of Poklitsch.
R Raab
53
these species is present in adjacent Switzerland. On also rewarding for dragonfly-watching. Among ■hna affinis and Sympetrum flaveolum Czech Republic and Slovakia
the other hand, the typical alpine species are the many other species, Coenagrion hylas may be i io be found. A good place to start a Lying in the heart of central Europe, these republics
same in both countries. found along the edge of the river plain, in ponds I illy lour of the floodplain is Marchegg, are largely hilly, sloping to higher mountains on
Access to the rewarding alpine sites in Austria is and small lakes with cold, slow-flowing water. The lull' you can walk north to Baumgarten, the western and northern borders, and to the
rather similar to those in Switzerland. In contrast whole region is proposed as a national park, and mnerwald is a forest covering the north- Pannonian lowlands in the south. Mediterranean
to the alpine habitats, where the best season is the LIFE-Infostelle in Weissenbach is worth a visit. i loothills of the Alpsand extends to within species creep up into the lowlands, which mark
July and August, the lowland sites such as the In the east of Austria, one of the most il iih western city boundaries of Vienna. the northern edge of their range, while isolated
Neusiedler See or the Danube floodplains are interesting areas for dragonflies is the region of idulegaster heros occurs along the small populations of boreal species are found in the
rewarding places to visit for dragonfly fauna from Neusiedler See-Seewinkel, which is the lowest- and may even be seen inside the city in mountains. Seventy-four species have been
April to September. All dragonflies and damselflies lying part of the country. The Neusiedler See is 11 ■‘i Tiergarten, at the Rotwasserbach and reported from the Czech Republic, including
are strictly protected in Austria and may not be the most westerly shallow steppe lake in Europe. Hu iiilonbach. recent records of Erythromma lindenii, Gomphus
collected. Extensive reedbeds, up to 5km wide, fringe the Waldviertel, in northern Austria, lies at pulchellus, Cordulegaster heros and Somatochlora
In Vorarlberg, the westernmost part of lake. The adjacent Seewinkel is characterised by •iilhorn end of the granite Bohemian Mass, meridionalis. Sixty-nine species are currently known
the country, alpine species such as Aeshna about 45 small, shallow saline lakes, with seasonally .1 parates the river systems of the Elbe and from Slovakia, with Anax ephippiger being the
juncea, A. caerulea, Somatochlora alpestris fluctuating water levels. Both are included in the < , and is home to 58 species of dragonfly. latest addition.
and Leucorrhinia dubia may be encountered Nationalpark Neusiedler See-Seewinkel, with ii(> about 1,400 fish ponds here, with a The Sumava, Krusne hory, Jizerske hory,
in the Montafon region, on a walk from an excellent visitor centre at lllmitz. The mosaic of i hi lace area of around 1,700ha, many of Krkonose, Kralicky Sneznik and Hruby Jesenik
Tafamuntalpe cableway station near Partenen large and diverse wetland habitats makes it one of 11 am not used intensively. Larger ponds often mountains on the Czech border provide various
to the Wiegensee (1,900m), and at the Kops the most important sites in the region for many - ii'iisive stands of reeds and other aquatic habitats to explore. Small lakes hold Aeshna
reservoir on the Zeinisjoch. The same fauna is species, particularly Lestes macrostigma, but also lalion. Good places to watch the fascinating juncea and Somatochlora alpestris, while small
found at small ponds among alpine pastures near L. barbarus, L. virens, Chalcolestes parvidens, .. v of species found here are the ponds peatbogs harbour the rarer Somatochlora arctica
the Sonnenkopf cableway station, between Ischnura pumilio, Aeshna affinis, A. isoceles, i ii I Purbach south of Schrems, or those and those at higher altitudes support numerous
Dalaas and Silbertal. Alpine species, including Sympetrum fonscolombii, S. meridionale and and west of Heidenreichstein, such as populations of Aeshna caerulea. Lakes with
Coenagrion hastulatum and Aeshna subarctica, Leucorrhinia pectoralis. Altogether, 49 species . ii ileich. Apart from the fish ponds, the bogs floating Sphagnum are often home to Coenagrion
have been found in the area. imams of the Waldviertel
Marginal reedbeds of the Neusiedler See, Austria. Another fantastic area to visit important populations of Lake in Sumava National Park, Czech Republic.
is the floodplain of the Donau ........ lilies, e.g. Lestes dryas,
(Danube), east of Vienna, with - visa, L. virens, Coenagrion
currently 50 species. nilatum, Erythromma
Downstream from Vienna, these a >■., Cordulegaster boltonii,
are the only remaining large i >< 'Irum flaveolum and
floodplains and riverine forests < urhinia dubia. The
on a free-flowing stretch of the i, Austrian sites where
Danube in Austria. The whole < urhinia rubicunda is
area is protected in the ......ntly found are three
Nationalpark Donauauen. The • i. in the north-western
large bodies of standing fresh .il<Iviertel. Interestingly,
water in the Untere (Lower) ilii-m is a small stream in the
Lobau, such as the Mittelwasser ■i il Ilern Waldviertel, the
and Kuhworter Wasser, only a i •Ibringbach, where all three

h.r.lulalum, Aeshna subarctica, Cordulia aenea Somatochlora meridionalis was first discovered Szentgyorgyvolgy and Mecsek, in northern
<iikI Leucorrhinia dubia. In Slovakia's Karpaty here, and in 2002 Leucorrhinia caudalis. and western Hungary, are the best places to look
(( arpathian) mountains, forest springs and small o HoluSa for Cordulegaster heros.
brooks support Cordulegaster bidentata, while A Ambrus and M Bedjanic
rivers with shingle banks are ideal for Hungary
Onychogomphus forcipatus and Gomphus Hungary is generally a very flat country, its vast Portugal
vulgatissimus. Pannonian lowlands watered by many meandering ' Forming the south-west corner of the Iberian
Hundreds of artificial ponds characterise streams and rivers, which provide a broad variety of peninsula, Portugal boasts a wide variety of
the hills of Stredoceska pahorkatina and habitats along them. The puszta landscape of the landscapes. The altitude drops from the Spanish
Ceskomoravska vrchovina, between Praha Great Plain, which dominates huge lowland areas 1 border to the Atlantic coast, and from north
Mei (Prague) and Brno. Coenagrion puella, Aeshna

mixta, A. grandis, Libellula quadrimaculata and
Lestes and Sympetrum species are common
of central Hungary, conceals many shallow alkaline
steppe lakes, which often dry out in summer
to south. The Tejol (Tagus) river divides the
mountainous northern region from an area of
plateaux and plains in the south. The dragonfly
55
and harbour a characteristic dragonfly fauna.

here. Where peat moss fringes small ponds, The discoveries of a population of Erythromma fauna of continental Portugal, the westernmost
Coenagrion hastulatum, Leucorrhinia pectoralis, lindenii in the south-east (2014) and a single male I country of Europe, comprises 65 species. In the
Sympetrum danae and, rarely, Coenagrion of Trithemis annulata (2016) bring the number of north-west, Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres
lunulatum and Leucorrhinia rubicunda appear. known species to 66. contains a network of streams where Boyeria
Calopteryx splendens, C. virgo, Cordulegaster The shallow alkaline lakes of the Great Plain irene, Cordulegaster boltonii, Onychogomphus
boltonii and Somatochlora metallica grace the are the most important stillwater habitats for uncatus, Calopteryx virgo and Pyrrhosoma
streams in these hills. dragonflies. Their temporary character does not nymphula are ubiquitous. In addition, Macromia
At lower altitudes, Erythromma viridulum, suit all dragonflies, but are a paradise for Lestes splendens is known from Lindoso reservoir, at
Aeshna isoceles and Crocothemis erythraea macrostigma, Sympetrum depressiusculum, S. the Spanish border. In the north-east, one of the
can be found at numerous ponds and sand meridionale and a plethora of other Sympetrum most interesting places to visit is the valley of Rio
pits around Trebon, east of Ceske Budejovice, and Lestes species, which are well adapted to Sabor and its tributaries, where more than 20
and Ophiogomphus cecilia and Cordulegaster such ecological conditions. Lakes with a more species occur, including the protected Coenagrion
boltonii occur along the pristine streams. Rarities generous summer water level allow Sympetrum ini. i. in Hansagi National Park, Hungary. mercuriale, Gomphus graslinii, Macromia splendens
such as Nehalennia speciosa, Somatochlora fonscolombii and Anax ephippiger to reproduce and Oxygastra curtisii.
arctica, S. flavomaculata, Leucorrhinia dubia, within a few months, and locally Coenagrion mneum. In the summer, Aeshna grandis and Also worth visiting is Salreu, a large marshy
L. pectoralis and L. rubicunda are found in scitulum may also be encountered. Kelemen-szek - num pedemontanum are also frequently area near Aveiro, very close to the Atlantic coast,
peatbogs, some of which contain lakes created in Kiskunsag National Park (about 30km south u < n Imre. where dragonflies may be observed almost
by peat extraction. Sympecma paedisca may of Budapest) is one of the best sites. Swampy mi1 Hungarian rivers, such as the upper throughout the year, sometimes in huge numbers.
still be found in the lowlands near Most, in the areas in the Kiskunsag area and around Kis- Il in the north-east (e.g. near Tiszabecs, The most interesting species recorded from the
north-west of the Czech Republic, while Libellula Balaton are characterised by strong populations i V/is^rosnameny and Tokaj) and Raba in area is Brachytron pratense, already on the wing
fulva and Sympetrum depressiusculum can be of Coenagrion pulchellum, Aeshna isoceles, il vest (Szentgotthard, Magyarlak, Kormend, by the beginning of March, but many others are
found in old mines around Ostrava in the north Somatochlora flavomaculata and Leucorrhinia I il I in Iveg), are among the best localities to present, including Aeshna mixta, Crocothemis
east. Natural stretches of the nearby Odra river pectoralis. One of the most robust populations i ......ill lour central European gomphids together: erythraea and Chalcolestes viridis. A little to the
support Stylurus flavipes, Gomphus vulgatissimus, of the latter in central Europe is at Lake Kolon, mis flavipes, Onychogomphus forcipatus, south, and closer to the sea, is Lagoa da Vela, a
Ophiogomphus cecilia and Onychogomphus in Kiskunsag National Park. These and other < xjomphus cecilia and, most widespread, small lake where the scarce Diplacodes lefebvrii
forcipatus. waterbodies in the park can best be visited with iphus vulgatissimus. The Tisza is famous for and Brachythemis impartita are most notable.
The lowlands along the Dunaj (Danube) and local guides. ii n liver flowering' in the middle of June, caused Aeshna juncea is known from only one area
its tributaries Dyje, Morava, Ipel and Tisa have Similar habitats can be found at the cross- i im mass emergence of the mayfly Palingenia in the country, Serra da Estrela, the highest
permanent populations of southern species border national park of Neusiedler See and ,< //< auda. Oxbows, flooded areas and gravel mountain and the largest natural park in mainland
such as Coenagrion scitulum, Crocothemis Ferto-Hansag, shared with Austria. It consists i i along the river are important habitats for Portugal. The various lakes on its high plateau
erythraea, Orthetrum brunneum and Sympetrum of a shallow steppe lake, with a huge reed II < < ‘xtremely local Leucorrhinia caudalis and also harbour Lestes dryas, Enallagma cyathigerum,
meridionale, while Aeshna affinis is regular. belt, adjacent small soda lakes and traditional > ■( toralis, and more abundant Epitheca Anax imperator, Libellula quadrimaculata and
Epitheca bimaculata inhabits gravel pits and where pastures. It is very popular among birdwatchers i. k ulata. Sites near Tiszadob, Tiszafured and Sympetrum flaveolum, while the clean streams
the rivers are still natural, populations of Stylurus and other naturalists, including those seeking i . icsege-Egyek can be visited with guides from and rivers are home to Calopteryx virgo,
flavipes, Ophiogomphus cecilia and sometimes dragonflies. In June, Lestes macrostigma and 11 h lobagy National Park. Platycnemis latipes, P. acutipennis, Boyeria
Onychogomphus forcipatus are present. Clear Leucorrhinia pectoralis can be seen. The extensive lands of Water-soldier (Stratiotes aloides) irene, Cordulegaster boltonii, Onychogomphus
streams in forests are the habitat of Cordulegaster canal network of the peatland of North- i k>rth-east Hungary may harbour Aeshna forcipatus and O. uncatus. The Rio Mira valley,
heros, while muddy ones in open land harbour Hansag is worth a visit to see good populations < iidis, with accessible sites along the Csaronda near Santa Clara-a-Velha, is a good site to look
Coenagrion ornatum, Orthetrum coerulescens of Coenagrion ornatum and Libellula fulva, ii I iszaszalka and Lonya on the Ukrainian for Lestes virens and Ceriagrion tenellum, and a
and Sympetrum pedemontanum. In 1995, accompanied by Orthetrum coerulescens and l « nder. Streams in the hills of Sopron, Orseg, diligent searcher may find Coenagrion scitulum.

The natural valleys of numerous small, clean found only in the north, or become progressively Tyrrhenian Islands in particular
rivers in the Rio Guadiana catchment have a rarer to the south, while Lestes macrostigma, harbour a fauna with an African
most attractive fauna, including Calopteryx Anax parthenope, A. ephippiger, Paragomphus flavour, and the south is even
xanthostoma, Ischnura pumilio, Gomphus graslinii, genei, Orthetrum trinacria, O. chrysostigma, home to an endemic species,
G. simillimus, Onychogomphus costae, O. Brachythemis impartita, Diplacodes lefebvrii, Cordulegaster trinacriae. Several
forcipatus, Paragomphus genei, Macromia Trithemis annulata, T. kirbyi, Selysiothemis nigra species were added recently,
splendens, Oxygastra curtisii, Orthetrum and Zygonyx torridus are typical southern species, with Aeshna subarctica in the
chrysostigma, O. nitidinerve, 0. trinacria and many of which are also common in North Africa. Alps (2009) and Sympetrum
Trithemis annulata. A beautiful example is Ribeira Rich dragonfly communities are found in rivers sinaiticum (2010), Pantala
do Vascao, on the border of Beja and Faro districts. in Galicia (e.g. Cabe, Sil, L6rez, Tea, Tambre, flavescens (2012), Diplacodes
In the Algarve, the marshes of Alvor harbour, Arnoia, Limia) in the north-west, where Oxygastra lefebvrii (2013) and Tramea
57
among other species. Diplacodes lefebvrii, Anax curtisii is very common and is usually accompaniei basilaris (2016) on small
parthenope and Libellula quadrimaculata. Along by Macromia splendens and sometimes by Mediterranean islands; the
the southern coast, mass migrations of Anax Gomphus graslinii. Lagoons along the coast of latter even represented the first
ephippiger and Sympetrum fonscolombii are Galicia, such as Doninos, Valdovino, Louro, Xuno record north of the Sahara and
sometimes witnessed, especially in autumn. and Vixan, have large populations of Ischnura in Europe.
Selysiothemis nigra was recently discovered near elegans (a rare species in most of Spain), Lestes • • -in lake, Lago de Erina, in the Covadonga National Park, The southern Alps are a
Faro, the westernmost point of its distribution virens, L. barbarus, Aeshna mixta and Sympetrum »1. •• i I uropa, Spain. good place to start looking for
range. Trithemis kirbyi bred at Ribeira de Asseca fonscolombii. At some of these there are mixed dragonflies in the north of the
in 2017 is expected elsewhere in the south-east. communities of I. elegans and I. graellsii, and i i I lhe peninsula, where southern and country. Just below the mountain hut at Baita
F Weihrauch and S Ferreira hybridisation between the two is common. 111 .pedes can be found together. The Segantini, at Passo Rolle in Trentino, is a bog
In the mountainous region of Asturias the 11. iiu»an coast has many African species, with Aeshna caerulea and Somatochlora alpestris.
Spain rivers are short and swift. The commonest > '/1hetrum nitidinerve, O. chrysostigma, In the upper Valtellina, atTrivigno in Lombardy,
There are 80 species in Spain (excluding the species here are Calopteryx virgo, Boyeria ,< inis impartita, Trithemis annulata, T. the peatbog Torbiera di Pian Gembro supports
Canaries), with Trithemis kirbyi added last. After irene and Cordulegaster boltonii. Calopteryx i .lothemis nigra and Zygonyx torridus; plenty of Coenagrion hastulatum, Somatochlora
its arrival in Andalucia in 2007, the species rapidly haemorrhoidalis is common and the males .ilso regularly recorded on the Balearic arctica and Leucorrhinia dubia. The small Lago
colonised much of the east and interior, and have a metallic violet body: they are sometimes I hr Valencia area and the river Ebro, di Lod near the village Antey-Saint-Andr£ in
recently reached the foothills of the Pyrenees. treated as the distinct subspecies asturica. The illy lhe delta, are two of the richer parts of Valtournenche (Valle d'Aosta) has dozens of
The climate of northern Spain, with humid ibones (mountain lakes) of Aragon harbour large in ,n. Some Andalucfan rivers, for instance Aeshna grandis.
summers, contrasts with the desert-like climate of populations of Aeshna juncea, with A. cyanea, • juas and Hozgarganta, have good Moving south, the large wetland Torbiere
the south, and this is reflected in the composition Libellula depressa, L. quadrimaculata, Sympetrum i i .i >im »iis of western European endemics, such d'lseo, between Iseo and Provaglio, has more
of the fauna. Species such as Macromia splendens, flaveolum, Lestes dryas, L. sponsa, Pyrrhosoma < nemis acutipennis, P. latipes, Gomphus than half the dragonfly species known in Italy.
Oxygastra curtisii, Lestes dryas, L. sponsa, nymphula and Enallagma cyathigerum as 11. pulchellus and Macromia splendens. The rare Oxygastra curtisii occurs here, along
Calopteryx virgo, Aeshna juncea, Gomphus accompanying species. These northern species ><i< >mphus costae is locally abundant in with Brachytron pratense, the only viable Italian
vulgatissimus and Cordulegaster bidentata are are generally scarce and confined to high altitudes I nnents of the Guadalquivir, Jucar and population of Leucorrhinia pectoralis and, until
in the Iberian peninsula. Some , mpetrum sinaiticum breeds in all types a few decades ago, Nehalennia speciosa. Here,
Lagoon at El Rocio, Coto Donana, Spain. rare species in Spain, such i, and is fairly common along the entire and in the other basins along the edge of the
as Sympetrum vulgatum (the hi) Andalucia to Cataluna (Catalonia), Lombardy Pre-Alps, Erythromma najas and
pale subspecies ibericurri), i * >1 particular interest is the Donana Cordulia aenea are found alongside Coenagrion
S. flaveolum, Lestes sponsa, H .«• >1.il Park, with rarer species such as pulchellum, Erythromma viridulum, E. lindenii,
Aeshna juncea and Gomphus n,K rostigma, Brachytron pratense, Anax Ceriagrion tenellum, Aeshna isoceles and
vulgatissimus, are found in the /!/<•/, Paragomphus genei and Diplacodes Somatochlora flavomaculata.
mountains of the Leon region, a. although B. pratense has not been found The western part of Pianura Padana (Po
between Asturias and the Hu i' n‘< (>ntly. valley) is an agricultural landscape with large
plains of central Spain. Other A Cordero Rivera channels and streams where, among the
northern species are found only numerous Orthetrum albistylum and Sympetrum
in the Pyrenees: Coenagrion Italy pedemontanum, Ophiogomphus cecilia may
hastulatum, Somatochlora lung from the high Alps to the subtropical be seen along the edges of the cornfields, or
metallica, Leucorrhinia dubia i >1 lhe Mediterranean, Italy has an even Stylurus flavipes patrolling over the water.
and L. pectoralis. ....... nlinary richness of landscapes, with a Huge swarms of Sympetrum depressiusculum
An area with a rich fauna is • guently diverse fauna of 95 dragonfly occurred in the ricefields until the 1970s, but the
Madrid, probably owing to its i N . Although many western and eastern population has now declined dramatically. Any
geographical situation in the i I- iih nanean specialities are absent, the small stream may have Calopteryx splendens,
■
Pynhosoma nymphula, IliihlHiM. i. one of the most interesting localities than 30 species can be easily encountered during
(jomphus vulgatissimus, miry. Once the most famous marshland a weekend, including Leucorrhinia pectoralis,
I ibellula fulva and, occasionally, ill urope, the Ljubljansko barje Aeshna isoceles and Erythromma najas.
(alopteryx virgo, Boyeria irene <• l.iy is characterised by an extensive but Further to the east, the Mura floodplain, with
and Cordulegaster boltonii. i k |i icultural landscape, criss-crossed its oxbows and numerous gravel pits, represents
Try the area of Tromello i • • and ecologically diverse network of another dragonfly hotspot, with more than 50
(Lombardy, Pavia province), . hannels, ditches and streams. Among species. Some of the older oxbows along the
close to the channels Naviglio T is species recorded here and in the near border section of the Mura, near Petisovci,
Langosco and Canale Cavour dings, the largest Slovene population of are inhabited by both Chalcolestes viridis and
and the stream Terdoppio. * hlora flavomaculata and Coenagrion C. parvidens, and some even support the
Between Lombardy and Emilia, 1 are of special interest. endangered Aeshna viridis, Leucorrhinia caudalis
59
the relatively undisturbed nmmer is the best time to find the largest and L. pectoralis, while Aeshna isoceles and
sections of the river Po are i mi Iragonfly, Cordulegaster heros. It Coenagrion pullchelum are common.
good for S. flavipes, some 11kill, slow- to moderate-flowing forest M Bedjanic
of them supporting large lypical of the hilly country leading down
populations. Several streams lallands. North of Ljubljana, try the forest Croatia
in Liguria, e.g. the Erro near . west of the Kranj-Skofja road and north With the exception of peatbogs and mires, Croatia
Pontinvrea, hold Boyeria irene, The Ampola valley in the southern Alps, near Lake Garda, Italy. I 11 < i klje-Preddvor road. C. heros is also very has it all as far as dragonfly habitats are concerned:
Onychogomphus uncatus in in in central and eastern Slovenia, and for beautiful lowland rivers with preserved floodplains
and Oxygastra curtisii. Around the Lago di usually found on streams and rivers, while the i i illy watchers with a little experience it is and oxbows, extensive fish ponds, scenic limestone
Massaciuccoli in Toscana (Tuscany), you may be former mostly inhabits still waters, for instance in impossible not to encounter this species, rivers and, of course, the picturesque Adriatic
lucky enough to encounter the elusive Lindenia the north-west at the Lago Baratz and the small ii is often accompanied by Calopteryx virgo, coast and its islands, with their innumerable small
tetraphylla. The mountain streams of southern lake Stagno di Platamona. Clear streams with a I 11(‘times also by Cordulegaster bidentata pools and cattle ponds. However, care is needed
Italy, such as the upper course of the rivers sandy bottom and shore, such as Rio Terramala uni matochlora meridionalis. The latter is in certain parts of East Slavonia, Banovina and
Bussento (Campania) and Agri (Basilicata), near Monti or the streams near Posada, may ■ i y common, but it prefers slightly larger, Dalmatia as a result of minefields placed during
may reveal the Italian endemic Cordulegaster yield large numbers of Paragomphus genei. You i-id meandering streams in the lowlands. It the war. At present, the dragonfly fauna of Croatia
trinacriae. have to be really lucky to see Lindenia tetraphylla, i i 11equently accompanied by Calopteryx totals 68 species.
The Tyrrhenian Islands are the best place to see but try at the Stagno di Platamona or around the splendens, Platycnemis pennipes and In northern Croatia, on the border with
African species, preferably during the summer, mouth of Rio Padrogianu near Olbia. Around the i 's tgomphus forcipatus. Hungary, lower sections of the Drava river are
and the only place for Ischnura genei, which is small saline ponds at Su Palosu near Oristano i H H i on the sunny side of the Alps, northern very interesting, offering the possibility of seeing
common here. Sicily offers many opportunities. in late May and early June, the clumps of rushes hi i ii.i has some of the southernmost peatbogs Ophiogomphus cecilia, Stylurus flavipes and
Visit the coastal lake Biviere di Gela, near Gela on are covered with hundreds of Lestes macrostigma, H i uh ipe: the Pohorje mountains and the Gomphus vulgatissimus together. In the far east
the southern coast, to see numbers of Orthetrum looking like pale blue flowers. This is almost i• ■! 1,111 .i and Jelovica plateaux in the Julian is the Kopacki rit nature park, one of the largest
trinacria, Trithemis annulata and Selysiothemis the only dragonfly able to breed here. Similarly, Alp- lie good for Aeshna juncea, Somatochlora natural marshlands and floodplains in Europe,
nigra, with possibly also Paragomphus genei. small temporary ponds that are reduced to a dry / j and Leucorrhinia dubia. Within an hour's where the Drava flows into the Dunav (Danube).
Even before you reach its shores, dozens of reedbed in summer, such as those scattered on illi i is one of the greatest karst curiosities, the More than 40 dragonfly species have been
Brachythemis impartita will fly all around your the Monte Limbara nearTempio Pausania, are Hi miItent Lake Cerknica, with its constantly recorded here.
feet as you walk on the bare ground. In the unsuitable for most species, apart from Lestes ii iinimg appearance and 36 dragonfly species, In central Croatia, similar habitats with a rich
mountains near Palermo, head for the southern barbarus and L. virens, which may occur in their i1 nl(‘ the summer crowds, it is worth visiting dragonfly fauna can be also found in Lonjsko
slopes of the rocky-topped Rocca Busambra, hundreds. iln ‘.lovene coast in June: the old saltpans in polje national park. The outstanding cultural
at Ficuzza. The trickles here may harbour the IX/1 Pavesi i »vlje, the brackish lagoon Skocjanski zatok, landscape around the scenic village of Cigoc is
brightly yellow-marked subspecies Cordulegaster H Koper, and two claypit lakes in Fiesa, near famous for its breeding storks and free-ranging
bidentata sicilica, together with the rare Orthetrum Slovenia in, harbour more than 40 species, including hairy pigs, which often unintentionally create
nitidinerve. Cordulegaster trinacriae occurs around Slovenia is small green country south of the Alps, 1 img population of Ceriagrion tenellum in small dragonfly habitats in flooded pastures.
Castelbuono and Mezzojuso. characterised by beautiful landscapes and a rich Ursa. These small temporary ponds provide suitable
Should you have a sun-and-sea holiday on the fauna and flora. Its position at the confluence of in I he north-east of Slovenia, extensive fish habitat for Lestes barbarus, L. dryas, Sympecma
small island of Pantelleria, then visit the volcanic the Mediterranean, Pannonian, Alpine and Dinaric II i h Is around the villages of Podvinci and fusca, Ischnura pumilio, Aeshna affinis and
lake Bagno dell'Acqua or Specchio di Venere, biogeographic regions, and its wealth of different /gornji Velovlek near Ptuj, Komarnik reservoir Sympetrum meridionale.
which have the only European populations of freshwater habitats, are the main reasons for its in al enart, and Medvedce reservoir south of Heading out from Zagreb, through the Kapela
Ischnura fountaineae known to date - practically diverse dragonfly fauna of 72 species. Slovenia 11 h irrsko, each harbour more than 35 species, mountains towards the Adriatic coast, the famous
the only dragonfly to be found there. is the best place in Europe to see the enigmatic i lay is the best time to see Epitheca bimaculata, Plitvice lakes are certainly worth visiting. Although
The African Orthetrum trinacria and Trithemis Cordulegaster heros and Somatochlora meridionalis. iinh has been recorded at more than 70 somewhat crowded on weekends and holidays,
annulata also occur on Sardinia. The latter is Just a few kilometres south of the capital, i' h alities in this part of the country. In June, more Plitvice is one of the most stunning examples

i>l Mr.I ■.< riit’iy, .mil h proltu led as a national Montenegro and North Macedonia, the increasing I'ill.iiions of Lindenia
p.iil .11 id l INI S( 0 Woild I lorilage Site. The series Mediterranean influence is reflected in the climate, »►»- 0 /■) H.I h iown, as well as a
<>l niiineioii*. scenic lakes on the Korana river, dragonfly habitats and species encountered. iird (and only recently
'.ep.ii.iled by travertine barriersand lovely The dragonfly fauna of the whole region is l> population of the
waler tails, is further enhanced by its rich dragonfly poorly known. Sixty-three dragonfly species have «• western
lile. More than 30 species have been recorded here, been recorded from Serbia, 64 from Bosnia and | man Gomphus
the typical dragonfly assemblage of limestone rivers Herzegovina, 67 from Montenegro, 62 from North hi'llir,
is characterised by numerous Calopteryx splendens Macedonia and 42 from Kosovo. Minefields were • ill Macedonia, the
and C. virgo, Platycnemis pennipes, Gomphus laid across what is now Bosnia and Herzegovina ■ of lakes Doiran and
vulgatissimus and Orthetrum coerulescens. during the Bosnian War, and as a result care is »<• pa .iikI their surroundings
The Adriatic coast is magnificent in its beauty needed with fieldwork here. ■ H I nown. The latter lies 61
and diversity, and offers great possibilities to The lowland Pannonian part of Serbia has •ill . on the border with
combine family holidays with dragonfly-watching. many suitable rivers, ponds and marshes, jikI Albania. More
Some of the bigger Kvarner islands, such as Pag supporting a fauna similar to that of the i '.pedes have been
and Krk, host more than 35 dragonfly species adjacent regions of Croatia and Hungary. From a • I. the most interesting
and represent the northern extent of the rare zoogeographical point of view, the widely disjunct /r(/( orrhinia pectoralis,
Selysiothemis nigra and Lindenia tetraphylla. In relict populations of Coenagrion hastulatum, ■ I aenea and Sympetrum River Veleka in southern Bulgaria, habitat of Somatochlora borisi.
late June and July, lake Velo Blato in southern Leucorrhinia dubia and Aeshna juncea occurring mi, which become
Pag is among the best places in Europe to in the mountain lakes of the Durmitor National • •' towards the south
observe the two. Pantala flavescens was Park, in Montenegro, and on Mt Golija, in ■p(». The lowland lake Doiran lies on the southernmost occurrence. During glaciation,
recorded for the first time in Croatia on Krk in southern Serbia, are interesting. Streams in i' i with Greece and hosts more than 35 these and other northern species penetrated
2010. The scarcity of bigger streams and lakes the hilly and mountainous areas of Serbia and i i illy species, including a large population southwards along the Carpathian and Balkan
on the Croatian islands is compensated for by North Macedonia are frequently inhabited by »■ Ionia tetraphylla, while Epallage fatime is mountains. Peatbogs in the higher mountains
hundreds, or even thousands, of small cattle Cordulegaster heros and C. insignis. i i in the hills north of the lake. Caliaeschna are now home to isolated communities of
ponds, called lokve. Their dragonfly communities The two regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina are • ligma can be easily observed on warm Lestes sponsa, Pyrrhosoma nymphula, Aeshna
are characterised by Anax imperator, Libellula very diverse in terms of dragonfly habitats. Plains iiici afternoons along some streams on the juncea, Cordulia aenea, Libellula quadrimaculata
depressa, Crocothemis erythaea. 5ympetrum along the Sava and Bosna rivers are suitable i i of Mt Belasica. and Sympetrum flaveolum. Erythromma najas,
striolatum and S. meridionale, but may include for many common species such as Calopteryx /W Bedjanic and T Bogdanovic Coenagrion hastulatum, C. lunulatum, Aeshna
Chalcolestes parvidens, Coenagrion scitulum, splendens, C. virgo and Libellula depressa, but grandis, Epitheca bimaculata, Somatochlora
Ceriagrion tenellum and also, as in the case of populations of Leucorrhinia pectoralis and L. Bulgaria and Romania metallica, S. alpestris and Leucorrhinia pectoralis
the national park of Brijuni, Lestes macrostigma. caudalis are also found locally. Streams in the 1 legion has one of the most diverse landscapes are very local, but may be found more widely
The southern coast of Dalmacija (Dalmatia) is high mountains, especially in central Bosnia, nope. Numerous tributaries in vast lowlands once Romanian Moldavia and Transylvania are
among the richest areas in the Mediterranean host species such as Cordulegaster bidentata i i lo the majestic Danube (Dunare in Romanian, explored. In the Carpathians of Romania's far
for dragonflies. In the Neretva delta, at least 36 and Gomphus vulgatissimus. The unique mix of . ..... . in Bulgarian), with countless lakes along its north, Coenagrion armatum and Nehalennia
species have been recorded, including Sympecma Mediterranean and continental influences on the •ui‘.(‘ leading to Europe's largest delta. Coastal speciosa may still occur.
fusca, Ceriagrion tenellum, Coenagrion ornatum, dragonfly fauna of the region is seen in Calopteryx 1.1' p •ons are bordered by flooded forests with an In complete contrast, the lowlands and broad
Erythromma lindenii, Lindenia tetraphylla and splendens populations, with characters of the I >st tropical appearance. Undulating plateaux valleys of the rivers flowing to the Aegean and Black
Selysiothemis nigra. The streams in the Konavli subspecies balcanica and ancilla expressed to a • ili karst lakes lead up to large mountain chains seas are favourite haunts of Mediterranean
area are frequently inhabited by Caliaeschna varying degree. Although generally dry and rocky 111 some of Europe's southernmost peatbogs and species. Burgas is a good place to start exploring
microstigma, Cordulegaster bidentata and the Herzegovina is rich in small rivers. Interesting i itane lakes. In the Balkans, continental European the southern Black Sea coast. Check the
subspecies Calopteryx splendens balcanica. combinations of species, such as Lindenia •I k I Mediterranean species mix. Recent records of numerous small rivers for Epallage fatime,
T Bogdanovic and M Bedjanic tetraphylla, Cordulia aenea, Somatochlora Hiiala flavescens (2012) and Epitheca bimaculata Caliaeschna microstigma, Cordulegaster picta and
meridionalis and Coenagrion ornatum can o 17) bring the Bulgarian list to 71 species. The Somatochlora meridionalis. Lestes macrostigma
Other states of be found here, for instance in Hutovo Blato i< jonflies of Romania are still rather poorly can be seen around vegetated pools in the dunes
former Yugoslavia National Park, near Capljina. m< lerstood; currently, 71 species are also known south of the town. Small tributaries of the Danube
Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, While the mountainous karst interior of l he country, with Aeshna subarctica (2009) and are good for Cordulegaster insignis, e.g. near
Kosovo and North Macedonia occupy the largest Montenegro is not very suitable for dragonflies, the ■< 'lysiothemis nigra (2013) added most recently. Vetren. Somatochlora borisi has been found near
portion of the north-western Balkans. In the north lowland surrounding lake Skadar, together with I he Balkans are an attractive destination, with the Ropotamo and Veleka rivers, but it was first
east, dragonfly habitats are largely influenced the coastal Adriatic region around Ulcinj, may offer i lich but still insufficiently known biodiversity discovered as new to science (in 1999) in the valley
by the Dunav (Danube) and its tributaries. The the chance of seeing interesting southern species that offers much potential for new discoveries. of the Byala reka in the heart of the eastern
central part of the region is mountainous with such as Gomphus schneiderii, Trithemis annulata, • >matochlora arctica and Leucorrhinia dubia were Rhodops, close to the villages of Byalgradets
karst scenery, which is relatively unfavourable Selysiothemis nigra and the subspecies Platycnemis ■ mly recently discovered in the Rila mountains and Gugutka. At least 5. meridionalis and L.
to dragonflies. Further south, towards pennipes nitidula. The lake harbours one of the ill south-west Bulgaria, representing their macrostigma also reach into central Romania.

The characteristic fauna of small rivers in the the country. Only 150 of them are inhabited and who enjoys the delicate differences microstigma and Trithemis festiva grace most
plains includes Calopteryx splendens, Coenagrion many are poor in dragonflies, although some of taWlHH.Ih ■ many members of this genus. On streams. The best place to start is around Lake
ornatum, Orthetrum brunneum and 0. the larger islands are more favourable. Currently, ii.. m. ...a mhI, c . bidentata, C. heros, C. picta Koycegiz, a region with more than 50 recorded
coerulescens. Libellula fulva often occurs with them, 79 species are known from Greece. The dragonfly ' b In a occur. The latter is endemic to species. The lake itself can be explored by boat,
as may Erythromma lindenii. The best place to look fauna of Albania is similar to that of northern i is i ('presented by three subspecies, of and has remarkably high densities of Erythromma
for the nomadic Selysiothemis nigra is in brackish Greece, but requires further study. The discoveries hhol/i is present only on the Cyclades. lindenii, Aeshna isoceles, Lindenia tetraphylla and
habitats near the Black Sea in the far south, where of Gomphus pulchellus (2014) and Somatochlora i minbers of the subspecies helladica can Libellula fulva. The nearby Esen river harbours
Lindenia tetraphylla was found reproducing in 2017 metallica (2015) brought the list up to 59 species. M '...... i i»(|c >lher with C. heros, at the large well Onychogomphus flexuosus. Streams in Oriental
and Trithemis annulata may also await discovery. In the number of (near) endemic dragonfly nd Kalavrita. The springs at the ruins of Sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis) forest are sites
The Danube forms a dynamic artery through species, Greece is unrivalled by any other European Imiiihi .ii i < lassie site for the subspecies kastalia. for Gomphus schneiderii, Cordulegaster insignis
the region, supporting a vast range of habitats. country. These species are scattered across the i . |iist south-west of Neos Pandeleimdnas, and C. picta. Nearby rocky mountain streams
63
Stylurus flavipes inhabits its entire stretch. isles and mainland, making it difficult to see them iih of Katerini, are good for C. bidentata hold the impressive Anax immaculifrons. Runnels
The attractive delta covers much of Romania's all in a single visit. Although many southern i< i',. The fifth species, C. insignis, can be near the village of Koycegiz are inhabited by
northern Dobrogea and is rich in lakes, channels species are found in standing waters, running IhhmiI ii I ho Greek islands of Thassos, Lesbos and Ceriagrion georgifreyi and an unusual dark variety
and flooded areas. Known as 'the living delta', its waters harbour most of the (near) endemics. The here it occurs together with C. picta. The of C. pulchellum.
dense vegetation forms small floating islands that recently described Somatochlora borisi is known i hi Anaximmaculifrons, which recalls The delta of the Goksu, especially the dune
move with the wind and tides. Aeshna isoceles from a small number of localities in the eastern i i '-(I Cordulegaster, has its westernmost slacks and reedy ditches around Akgol lagoon,
and Anax imperator are typical over open areas Rhodopes and the Istranca Mountains, and his on the islands of Rhodes, K^rpathos is a good place to look for Lestes macrostigma,
with reeds, while Erythromma viridulum prefers also occurs in adjacent Bulgaria and Turkey. Try li H1.1 Another enigmatic Greek species, Brachythemis fuscopalliata, Diplacodes lefebvrii,
to perch on floating leaves. More than 30 species the river Diavolorema near Dadia, 10km south i lelraphylla, is found at large lakes such as Pantala flavescens, Selysiothemis nigra and
are reported from the delta, but several recent west of Souflion near the Turkish border. ><i i mil lliki. Trithemis arteriosa. Crocothemis servilia flies with
records, such as of Selysiothemis nigra, suggest Another near-endemic of the Greek mainland is ii id of Lesbos is a popular birdwatching C. erythraea here. Most of these species may
that the number present is more likely to be Pyrrhosoma elisabethae, which is known only from 11ion, and with well over 40 Odonata is also be found around Adana. Canals and pools
around 40. Similar diversity is found in Srebarna a number of brooks in the northern Peloponnisos * i< )od for dragonfly-watching. Among in the delta here (e.g. near Kadirli) also harbour
Nature Reserve, a wetland along the Danube in (Peloponnese) (try the surroundings of Kalavrita ■ ■■ K'S found here are goodies such as Coenagrion syriacum, Platycnemis dealbata,
the Bulgarian Dobrudja. and Dafni), one location in southern Albania and fp.i// ii/o Iat ime, Lestes macrostigma, Ceriagrion P. kervillei, Gomphus davidi, Paragomphus lineatus
M Marinov from the isle of Kerkira (Corfu). iilieyi, Caliaeschna microstigma, Gomphus and Libellula pontica. Four Onychogomphus
Greece and Albania On Kerkira (Corfu), Ceriagrion georgifreyi, b bli'iii, Cordulegaster picta, C. insignis and species (O. forcipatus, O. flexuosus, O. lefebvrii
Almost four-fifths of the Greek mainland consists another red damselfly with a small distribution, is ' >lhemis nigra. and O. macrodon) live in the delta's Ceyhan
of mountains, where some northern species also found. In addition, this species occurs on the V J Kalkman river, as does Stylurus ubadschii, a species that
reach their southern limit. The coastal areas have isles of Th^sos, Zakinthos and Lesbos, and locally occurs throughout Turkey but is seldom observed.
a Mediterranean climate and fauna. The 2,000- in the Peloponnisos. Strangely enough, only the I mi key and Cyprus Between the Goksu and Adana lies the stunning
plus Greek islands make up almost one-fifth of more widely distributed Ceriagrion tenellum is , r. a large, rugged country with varied limestone gorge of Limonlu, where Gomphus
IijIhi.iI', ranging from snowy peaks and temperate schneiderii, Onychogomphus assimilis and
present on Crete and the nearby
Gorge in the Pindos Mountains, north Greece. Inn is, through cold steppes and hot deserts to Anax immaculifrons occur. The most westerly
island of los, although this
species is absent from the rest 'ihipical coasts. The dragonfly
. ..... . is accordingly diverse, and Carputz Cay in Turkey, habitat of Brachythemis fuscopalliata.
of Greece. Crete is home to two
endemic species: Coenagrion i 11 least 101 species is the
intermedium is a rather i h ,i of the countries covered
unimpressive C. puella lookalike i ii . guide. Many tropical
and is fairly common around i .in and Asian species reach
streams across the island; - heme limits of their range
Boyeria cretensis is common hi Hip Mediterranean shores of
only locally, being known from hI <-y and Cyprus,

about 15 streams, including the iih its pleasant climate,
Kabanos south-east of Koufi mliful scenery and interesting
and the Petres north-west of I. H i* mflies, southern Turkey
Kaloniktis. It is endangered i popular destination.
owing to its small distribution i •! ihetrum chrysostigma,
and the ongoing deterioration ■abina, O. taeniolatum
of its stream habitat. ii ii I trithemis annulata are
With five Cordulegaster i Hinnon and widespread.
species, Greece is heaven / / ullage fatime, Caliaeschna
populations of the Central Asian Sympetrum their humidity on the steep mountain slopes ii ii.i forming the border
haritonovi lie high in the mountains above Alanya. on most islands of the Canaries and determine H I he Palearctic and
The west of Turkey, with its many the islands' climate, making the northern parts J Aliican biogeographic
archaeological sites, is less often visited for fertile while the southern parts are arid and hot. Iliis 'European' and
dragonflies and much remains to be discovered. Natural freshwater habitats are scarce, except in hi' blend is shared with
A large population of Libellula pontica occurs the Azores, and the dragonfly fauna is accordingly i iikI Tunisia (together,
at a brook 5km south of Tarakli (40km south poor: there are just ten regularly recorded species !!■<■( ountries form the
of Sakarya), an extension of its known range by in the Canaries, seven in Madeira and five in the H b), but Morocco is special
more than 500km. Azores. - * ways. First, the Atlantic
In north-west Turkey, lakes Kus (Manyas) and The dragonfly fauna is strongly influenced 11 >iovides a relatively moist
Ulubat (Apolyont), and the delta of the Koca, by the proximity to Africa, as demonstrated by Hi' with distinctive landscapes
65
all west of Bursa, look promising. The numerous the only two damselfly species in the Canaries, ibilats all along its coast.
lagoons and rivers on the west coast should Ischnura saharensis and I. senegalensis. An ■ ond, high mountains
be searched for Lestes macrostigma and the American species of Ischnura makes a visit to ii i ihe country, providing
poorly known Stylurus ubadschii. Thousands of the Azores worthwhile: I. hastata occurs on all i 'I able upland habitats.
Erythromma lindenii skim above the large lakes major islands, but only females are found. This is north is the rather wet
near Isparta, and the surrounding hills hold good the only parthenogenetic species known among Mil I 18m). In the centre are
habitat for Leucorrhinia pectoralis and Sympetrum Odonata. Ischnura pumilio has also colonised the in Idle and High Atlas (3,340m and 4,165m), only a handful of species are visible at one place.
vulgatum decoloratum. The ecology of the latter is Azores, as well as Madeira. • i lable backbone that divides the country Standing waterbodies are rare, apart from large
poorly known and its exuviae remain undiscovered: The Canarian landscape is shaped by barrancos, i vo strongly contrasting sides: the north- irrigation dams and daya (temporary pools) after
freshly emerged individuals were found at a spring- steep gorges descending from the mountains, , which is relatively moist; and the south-east, good rains. It is important, therefore, not to
fed lake just north of Cayiryazi, 35km south of £ay. which are dry for most of the year or offer only I i is almost a desert. In the south are the neglect oued (rivers and streams), which are by
Turkey's north has a very different landscape ephemeral freshwater habitats. The lack of running iLis (2,531m), relatively well watered due far the dominant habitats. They often have many
and fauna, reminiscent of the mountains of central water in the barrancos is compensated for by i |noximity of the Atlantic, and the arid Jbel slower and still sections, which harbour most
Europe. In Turkey, species such as Pyrrhosoma open irrigation channels, which may serve as a mliio (2,712m). Moroccan species.
nymphula, Aeshna cyanea, Cordulia aenea and larval habitat for the African species Orthetrum i !'■ Moroccan dragonfly fauna of 64 species The oued in the western Rif are an excellent
Sympetrum danae occur only here. The rainy far chrysostigma, Trithemis arteriosa and Zygonyx li i Ibis diversity, with a majority of starting point when exploring the north and the
east of the Black Sea coast (not covered in this torridus. Good sites are Barranco del Infierno i i i iianean species, especially western ones Atlantic coast of Morocco. Trithemis annulata,
guide) is home to deviant relatives of Calopteryx and Barranco de Masca on Tenerife. Mass influxes 11 .r. Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis, Ischnura Orthetrum nitidinerve and O. chrysostigma
splendens, Coenagrion puella and Cordulegaster from Africa of Anax ephippiger and the ubiquitous .// and Boyeria irene, but also some boreal are easily found, with Paragomphus genei,
insignis, each often considered distinct species. Sympetrum fonscolombii can be recorded from i" with isolated highland populations, such Onychogomphus costae or Trithemis kirbyi
The dragonfly fauna of Cyprus is similar to that time to time, while Pantala flavescens probably n dryas and Libellula quadrimaculata, and often also present. Oued Loukkos, between
of the opposite mainland, but with 37 species it followed in their wake: two individuals on Gran i ■. lound only in the Maghreb and the Iberian Chefchaouen and Ouezzane, is a good example;
is relatively impoverished; glaring absentees are Canaria in 2013 represent the first record of this .ula. The latter includes Onychogomphus Oued Laou, near Chefchaouen, offers a more
the genera Coenagrion, Gomphus, Cordulegaster species for the Canaries. The first European record ■and Orthetrum nitidinerve, three montane feel. The coastal marshes of Larache,
and Libellula. Nonetheless, Anatolia's charismatic of Orthetrum ransonnetii was at Barranco de Rio I In endemics (Calopteryx exul, Platycnemis at the mouth of Oued Loukkos, provide an
stream species - Epallage fatime, Caliaeschna Cabras on Fuerteventura in 2018, while Ischnura data and Enallagma deserti), one Sahara opportunity to observe many species. The African
microstigma and Anax immaculifrons - are senegalensis has become established at a few sites n I 11 ii( (Ischnura saharensis) and even two Diplacodes lefebvrii is difficult to see elsewhere.
present throughout the island, although the latter on La Palma and southern Tenerife. II i an endemics (Cordulegasterprinceps and Further south, at the brackish lagoon of Sidi Bou
is uncommon. Streams in the Diarizos river basin Sympetrum nigrifemur is known only from n Im ygomphus boudoti). About 15 species Ghaba near Qenitra, the 'African' Orthetrum
are best to find the island's speciality, Ischnura Madeira, La Gomera, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, i, pi( ally African. Most of these also occur in trinacria and Brachythemis impartita cohabit
intermedia, which was added to the European although some regard this species merely as Inn i" •'•> extreme south (Paragomphus genei, with the 'European' O. cancellatum and Aeshna
list in 2013. Lestes macrostigma is found at the a large, dark form of Sympetrum striolatum. ih<'inis annulata, T. kirbyi, Brachythemis impartita mixta. Visit the Oued Massa, and the Youssef
brackish lagoons at Larnaca and Akrotiri. It is fairly common and on the wing almost " i r< /onyx torridus), but Trithemis arteriosa Ben Tachfine dam at the edge of the Anti-Atlas
1/ J Kalkman and K-D B Dijkstra throughout the year. i ■ 'iidagrion sublacteum do not. Ischnura between Agadir and Tiznit, to see southern
F Weihrauch ’!■ uneae extends deep into the drylands of Asia, species such as Trithemis arteriosa, Ischnura
Canaries, Madeira ii' hing dragonflies in Morocco can be saharensis and, possibly, Pantala flavescens.
and the Azores Morocco lit ii nil, and patience and tenacity are needed, The inland and Atlas mountains also offer
These volcanic Atlantic archipelagos are noted For a European traveller, Morocco is a perfect i i 'le habitats are not always accessible by car, interesting opportunities. The agueimam (lakes)
for their extremely high and rugged mountains, link with Africa. Separated from Spain by only a H" i many can be completely dry in bad years. in the Middle Atlas harbour Palearctic species
whose slopes descend steeply to the coast; the 15km strait, the landscape and habitats in the 11 Ilight period is very long and individuals can such as Lestes dryas, Enallagma cyathigerum
record-breaking Pico del Teide on Tenerife reaches north appear very similar to those of Andalucia. llm be rather scarce, with an obvious decrease and Libellula quadrimaculata, together with
3,715m. Trade winds from the north-east unload In contrast, the south and east are more arid, tubers during the hottest months. Generally, specialities such as Enallagma deserti and-the

subspecies Gomphus simillimus maroccanus. Algeria >/mx ephippiger and
Separating the two Enallagma species here can be Algeria is the second-largest country in Africa and i im fonscolombii. The
very challenging. Recommended agueimam are has a very varied climate and topography. It can i alder forest of Lac
Sidi Ali and Azigza, both very scenic mountain be divided into three regions: a wet coastal strip, t i r. Irequented in spring
lakes, and dayet (sometimes dry ponds) such as with evergreen oak forest and maquis surrounding '■/m isoceles. Later in the
Ifrah, Iffer or Aaoua. On these still waterbodies, numerous marshes and garaet (shallow lakes); an .eeking relief from the
typical Mediterranean species such as Coenagrion area of flat, semi-arid high plateaux, with immense iimg summer, species
scitulum and Aeshna affinis can be found. The salt lakes known as chottand sabkhas; and the | i /< >stes barbarus and
Oued Tizguid near Ifrane (e.g. at a place called Sahara, sparsely dotted with oases, and where ergs •/< -.les viridis fill the shady,
'source Vittel'), is a wonderful river, where one (sand-dunes) alternate with regs (rocky plateaux). • i ih ler scrub. Shortly before
Mm is almost guaranteed to see such specialities as

Calopteryx exul and Cordulegaster princeps.
Two African species, Pseudagrion sublacteum
A total of 63 species has been recorded; Lestes
numidicus was described from Algeria in 2003.
Algeria shares many species with Morroco and
•i
• ■•
ii i autumn rains cast a veil
i over parched habitats,
hi witness the spectacular
and Zygonyx torridus, are among the most Tunisia, but less is known about them and the . .... Hight of millions of Oued Mellegue, Tunisia.
attractive in Morocco and are likely to be seen many gaps in the distribution maps in the guide i mixta, Sympetrum
on small or medium-sized oued in the semi- are simply a result of this lack of information. h< male and 5. striolatum from their montane extensive stands of bulrushes (Typha). It is worth
arid inner regions of the country, where they Aside from the prospect of new discoveries, 11 ii a refuges, bustling over the Mekhada investigating any river that crosses the road.
generally occur with Onychogomphus costae. Algeria hosts specialities such as Gomphus lucasii, ii and adjacent wetlands. El Kala National Boyeria irene and Onychogomphus uncatus are
Look for them (in rapid sections only) on the Urothemis edwardsii and Acisoma inflatum. A visit f ail< . known for Lindenia tetraphylla and abundant at the rivers Lebgaa and Bransia near
Oued Sebou above Fes, or on its tributaries (e.g. also offers an opportunity to explore the splendid //< 'mis semihyalina. While the former was Ain Draham, while Pyrrhosoma nymphula and
Oued El-Ammar at Matmata), and also on the canyons of the Tassili N'Ajjer and the Ahaggar H Ji ii ivered at Lac Noir in 2018 after 170 years, Aeshna cyanea, the latest additions to the Tunisian
tributaries of the Oued Oum Er-Rbia as they mountains in the deep south (outside the scope Hu ii ler is still considered extinct in Algeria. list, were found in 2014. The Oued Zarga in the
descend from the Atlas (such as Oued El-Abiod, of this book), where African species such as Hn .career freshwater wetlands of the high Beja region, the Oued Maden near Nefza and
at Imezgane bridge). Onychogomphus boudoti Pseudagrion hamoni and desert specialists like i'i iii aiix, such as the lake of Timerganine near the Oued Ghezala near Fernana, for instance, all
may yet be discovered at such tributaries, having Orthetrum ransonnetii are found. 11 Bouaghi, hold abundant Enallagma host the North African endemics Calopteryx exul,
been described as new to science from Khenifra Owing to its subtropical climate, Numidia ii, Coenagrion coerulescens, Anax Platycnemis subdilatata and Gomphus lucasii.
province only in 2014. In the east, you need to in the north-east, which has also long been i " 'nope and Orthetrum cancellatum. Some The huge central steppe is situated between the
cross the Middle Atlas, towards a region called known for its importance for waterbirds, is i. ini.ment streams support Orthetrum nitidinerve southern slopes of the Tell Atlas and the northern
TOriental' by the Moroccans, to see the eastern home to many dragonfly species. Sites such as •I 11H' elusive North African endemic Calopteryx fringe of the Sahara. In this dry region, reservoirs
Ischnura fountaineae. The best site is probably the Lac Tonga, Lac des Oiseaux and Lac OubeTra ui I he northern fringe of the Sahara is a may be excellent sites. The best example is a small
Oued Za and its tributaries, near Ain Bni Matar. have benefited from conservation measures. An • . .... I place to see Ischnura saharensis and /. lake at the south-east outflow of the Barrage el
Here, it is abundant, together with I. saharensis exploration of the mosaic of wetlands within " i.iineae, as well as Sympetrum sinaiticum, Habib, north of the Kairouan-Sbeitla road. Here,
and Enallagma deserti (which here occurs without the El Kala National Park and environs is hi k'inis arteriosa and T. kirbyi. 25 species have been recorded so far, including
E. cyathigerum). These three species can also be likely to be rewarded with swarms of Ischnura B Samraoui Lindenia tetraphylla, Onychogomphus costae and
seen in the Guir and Ziz basins. graellsii, Erythromma viridulum, Aeshna isoceles Orthetrum nitidinerve. Brachythemis impartita
In the south, the palm groves in the valleys of and the African species Diplacodes lefebvrii and lunisia is typical of big reservoirs, whereas Enallagma
the Ziz, Todgha, Dades or Draa are magnificent Brachythemis impartita. The latter follows large ii ii u .m is a typical Maghreb country, with a deserti prefers small ones.
places. It is a delight to stroll along the rivers and mammals, including humans, in the manner • i u'i klist of 58 dragonfly species. European Most southern sites have the scenic
saqiya (irrigation ditches) and be rewarded with of a Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis). The fast i ih ns will find a fascinating species composition, combination of dragonflies and palm trees. The
sightings of Platycnemis subdilatata, Coenagrion flowing oued and wadi (rivers) here are likely to .i.lining several Maghreb endemics and, in oases in the northern Sahara provide many
caerulescens, Ischnura saharensis, Anax parthenope, yield Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis, Coenagrion H ii hlion to well-known Palearctic representatives, a suitable habitats: irrigation channels with pumped
Orthetrum chrysostigma, O. nitidinerve, Sympetrum mercuriale, Gomphus lucasii and the crepuscular i hI portion of tropical African species. With a car, water, and brackish lakes or swamps where the
fonscolombii and various Trithemis species. Look Boyeria irene, while in slower rivers Platycnemis i id map and at least a week to explore, you can water seeps away. The best sites can be found
for Selysiothemis nigra at a small reservoir near subdilatata and Paragomphus genei are likely to i mi selection of representative sites throughout around Douz and Tozeur, which typically host
Oued Tata south-west of Tata. Orthetrum be seen. Hi < ountry. As the summers are hot, the best times thousands of Ischnura fountaineae, I. saharensis,
ransonnetii was found for the first time in The coastal dunes house small ponds with i< i isit are mid-May to June and in September. In Sympetrum sinaiticum, Diplacodes lefebvrii and
Morocco at this river in 2003. It can also be seen a rich fauna and flora. More than 30 species Hn .outhern oases, the most species can be seen Selysiothemis nigra. The road north of Gab£s
at Oued Tarkal near Zawyat Sidi Blal, together of dragonfly have been recorded in Lac Bleu, i " i ween late March and late October. Collecting is crosses the Oued Akarit, one of several fine
with Sympetrum sinaiticum, another species including such rarities as Urothemis edwardsii ill' >wed, except in the few nature reserves, coastal streams hosting Orthetrum trinacria, O.
added to the Moroccan list only recently. Finally, and Acisoma inflatum. There are large seasonal in the Mediterranean north, several small but sabina and Paragomphus genei. Zygonyx torridus
Orthetrum sabina was first discovered in Morocco shifts in species composition and behaviour. i " lennial rivers have their source in the Tell was found in 2002 at one of the three falls in the
at Oued Ez-Zahar near Akhfennir in 2007. The beauty of the short North African spring Allas. Their beds are stony and flanked with mountain river that rises at the Tamerza oasis.
G Jacquemin is enhanced by the busy flight of Sympecma ' T'.inders (Nerium oleander), or muddy with R Jodicke

Identification Lestidae
Genus and species order /< tes Leach, 1815, Spreadwings &
The order of the families is taxonomic (see: Appendix 3). Such an order reflects the evolutionary
relationships and richness of the families by always listing the branch of the family tree with the K halcolestes Willow Spreadwings
fewest species first. Recent molecular research has confirmed most inferences about odonate
phylogeny made previously from morphology. However, the species in Lestidae and a few related i * medy, 1920 Emerald Damselflies
families (not found in Europe) have proven to be more closely related to each other than to all
other damselflies. Therefore they, rather than Calopterygidae and Euphaeidae, are now listed
• iHilication up to five frequently occur together. The two
first. Similarly, Platycnemididae and Coenagrionidae are the nearest relatives to one another, but
Hl Most damselflies that have metallic Chalcolestes species known are larger and sleeker
the former (smaller) family is listed first. Finally, molecular research has shown that the genera 69
i H i, often with a partly pruinose body, than Lestes and never develop pruinosity, and
Oxygastra and Macromia do not to belong within Corduliidae and they have consequently been
" ip ioctangular Pt (bordering two or three their habit of laying eggs in living wood is unique
moved forward. As a result, the family order in this edition differs somewhat from the 2006
in<) cells), and that perch with wings spread, among European odonates. Besides rather subtle
version, but is consistent with contemporary (and future) publications. The order of the gener.i
■ 1 i ii > Iestes or Chalcolestes. differences in adult and larval morphology,
and species within the families is intended to place more familiar taxa towards the front and
|i ■ 11ion from other genera Teneral Lestes Chalcolestes is genetically closer to Sympecma
similar taxa close to each other. Where possible, we have placed pairs of similar species on
i i/t olestes may perch with wings shut, and than Lestes. Species recognition in these genera is
opposite pages to facilitate direct comparisons.
• HIn", of other families may also occasionally instant by reference to the male appendages and,
ill i Ik'in, especially when agitated. The with some experience, by the female ovipositor
Genus and species texts
■ n (with many pentagonal rather than (plus sheath). Mature males can usually be
The scientific and vernacular names used in this section are discussed on p. 15 of the Introduction
•in iuI.ii cells), rectangular Pt and male identified on sight. Separation of C. parvidens and
and also in the Appendices (pp. 323-330). The genus texts discuss the separation of each genus
11" ini k)(‘s recall Sympecma. However, these have C. viridis in the south-east and L. barbarus and L.
from other genera, and of the species within the genus. Because similar species tend to have similar
i ' H iwn body marked with dark bronze, and virens in the south-west requires additional care.
behaviour, most behavioural details are also provided here. The Introduction also provides a section]
ilh closed wings, in which the Pt of Fw The similar L. dryas and L. sponsa often coexist, so
on identifying dragonflies, from the level of suborders through families to genera (pp. 21-35). l
verlap (see Sympecma for more details). either may be overlooked.
i <!' iyx also have metallic bodies and Epallage Behaviour Hardy species, with cold- and drought
Each species text is divided into an Identification section, including a General opening state
mbines pruinosity, a long Pt and open wings resistant eggs, fast-growing larvae and highly
ment, Field characters, Hand characters, Variation and Behaviour, followed by an Occurrence
I Imt both have numerous (not just two) mobile adults, allowing survival in seasonally
section, including Range, Habitat and Flight season. For genera with only one species, the
■ ins between the wing base and node. Some dry habitats. These features are most strongly
genus and species texts have been merged. More background to the arrangement and content
H ill i nnselflies, such as Erythromma, Ceriagrion developed in L. barbarus and least in both
of the descriptions is provided in the Introduction. For details, see: Dragonfly identification (pp.
" i i H >( ially Nehalennia, can have metallic bodies, Chalcolestes species, which instead have specialised
15-21); Dragonfly behaviour (p. 8-9); Dragonfly occurrence (pp. 9-12); Habitat (p. 12-14); Flight
Hu v have small lozenge-shaped Pt, venation in ovipositing into the bark of living twigs. Males
season (p. 14); and Map key (p. 12).
' r iied mesh and differently configured are very forward, often forming tandems with
ihiiI ii u r>. In case of doubt, non-lestids can always other species or other males, but hybrids are
Scale of artworks
h inised because no longitudinal veins branch known only in the closely related C. parvidens and
The main colour illustrations are drawn to scale. The damselflies are drawn at 1.8 x life-size,
• I H H vein connecting the arculus and subnode. C. viridis. The male escorts the egg-laying female
the true dragonflies at 1.4 x life-size. Annotations accompanying the artworks are intended
I • n. it ion of the species Lestes is a in tandem, and eggs are typically placed in living
to highlight diagnostic features (or peculiarities of the individual) and should be used in
■ 11 ii -IH ilitan genus of about 80 species. Our plant tissue, often well above or away from water.
conjunction with the main description text. In each artwork, the head of the animal is to the
i"' H". have a similar ecology, and therefore K-D B Dijkstra
left or above.
I umparison of Lestes and Chalcolestes species If the statement agrees,
I "i i.ire the given species. If it disagrees, go to the next statement.
I" i border of metallic green area on thorax with prominent spur. Never C. parvidens
I ii mi lose C. viridis
1 in h ■!side of back of head yellow, sharply contrasting with dark upperside. Pt pale J
I L. barbarus
'ii and/or yellow, never blackish. At most S9-10 pruinose; S1-2 and S8 never
L. virens
IH i hi k ise
IL i ix without metallic green or bronze areas, wholly pruinose. Pt large, bordering
•I' hi three underlying cells. Lower appendages less than half as long as uppers. L. macrostigma
1 1 " isitor sheath rounded, all dark
i I' sist upperside of thorax is bright metallic green or bronze. Pt small, bordering
i
L. dryas
I two underlying cells. Lower appendages more than half as long as uppers.
L. sponsa
' | ipositor sheath pointed, partly pale
Identification Lestes Spreadwings

Lestes sponsa (Hansemann, 1823) Common Spreadwill . dn/as Kirby, 1890 Robust Spreadwing
Common Emerald Damsellly Scarce Emerald Damselfly, Emerald Spreadwing (NA)
»
dark pterostigma
2 thorax
$ thorax
'''spots on S1
triangular
•He pruinosity covers

all of S2
no metallic area
on lateral lobes of
prothorax
h i
I»l> SI
i.iii<|iil<ir
third of S2
71
extends to lateral
not pruinose
mature <3 9 abdomen tip lobes of prothorax
mature <3
$ abdomen tip
H ilnr.1 build
pointed bicoloured sheath
ovipositor only reaches end of S10
I
ovipositor reaches beyond S10
■' .ilxlomen tip
Identification larger and paler Pt, and a diagnostic thorax marking

General The most widespread and numerous L. macrostigma has a larger Pt and a darker, more
Lestes in many areas, probably because it is less mature (J
pruinose body with almost no hint of green. See
partial to ephemeral habitats. the similar L. dryas for a full comparison.
Field characters Tot 35-39mm, Ab 25-33mm, Hw Hand characters Male's lower appendages are
bio.id incurved tips
17-24mm. Average size and build for a spreadwing. unique: long and straight, with narrow tips. Femali
Separated from L. barbarus and L. virens by the shares the strongly pointed bicoloured ovipositor
dark underside of the head, dark Pt (when mature) sheath with L. dryas, but differs by its weaker and 1.1. Miiiitation Hand characters Tips of male's long lower
and more extensive pruinosity. C. parvidens and C. shorter ovipositor and details of metallic markings HiniiH.il Often occurs with L. sponsa, with which appendages are expanded and bent towards
viridis lack pruinosity, have whitish appendages, a (see L. dryas). i ily confused. Typically occurs in lower each other. Female's ovipositor is heavier than
Variation Pale areas are distinctly orangish after u..i .. hut can be more abundant in sites that that of L. sponsa, typically surpassing S10. Two
emergence, and metallic areas are brighter and •.easonally wet. With some experience small details of the metallic marking corroborate
bluer before pruinosity develops. Females may • i ily be picked out by jizz, but examination identification of female: (1) metallic area extends
develop pruinosity as in males, especially on S1-2. I I. i. with a hand lens is preferred for definite onto lower, lateral lobes of prothorax; (2) the two
hit lion,iiion. metallic marks on upperside of S2 are squarish, not
Occurrence • IhIiI < h.iracters Tot 35-40mm, Ab 26-33mm, triangular. These characters apply to males too, but
Range and status One of the commonest .">mm. Size and general appearance become covered by pruinosity with age.
damselflies in most of northern Europe across to I sponsa, but more heavily built (thicker Variation Similar to L. sponsa, not pruinose and
Japan, but (largely) absent from most of the south. II in 11) and more brightly coloured. Females are tinged rufous when teneral.
Habitat Almost any standing water with ample ■ i i illy robust and dark. Males may be separated
reed-like vegetation. May be more numerous at sponsa by several not entirely reliable Occurrence
recent shallow or acidic sites, but not specific to . (1) pruinosity covers only two-thirds of Range and status Range similar to L. sponsa, but
pioneer, ephemeral or bog-like conditions. i /mg a metallic square on apical half; (2) Pt relatively more common southwards and typically
Flight season Generally from mid-May to mid •kingate, with sides fairly contrastingly pale; more localised and less numerous than that species
October, peaking in August. Most emergence in i/i", deeper blue (usually duller or darker in in most of its northern range. Our only Lestes that
tends to be a few weeks later than L. dryas. especially dorsally). also occurs in North America.
Lestes Spreadwings Lestes Spreadwings

◄ Lestes dryas
male. Note macrostigma (Eversmann, 1836) Dark Spreadwing
that pruinosity
covers only
extensive bluish
two-thirds
pruinosity covering all
of S2. of head, thorax, S1-2
and S8-10
Mta mature <3

73
$ abdomen tip <3 abdomen tip
short and straight

lower appendages
dark ovipositor with

Habitat A wide variety of still waters, which rounded sheath
typically dry out in the course of summer or have

shallow borders providing warm microhabitats for
i»l >'iilocation and largely coastal owing to habitat preferences.
the larvae. Sites usually have dense growths of
i >1 Hie dark body, with extensive pruinosity, The Hungarian plains are the best-known inland
rushes or sedges, e.g. dune lakes, reedy shallows,
•I lecies' preference for brackish habitats stronghold. Isolated records suggest this species may
small meadow ponds or edges of bogs; turloughs
il ir. '.preadwing unmistakable. wander widely, but low numbers inhibit detection.
in Ireland.
I h-i.i i h.traders Tot 39-48mm, Ab 31-38mm, Habitat Almost exclusively in shallow water
Flight season The earliest Lestes in most areas,
ii I ’ /mm. Larger and more robust than most with dense rushes, particularly Sea Club-rush
emerging from late May in northern Europe and
Hlht'i / < "./os, never displaying the extensive bright (Bolboschoenus maritimus), of coastal and saline
April in Spain; most abundant in July and August,
i J bronze colours of those species. At most, inland wetlands, e.g. abandoned saltpans, dune
with the last records in October.
in1 bronzy green, otherwise is dark overall ponds, saltmarsh fringes and steppe lakes.
mil lu'.ivily pruinose on head, entire thorax, S1-2 Flight season Emerges as early as late
l(). This pruinosity has a distinctive purple February and March in the Spanish and Turkish
111 me, and is extensive in both sexes and Mediterranean, but in central Europe probably
pi (>sent shortly after emergence. Pt is mainly present in June, July and August.
i, large and dark, bordering about three
iiIh hi underlying cells, and blackish when
■ (pale brown in tenerals). Other Lestes have
1 lhe upperside of the thorax bright metallic,
i ni. iller (usually bordering two cells) and/or
I uh i I'i (e.g. L. viridis has large creamy Pt).
II ..... I < haracters Male's rather short and simple
i appendages are distinctive. Female's
i ii or is moderately heavy, and entirely dark
▲ Lestes macrostigma pair ovipositing, showing •minose, with rounded sheath.
the distinct blue pruinosity and large, dark Van.iiion Body is more metallic when teneral,
pterostigmas. • < I < iverlying pruinosity a peculiar lustre.
()< (urrence
ii hh|<‘ and status Extends from the steppes of
11 ml Asia to Europe, where it is highly localised

Lestes barbarus (Fabricius, 1798) Migrant Spreadwin 11 ■./<-; virens (Charpentier, 1825) Small Spreadwing
Southern Emerald Damselll huhiiii /.< •sles numidicus Samraoui, Weekers & Dumont, 2003 Late Spreadwing
Small Emerald Damselfly
$ thorax
wide antehumeral
Aiiinm 75
2 thorax
ssp. vestalis
d abdomen tip
$ abdomen tip
straight
2 abdomen tip
pruinosity confined
sheath toS9-10
Identification
General This mobile species is typical of habitats male is barely pruinose, at most lightly and notabl
prone to desiccation. It is recognised in most areas white on S10. In parts of the Iberian peninsula, more pointed sheath
by its pale coloration and bicoloured Pt. than L. barbarus
L. virens also has a two-tone Pt, but its pale
Field characters Tot 40-45mm, Ab 26-35mm, Hw portion occupies only about one-third, and bluish
20-27mm. Paler and slightly larger than most other pruinosity is typically present on S9-10 of male.
Lestes. Shares yellow underside of back of head Hand characters Male's lower appendages are • ■iMiililication L. barbarus but less than L. dryas and L. sponsa.
only with L. virens. This can be viewed from below uniquely slender and divergent at the tips. Female Hpihii.iI < )ur most delicate Lestes, which is Variation Specimens from Africa, the Iberian
(the entire area between eyes and labium appears ovipositor and its sheath are wholly pale. The lattei < •<isily separated by its stature and peninsula, southern France and the Tyrrhenean
yellow) or from behind, so the clear contrast with is rounded (unlike in L. dryas, L. sponsa and L. virens) ........... .. although some populations on the Islands have reduced dark markings, most clearly
the dark metallic upperside is apparent. Tenerals of Variation Varies considerably in size. Pale areas of Him hin i ><>i tinsula recall L. barbarus. These are part on the thorax: (1) green area on prothorax is
dark-jowled species may appear pale below, but tenerals are a bright lemon-yellow. ilusing and unresolved taxonomic situation, small; (2) pale antehumeral stripes are longer and
lack the sharp contrast. Differs from L. virens and Behaviour Often oviposits in wholly dry areas. in li J .< > includes the recently named cryptic wider; (3) green area does not reach metapleural
others by: (1) pale brown Pt, with outer half pale I numidicus from Algeria. suture; (4) this suture lacks a narrow dark line.
yellow; (2) pale yellow markings more extensive, Occurrence I lull I • baracters Tot 30-39mm, Ab 25-32mm, These populations have been known as ssp. virens.
most notably in the wide antehumeral stripes, Range and status A strong wanderer found east 1 <mm. Slightly smaller and sleeker than Populations to the north and east pertain to ssp.
pale-sided S9-10 and whitish appendages; (3) to Mongolia; may be absent from areas for many i Separated from all species except L. vestalis, which becomes gradually paler towards
years, suddenly establishing large colonies that ma} by the yellow underside of the back of the Balkans and Turkey. Specimens from the
persist for some time. A southern species that has • i id I he male's abdominal pattern is unique, wetter west and south of the Iberian peninsula,
increased dramatically in northern Europe since the H Mu. - pruinosity being neatly confined to S9-10 including those from which virens was described,
mid-1990s, first reaching Great Britain in 2002. i ' ill from S1-2. Pt is usually uniformly pale have bicoloured Pt (see above). So-called virens
Habitat Favours ephemeral conditions even more /villi whitish sides, but some populations in Algeria consists of two populations, separated
than other Lestes species, being typical of sites Iberian peninsula have the outer third pale by reproductive period rather than distribution
that dry out early in summer, such as dune slacks, ii id are deceptively close to L. barbarus (see and morphology. Recently, the autumnal group
meadow pools and shallow depressions. ■.............. ips), and also easily confused with that was split off on genetic grounds as L. numidicus.
Flight season From March to October in the because they are rather pale (see below).
i Specimens are described as tinged reddish rather
southern Mediterranean, but in the north most HhimI < baracters Male's lower appendages are than green, but in all L. virens forms the metallic
adults probably emerge in June and July, reaching iimIi i ibly short and straight. Female's ovipositor is colour tends to become more coppery with age.
the greatest densities in August. I <itI <’.ik; its pale sheath is more pointed than in Analysis throughout north-west Africa and south-

◄ Lestes
virens male • hul" drsles viridis Western Willow Spreadwing
Note the
pruinose
|\ imh i Linden, 1825) Willow Emerald Damselfly
S9-10, but
S1—2 not Hmillfi .itlon because their Pt is still white and pruinosity has yet
pruinose. || h .. . i . ii k I its sister species C. parvidens to develop. However, the spur marking is absent or
Mm I" ••••!' species by their appearance and reduced in these individuals.
i Ikilh species are easily noted for their Hand characters Male has very short lower
i •loin, pale appendages, large size and appendages and a prominent tooth close to the
In i< I in trees and bushes. They are the tip of the upper appendages. Female's ovipositor is
.hi odonates to lay eggs in live wood. typically partly dark with a pale border (the reverse,
77
HIM . I. h.k tors Tot 39-48mm, Ab 29-39mm, or uniformly pale or dark, in Lestes), with a limited
11 iin. l arger and longer-bodied than number of large and discrete teeth on the lower
typically relatively bright metallic border. Lestes species have more numerous, but
Ih -Hl blue accents (e.g. eyes, pruinosity). weaker, serrations.
C »<//•. and C. parvidens are characterised

|iy i
Variation Limited, compared to Lestes species, as
Pt barely darkens and pruinosity does not develop.
ii'id spur-like marking on the lower
ilie metallic green area of the thorax. Behaviour Adults are usually found hanging
◄ Lestes
pruinose; the abdomen tip is in trees and bushes, sometimes far from water.
barbarus mail
•ii metallic green, contrasting with the Unlike Lestes, usually oviposits in woody and other
Note the wide
antehumeral i .pondages. Pt is large and paler than compact tissues (less so in the north-east of its
stripe and pale wHih I when mature, typically pale brown range), preferably thin twigs overhanging water.
abdomen sides WHhrtP Ji i (ream centre. Note that teneral adults Signs of oviposition remain as track-like scars in
pecies are often mistaken for C. viridis the bark.
west Europe, where L. virens also has a long flight Occurrence

season and could thus have distinct reproductive Range and status Widespread, although seldom
seasons, may resolve this complex situation. the dominant Lestes species. Distribution recalls
that of L. barbarus and also tends to wander
like that species, though rarely in similarly great
numbers.
Habitat A wide variety of seasonally dry shallow
and reedy waters in the south (similar to L. barbarus),
becoming more critical in the north-west, where it
is most abundant in heath and bog lakes with peat
moss (Sphagnum) and rushes (Juncus).
Flight season Northern populations mostly
emerge in July, flying into November. Flies as late
in Europe's far south, but may emerge as early
as April here. Emergence is in the second half of
April and in May in Algeria; probably includes both
individuals that are reproductively active from June
to August and those active from late August to ► Imlcolestes viridis pair
early November, the latter named L. numidicus. • • i|" >-.iling into a branch.
■ //<( mlestes parvidens Eastern Willow Spreadwing
i \i i• -I><>l<wsky, 1929)
body metallic green
without pruinosity 2 abdomen tip
teeth
mature d
79
hlHithlication
» .il I irst described as a subspecies of C. viridis mature 3 6 abdomen tip
' rimea, but only in the 1980s and 1990s
i i > < >verlap widely with that species in Italy
<5 abdomen tip - in Balkans. Can be separated reliably only
i signification, preferably by examination of
H 'appendages. relatively
small tooth
i l»*lil«h.iracters Tot 44-50mm, Ab 34-39mm,
lower 26mm. Size and general appearance as upper appendages
with black tip
appendages I wo differences may be observed in the
pale appendages
•u h l i 'i il cannot be used for reliable identification:
upper appendages with
contrasting with dr i n I. iiker, uniformly brown (like L. virens)
dark S10 O' black on tip extending
along border ail i 111<in cream-coloured (but these are white
hn i. ils); (2) upper appendages black only at
$ abdomen tip "ii in ver on exterior borders, although C. viridis
' > have largely white upper appendages, (A) L. parvidens L. viridis
i-i i illy in the south-west of its range.

I I.hm i < haracters Male's appendages bear the
I* i i 11liable characters (examine with hand lens): Habitat As C. viridis; possible ecological
border of upper appendages with smaller differences are poorly known.
prominent spur-like
marking i "ini which is placed slightly more dorsal than in C. Flight season Late April to late November.
large teeth on
dark ovipositor with lower edge . 'view from above); (2) lower appendages with Emergence occurs in late May in Italy and the
pale border h -I ider and strongly up-curved fine tips (view north-west Balkans; after a maturation period
.ide). Females have 6-8 teeth on the border of several weeks, adults return to their breeding
Occurrence I Hu <>vipositor, whereas C. viridis has 10-14; sites late in July. Emergence is possibly earlier on
Range and status Widespread and common in i i H >nal females with nine teeth are inseparable. average than in co-occurring C. viridis.
most of our area; inexplicably absent until recently Van.ition Hybrids with C. viridis, intermediate
from Great Britain, but now locally common in in in Jr's appendage features, occur in areas of
south-eastern England. Benefits from urbanisation, H ril.ip, but are quite rare.
favouring garden and park ponds, and possibly Mwli.iviour As with C. viridis, but may oviposit
expanding northwards. South-eastern range limits Irequently in non-woody materials. In mixed
are still insufficiently known owing to confusion i HI ii 11.1lions in Italy, most activity of C. parvidens
with C. parvidens, but range extends at least to i I (served in the morning, of C. viridis in the
Sicily and central Greece. aliri noon.
Habitat Almost any type of standing or slow-
flowing water with bordering trees or bushes. i )< • urrence
Unlike Lestes species, does not favour ephemeral ll.iiKje and status Overlaps with C. viridis across a
conditions (e.g. shallows, drying-out pans). i -1 area south of the Alps and Tatra. Outnumbered
Flight season In central Europe seldom emerges i •. viridis in Italy and the northern Balkans, but
before mid-July, but already in early May on ii the commoner species in the southern Balkans
the Iberian peninsula. Abundant in August and u i Bulgaria and Greece). Extends to the Caucasus
September, persisting into November. ii, northern Iran and the Levant.
Lestes Spreadwings
Lestes Spreadwings
Sympecma Winter Damsels H Hu1 head and thorax, including following spring, after hibernation, unlikezother
European odonates that winter as eggS or larvae.
Burmeister, 1839 Winter Damselllu *

I i ........... of the species This Palearctic genus
11 • species, one confined to Central
After emergence they appear in open; structured
landscapes, such as rough meadows find heaths
ii. I ho other two ranging into Europe. with shrubs or forest borders. Here, they forage
11 ion requires close examination during autumn and also spend the winter,
ii i lhe hand) of the thorax markings and surviving the cold on an exposed perch, pressed
iii i|i|>('ndages. against a stem, or concealed under stones and
h-i<< h.iu i lyptic, due to colour and behaviour. bark. Few adults are seen from November to
in1 wings are closed and carried along one March, but they may appear on sunny days.
........ ibdomen. Individuals often press their Oviposition takes place in tandem, most often in
81
IhImu- i .i lhe perch for camouflage. Adults floating dead plant material.
in hie summer and reproduce in the R Jodicke
▲ Sympecma fusca male.
Identification Lestes. In Sympecma the wings are narrower

Diagnosis Body brownish, with dark bronze dorsal and more pointed; moreover Chalcolestes and
markings, characteristically torpedo-shaped on the Lestes typically rest with wings half-spread, and
upperside of S3-6. The pale brown Pt is an if their wings are closed, Fw and Pt of the Hw
elongate rectangle, standing in front of two cells. broadly overlap. The hind rim of the pronotum in
In the Fw the Pt is distinctly nearer to the wing Chalcolestes and Lestes is simply rounded, but in
apex than in the Hw; this feature is easily seen Sympecma it is trilobed: two incisions produce a
when the wings are closed in rest and the Pt of pronounced central lobe and two lateral lobes.
Fw and Hw hardly overlap. The Sympecma ovipositor is weak and short, its
Separation from other genera Venation (with tip extending only halfway along S10; the female
many pentagonal rather than rectangular cells), appendages are notably large and pale. Brown
long Pt and male appendages recall Lestes and females of Enallagma have a similar abdominal 1
Chalcolestes but, although the metallic markings pattern, but have a small lozenge-shaped Pt,
are greenish in teneral Sympecma, there is never short dark appendages, a spine at the ovipositor a l libernating Sympecma fusca female covered ▲ Pair of Sympecma paedisca copulating. Note the
the bright green coloration of Chalcolestes and base, and differently configured and blacker Iiy host. long brown pterostigmas that do not overlap.
Sympecma Winter Damsels Sympecma Winter Damsels

Sympecma fusca Common Winter Damsi I’cma paedisca Siberian Winter Damsel
(Vander Linden, 1820) Winter Damsoil
straight outer margin to bulge on outer margin of

stripe on upper thorax
oblique line on side of

thorax narrower than in
S. fusca and sometimes 83
broken
$ abdomen tip
of basal teeth of
uppers
hlHiiiilication Occurrence
tiHiini.tl More northern and eastern sister species Range and status Huge northern Eurasian range
A/ .), closely resembling it in coloration, extends to Japan. Common in eastern Poland
Identification dark markings on the upperside of the head, • ■ .......... Lind biology. Suitable habitats in central and further eastwards, but very local and often
General A common but easily overlooked thorax and abdomen. Can be mistaken only for I iih|h >Hen harbour both species, requiring endangered to the west, where limited to two
damselfly, dainty and drab. Males and tandems S. paedisca (see that species), but has straight ini • <(inparison. fronts: one through the northern German and
may suddenly appear on the first sunny days of outer margins of the dark band on the upperside t ihIiI < h.iracters Tot 36-39mm, Ab 25-29mm, Hw Dutch lowlands, the other along the foothills of
spring, perching and ovipositing on the reeds of the thorax. 1 ’nun. Same size as S. fusca. Separation in the the Alps.
and rushes of the previous summer. In the north Hand characters The male's lower appendages 1 111 .iibtle: the outer margins of the dark area Habitat Similar to S. fusca, breeding in almost
and east, lookalike S. paedisca may be concealed are slim, and their tips reach as far as the tips of I Hu iipperside of the thorax (just behind the any type of standing water in the east. The more
among populations of S. fusca, or vice versa. the basal teeth of the upper appendages. iih ll<■> bear an abrupt, roughly rectangular bulge localised occurrence in western Europe is difficult
Field characters Tot 34-39mm, Ab 25-30mm, Variation Dark markings tend to be less extensive • tillhvi 11 by a slight indentation). The oblique dark to associate with a particular habitat.
Hw 18-23mm. Slightly longer than Enallagma in the south. The brown ground colour darkens I m il i hi the thorax sides is normally thinner than Flight season Emergence begins in late July,
cyathigerum. The body is pale brown, with glossy until autumn and may become blackish in very old in lir.ca. oviposition takes place mostly in April and May.
individuals. In spring, mature individuals have a I ii mil tharacters The only reliable structural
blue spot on the upperside of the eyes. h ii.n lor is the shape of the male appendages:
il ip Ii iwers are significantly shorter than in 5. fusca,
Occurrence HI in i< | only about halfway to the tips of the
Range and status Common in a large part of i il ii'(‘th of the upper appendages. Those
our region, extending to Central Asia. Scarcer and ' "Hi . ilso lie slightly further from the base in
fluctuating at the northern fringe of its range, paedisca.
where currently rapidly expanding. v.iil.iiion Asian individuals may lack the distinctive
Habitat All kinds of well-vegetated standing i "lii" but this variation is not known to occur in
waters, especially where there are floating dead "H .111 ■<!. Darkens with age like S. fusca, which
reeds or rushes. • H iv 111. ike thorax markings hard to discern. The
Flight season Adults may be seen throughout the I1H ..1I half of the eyes in mature males (in spring)
year, but are most reproductively active in April am • 11I1H , whereas females develop a blue eye spot
May, while late summer activity peaks in August hl"', lusca.
and September. Especially southwards, succeeding tti’h.iviour Like 5. fusca, eggs are laid in dead
generations may overlap in summer. pl ml'., but also in living ones.
Sympecma Winter Damsels Sympecma Winter Damsels

Calopterygidae hi most of our area only C. splendens
-uur. Females can be difficult to
these are not closely related. Male hybrids show
intermediate characters with C. splendens-Wê
i i. often easier to look for nearby males. wing spots and a C. v/rgo-like reddish 'tail-light'.
Calopteryx Leach, 1815 Demoiselle i< -i lerally weakly defined subspecies Behaviour The resting posture is distinctive, with
i mied for the wide ranging species raised abdomen and closed wings. Both sexes
Jewelwings (Ni
udalis, C. splendens and C. virgo. are found along flowing water, often in great
11 ii r>, C. exul and C. xanthostoma, are numbers. Here, males avidly defend territories near
< n isidered subspecies of C. splendens. suitable oviposition sites (e.g. submerged aquatic
n between (alleged) subspecies is vegetation). They attract females with elaborate
'inducing broad transition zones aerial courtship dances, demonstrating their
h in. Hybrids between overlapping colourful wings and 'tail-lights'. Often gather in
i i occur in nature, even between the large bankside roosts in the evening.
1< . splendens and C. virgo, although H J Dumont
i ulopl.eryx splendens (Harris, 1780) Banded Demoiselle

• -IhiiIIIk ation the expansion of populations that were isolated
lliis 'streamside butterfly' isour most during the last Ice Age. The mixed populations
i ivorine odonate. It is a variable species are thus not genetically or geographically distinct
n <-ious forms have been named. C. and therefore do not warrant subspecies status.
/< >ina and C. exul are most distinct in this Beyond our area, entirely unbanded C. splendens
iiy and are here treated separately as populations (recalling C. exul) occur.
.• I ,|H-i les.
tlllll'l i iracters Tot 45-48mm, Ab 33-41 mm, Occurrence
ibrnm. Largest damselfly, except for Range and status Often numerous, extending
: .md other Calopteryx. Males are metallic to Lake Baikal and north-west China. Being
cli a dark blue band across each wing conspicuous, wandering males are often noted far
hi.i brown, crossed by metallic blue veins). from suitable habitat.
• • in me cases, wing markings may be absent, Habitat Most (partially) open running waters,
....... . the metallic veins still make the wings avoiding cold torrents, high mountains and deep
riH H blue. Male 'tail-light' (underside S8-10) is shade, and scarce on large rivers.
ill ii ,. ‘llow to greyish white, with a black stripe Flight season Late April to October in the south;
•i h i il ie middle of S8 and usually S9. S10 is often May to August in the north.
inii Ii pruinose in older males. Typical females are
i. 11H ispicuous, with a metallic green body and
▲ Calopteryx splendens male. The colourful wings of demoiselle males are displayed in aerial • in ., i lear greenish wings (not tinted brown) and
courtship dances i i i.illy <i white pseudopterostigma. In andromorph
m.il ■which have male wing colours, the wing
Identification Separation from other genera The wing h mi 11 ontrasts with the white pseudopterostigma
Diagnosis Large, broad-winged damselflies with coloration, metallic bodies, absence of (true) 11< I ii k] in males). See other species for their
metallic bodies and veins. Males are colourful (most Pt and dense venation are diagnostic. Lestes 11 >,ii.dion.
often blue) and often have extensively coloured and Chalcolestes species are metallic green, but I Viii i.ition Wing markings are present at
wings. Females are a metallic green or brown, are smaller, with narrow, stalked and unmarked immjence, but not yet fully coloured. The extent
with clear to brown wings; rarely they develop wings. The large Epallage has similar wings but | I il H■ male wing colour varies widely individually
male colours. The legs are noticeably long and lacks a metallic sheen, and has short leg spines mil iii'ographically. Many subspecies have been
spidery, with especially numerous and long bristles. and long Pt. i n"l i< >sed based on this variation, but there is much
The wings are unstalked (i.e. the bases narrow Separation of the species Structural differences ii 1.11 ion within these and also broad zones of
gradually and have numerous cross-veins) and between species are insignificant (e.g. male mln igression between them. Most of this diversity
exceptionally densely veined (e.g. with 18 or more appendages are almost identical in all), but the ir .nils from extensive hybridisation following
antenodal veins). Males lack Pt and females have wing shape and coloration, metallic colour and
pale pseudopterostigmas, which, unlike true Pt, are the colour of the 'tail-light' (underside of abdomer
weakly defined and are crossed by veins. tip) are sufficient to separate males. Distribution is
Calopteryx Demoiselles Calopteryx Demoiselles

I ulu/iieryx xanthostoma Western Demoiselle
I, ii i"‘iitier, 1825) Yellow-tailed Demoiselle
.yellowish
ihhIH ition the last abdominal segments is not metallic green,

Hi mu .il . 'places C. splendens on the Iberian but dull brown.
southern France and the Ligurian coast Variation Unlike C. splendens, the wing colour is
■ -inetimes treated as a subspecies of that absent at emergence, developing during the first
hi genetics indicate that it is distinct. In the week of adult life. There is some variation in the
• 1 i-rlap, C. xanthostoma is best recognised extent of the wing colour between the base and
abdomen apical
segments i lie's completely dark wing tips. South- node. No andromorph females are known, unlike
(view from below) ubspecies of C. splendens are inseparable the similarly marked south-eastern subspecies of 87
i" 11 bittern, but do not overlap in range. C. splendens, where such females are frequent.
pale pseudopterostigma • InIiI <h iracters Tot 45-48mm, Ab 35-37mm, Hw
i i nn. Size and habits as that of C. splendens, Occurrence
.1 H>< male's wing colour always reaches the Range and status Abundant in southern France,
ssp. splendens becoming scarce towards the south of the Iberian
i iip and rarely extends far beyond the node.
.......... !<•'•» yellow 'tail-light' is often given as a peninsula. Frequently hybridises with C. splendens,
Ii I h 'i < ’ • ■ with C. splendens, where e.g. in Liguria and between the Loire and Garonne
i i msedly whitish, but this is unreliable. The in France. North African records are probably
i i H le of the last three abdominal segments erroneous.
.... di more broadly black: a wide stripe on Habitat Like C. splendens, but inhabits larger
i 11 ipe and often additional spots on S9. In watercourses where that species also occurs, e.g.
hl in ilos, most of S8 darkens, sometimes even lowland rivers and canals.
i mig metallic. Females are green metallic Flight season April to September.

Calopteryx virgo (Linnaeus, 1758) Beautiful Demoisell
. reddish
Identification from Normandy and Geneva southwards. It has >

General The largest and darkest Calopteryx, with distinctly clear wing bases but entirely dark tips; th|
(almost) entirely metallic cobalt wings in males delimitation of the clear area is rather sharp (not I
and transparently greenish to deep ebony wings 'washed out'). In Turkey and the southern Balkans I wing pigment
extensive
in females. The flight is butterfly-like, but heavier (along the coast at least as far as Montenegro and |
than in C. splendens, and the species is more often south-east Romania) festiva is found. This is the
<3 abdomen apical
seen in deep forest shade. largest European Calopteryx, with entirely purple- I segments
Field characters Tot 45-49mm, Ab 31-42mm, blue wings in males. Females with dark brown (view from below)
Hw 24-36mm. Relatively large and robust. Wings, wings may emulate the male's subspecific wing |
especially the male Hw, are broader than in other pattern. The extent and distribution of intergrades
hindwing broad
Calopteryx, and almost paddle-shaped. Male between the three forms are poorly known.
wings appear completely purplish blue (but see For instance, in Italy, meridionalis, festiva and
Variation). Male 'tail-light' is brown to reddish, intermediates occur. Occasional females around
extensively marked with black (paler or unmarked the Black Sea (festiva) and western Mediterranean j
ii ul.ilively
in other species). Only large, dark male forms of (meridionalis) have darker Hw tips, recalling I 11 11 WII1CJ
C. splendens (e.g. Turkish ssp. intermedia) could C. haemorrhoidalis.

be mistaken for C. virgo (especially the paler
ssp. meridionalis of south-west Europe), but Occurrence
potentially confusing forms are widely separated Range and status Locally common, but due to I
geographically. Moreover, the C. splendens 'tail the poor differentiation of its eastern sister species,
light' is yellowish. Females are metallic (brownish) C. japonica, it remains unclear how far C. virgo
green and are hard to separate from C. splendens, extends beyond the Urals into Siberia. Absent from
but the wings tend to be broader and browner large areas in the south, e.g. many major islands, |
(sometimes very darkly so). and in Anatolia mainly limited to coastal areas; rare
Variation Three main forms can be distinguished on the plateau.
by wing colour, and are normally treated as Habitat Prefers cooler running waters than other
subspecies. In most areas (roughly north of Calopteryx, typically smaller, more shaded, at
the Loire, Alps and Danube), virgo is found, higher latitudes or karstic: small forest streams are
characterised by males with only the extreme the classic habitat. Where streams broaden or open
tips (especially Fw) and base paler (looking up, C. virgo gives way to C. splendens. There may
'washed out') than the rest of the wing. The be broad overlap and occasional hybridisation.
rather distinctive meridionalis occurs roughly Flight season May to late September.

Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis Copper Demoisel
(Vander Linden, 1825)
Identification conspicuous clear area at the base. The demarc at

General A stunning demoiselle, easily identified of the clear base is notably oblique because the
by the carmine 'tail-light' of the male and dark coloured area runs almost to the wing base on 3 abdomen apical
apical Hw spot of the female. The copper-red fore edge. Locally, males appear brown, purplish, segments
(view from below)
body of the male is also distinctive in most areas, dark blue, olive or almost black. This colour is
but not present in all populations of this western darker and duller than the bright green to blue ol
Mediterranean endemic. C. splendens and C. virgo, while the wings appeal*
Field characters Tot 45-48mm, Ab 30-43mm, Hw brown to black, not blue. Males have the
23-37mm. Typical males are unmistakable by their of the abdomen tip uniformly bright pink to vivid
reddish-bronze body and largely dark wings, which red. The metallic green to bronze females are east
area of wing
appear dark brown (rather than recognised by their contrasting dark Hw tips and, narrow, pale
blue) when closed and have a unlike other females, have narrow, pale humeral
lines. In both sexes, the tibiae are frequently rusty
brown (black in most other Calopteryx). 3 ssp.
haemorrhoidalis
Variation Male body colour may vary (see
(very dark individual;
Variation in male wing patterns intergrades wida typical colour more
copper-red as male on
clear forewmg tips and does not seem to warrant the recognition
previous page)
subspecies. In typical haemorrhoidalis,
of the male wing is dark; at most, narrow apical
fringes are clear. North-western populations
have paler wings: males with broadly clear Fw
tips (known as occasi) occur along the Ligurian
3 ssp. occasi coast of northern Italy, in France away from the
dark hindwing tip
Mediterranean, and on the southern slopes of
copper-red
colour
Im I'ymnees. On the Spanish north coast,
iht i h'.n apical area extends basally along
hp I w hind margin, leaving a distinct
.i|ii.nr.h dark spot. Some individuals from
Um Ihi'iian peninsula are notably small.
iii.illr.h, pale males from coastal Asturias Kg
h.iyr been named asturica. Records of
h.x morrhoidalis from outside the western
i ii 'I i-rranean refer to exceptionally dark-tipped
•. iii. in»s of subspecies C. virgo festiva.
(hc.urrence
Mange and status Occurs only around the
i lorn Mediterranean, including the major
i Linds. Generally common; the most widespread
► Calopteryx
i jlopteryx in north-west Africa.
haemorrhoidalis
female, showing the Habitat Clear streams and rivers, where it occurs
dark hindwing tips willi other Calopteryx; these are often smaller and
with contrasting pale more shady. Also found in larger waters in full sun.
pseudopterostigma, I light season May to September.
and brown tibiae.

Calopteryx exul Selys, 1853 Glittering Demoise Iluphaeidae
tp.illage Charpentier, 1840 Odalisques
I inillt Kje fatime (Charpentier, 1840) Odalisque
clear, narrower Mwiiltthritlon is dark greyish blue in males and conspicuously

wings H .1 h < i< ■ and heavy damselfly immediately white to grey in females. The dark wing tips usually
, ii•. 'anisopteran' build and posture, extend to halfway along the Pt (but see Variation).
93
i.il pattern of females and fresh males Female wings are often suffused with pale yellow
.... lallic blue abdomen of mature and have an amber patch at their base. The
H nr.takable in combination with the presence of 12-14 antenodal veins distinguishes
up . I he single-species genus Epallage E. fatime from all other regional species
▼ Calopteryx exul mi 1* l iiosentative of the Euphaeidae in our (Calopteryx, also with unstalked wings, has 18 or
11h ininly otherwise consists of more than more). All other damselflies have stalked wings (i.e.
H ii i i Asian species, mostly satinwings of narrowed bases) with just two antenodals.
...... luphaea. Variation Both the extent and intensity of the dark
hl ih .. utersTot 40-50mm, Ab 28-37mm, Hw wing tip can vary considerably within and between
.miliar in size to Calopteryx splendens populations. Some specimens have wholly smoky
hllriently proportioned, with a much wings, while others lack markings altogether. This
I body, narrower wings and short leg variation led to the description of several invalid
r.lakable, although flying males could subspecies.
i • I with pruinose libellulids at first sight. Behaviour Both sexes are most often seen
ii ■ <i whitish-yellow or pale bluish body, perched on twigs or stones above or near the
i i pattern that becomes more extensive water, sometimes in high densities, showing little
i iesh males are largely black, with pale interaction. It is the only damselfly in our area to sit
i 11 io sides of the thorax and abdomen. with its wings spread and the abdomen held
i me entirely blue with pruinosity, within horizontally, or even raised. The short, fast flight
H, i mi'igence. The very long Pt is unique; it also appears 'anisopteran'. Oviposits in tandem, in
wings, which flash conspicuously in its rather rap

flight, often skimming the water surface.
Identification Field characters Tot 45-50mm, Ab 34-36mm,
General Replaces C. splendens in north-west Africa, Hw 27-29mm. In both sexes the wings are
where it may be noted by its narrow, unbanded narrower than in all other members of this genus
and remain completely clear. The male's venation
is metallic, producing a light blue flash on each
wingbeat. Legs, especially femora, tend to be
paler than in other species, and in both sexes are
chocolate brown rather than black, or black with
yellow internal sides.
Occurrence ◄ Epallage
fatime pair
Range and status Localised endemic of the
in tandem,
mountains from Morocco to Tunisia. Currently
showing
rare in Algeria, where most of its habitat has been
the robust
polluted. Typically only a few individuals are seen 'anisopteran'
at a time. body, dark
Habitat Streams and rivers between 200m and wing tips and
2,000m altitude. pruinose body
Flight season May to August. in male.
Calopteryx Demoiselles Epallage Odalisques

organic material such as roots, or on twigs and
pine needles jammed between boulders or
vegetation.
Plat ycnemididae
Occurrence
l*l.i tycnemis Featherlegs
Range and status Not uncommon in Turkey, hi ii 11 mister, 1839 White-legged Damselflies
Cyprus and Greece, including several of the latter's
larger islands. Scarce in the east of Bulgaria. Likely
hhiillli .itlon Separation of the species Identification of our
to be present in the south of Albania. Extends east
to Afghanistan and Pakistan. (Him1" • 1 •!<•. non-metallic damselflies with a six species is simplified when ranges are regarded.
Habitat Running waters with mostly rocky beds; ide head. The legs have numerous, Males are separated by their colour at maturity
highest densities are along streams, but also found n< l bristles, often widened tibiae and and details of tibiae and appendages. Females are
95
on rivers. in ' (especially males), making them coloured similarly between species and differ less in
Flight season In Turkey, from the end of April to in appearance in both sexes. The tibial features. They should be separated by careful
mid-August. .................I' in all wings is almost rectangular; study of the prothorax. See table below.
ii. iled from subnode (the vein running Behaviour Males perch on the banks or in nearby
V J Kalkman
■ I he node) by two cells. Head, legsand vegetation. They search for mates along the
.H' unique among our damselflies. Details shoreline or borders of vegetation with a slow,
• i ii H r. are also unequalled. characteristic zigzagging flight. Males grasp the
. .................. from other genera Coenagrionid female by landing on her thorax, often pouncing
. with similar coloration have stouter directly onto her in flight. After copulation, the pair
I I unexpanded, less bristly and darker flies off in tandem to oviposit. Sites with egg-laying
I he anterior border of the discoidal pairs attract other pairs, resulting in large groups
inn tly shorter than the posterior one, laying together. In both sexes, the legs are not used
Wllhiii' .1 often three cells to subnode. Only in courtship, but for threatening behaviour. They
' becomes blue, but even so the black are presented to, and waved at, individuals of the
ii I i' i aie very differently configured (see same species in flight.
tpHHi lexl). A Martens
• ump.irison of species. Tibiae are white with a black line of variable length. The upper appendages
i dly notched at the tip; the relative length of the tips above and below this notch is distinctive.
mature d
I Ik , pronotal hindlobe may have a paired set of teeth, whose size and position differ.
pruinose
I iimpare Range Abdomen Width hind Tips of upper Pronotal Species
body
........ in: mature 8 tibiae; black appendages hindlobe
markings d d teeth $
White to Narrow;
NW Africa About equal Absent subdilatata
green-blue complete line
Very broad;
Small,
White at most small Lower longer latipes
sublateral
France, Spain at base
and Portugal
Orange to Very narrow; Large,
A Epallage fatime female. This sex may have only Upper longer acutipennis
dark wing tips, but can have entirely pigmented reddish complete line lateral
wings. Widespread; Broad; at least
; not on Iberian Pale blue small at base, About equal Absent pennipes
i peninsula or often a line
i in Africa
fresh <5
Broad; Tip Small,
White dealba ta
unmarked unnotched lateral
SE Turkey
Grey-blue Very narrow;
About equal Absent kervillei
I pruinose complete line
Epallage Odalisques Platycnemis Featherlegs

I h<-y .ire treated as the subspecies Flight season From the start of May to the end of
Platycnemis pennipes (Pallas, 1771) Blue Featherl -n .is hyalinata) and may recall September in central Europe, longer in Turkey and
.i >i .i11< i) P. latipes and P. dealbata. shorter in England and Fennoscandia; the main
White-legged Danish
i i hying l.indems aggregate on months are June and July.
i . < -th >w Water-lily (Nuphar lutea),
iid milfoils (Myriophyllum) and
■lamogetori), driftwood and roots.
ft l(. ... i i.Hus Occurs from the Atlantic to the
mm 11.1, (»f len abundant. Not threatened,

11-silkled ssp. nitidula may require
i iik| and protection.
97
H i< leiistic of floodplains, and

......hows, rivers and open stretches of
. lakes and a wide range of man-made
as i anals, gravel pits and fish ponds;
in' well adapted to occur with fish. In
*-
.1 (eg. England, the Netherlands,
n, almost confined to flowing waters.
◄ Platycnemis
dealbata male.
Note the largely
white abdomen
and legs.
Identification species only in south-western and south-eastern

General The pale blue males, showing off their extremes of range; confusion is most likely with
white legs to each other, are a familiar sight along P. latipes in France, and P. dealbata in Turkey. Botl
rivers and calm streams in large parts of Europe. these species have porcelain-white mature males,
Here, it is often the only Platycnemis and is easily with wide (almost) unmarked tibiae, but remembi
recognised as being the only small damselfly with a that P. pennipes males are white before they turn
wide head and feather-like legs. blue (see Variation).
Field characters Tot 35-37mm, Ab 27-31 mm, Hand characters Male upper appendages are as
Hw 19-23mm. Somewhat larger than Coenagrion long above apical notch as below it. Hind margin
puella or Enallagma cyathigerum. Males are of female pronotum lacks lateral teeth.
the only Platycnemis that become all blue, but Variation Highly variable in the extent of black
appear paler than other blue damsels (e.g. markings, depending on ambient humidity
Coenagrion') due to less black and a lighter blue at emergence: individuals that emerge with
◄ Platycnemis
colour. In details, the black markings in this dry weather have smaller markings, e.g. black
pennipes male.
and other Platycnemis differ markedly: (1) face markings on tibiae and S2-6 may not be apparent Note the distal
more extensively pale and band across head Thus the patterns may be regionally and seasonallj distribution of
runs between ocelli, not in front of them; (2) it different. Colour changes from transparent pink the black on the
appears as if there are two pairs of antehumeral immediately after emergence, through white, in abdomen, and
stripes rather than one; (3) black markings on both sexes, to blue in males and yellowish brown, the 'double'
S7-10 are not interrupted by a pale 'tail-light' greenish or sometimes blue in females. Males on antehumeral
but are separated by a fine pale central line, thus the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, Albania and stripes typical of
appearing 'paired'. Overlaps with other Platycnemis all Platycnemis.
Greece have, on average, broader tibiae with
Platycnemis Featherlegs Platycnemis Featherlegs

Platycnemis subdilatata Selys, 1849 Barbary Featherlq Philu ■ nrmis acutipennis Selys, 1841 Orange Featherleg
Orange White-legged Damselfly
<3 appendages
99
(side view)
Identification discoidal cell and feather-like legs. Most similar to I

i»b ation Occurrence
General Endemic to north-west Africa, where it is P. pennipes in extent of black on abdomen and I >1 Reddish colour and narrow tibiae may Range and status Endemic to Iberian peninsula
unique by genus characters. legs, but mature male is white to pale greenish I
and France, where generally common.
i> •< liately suggest a Platycnemis species.
Field characters Tot 33-36mm, Ab 22-28mm, blue instead of blue; females become white. Tibiae In liii i <-yed orange-bodied male is one of our Habitat Running waters, mostly with fast or
Hw 17-21 mm. The only small, pale damselfly in are narrower than in P. pennipes. i iin.it tive damselflies. medium current. Rarely at standing waters.
its range with a wide head, almost rectangular Hand characters Male appendages and female i IhIiI di.iracters Tot 34-37mm, Ab 24-28mm, Hw Flight season End of May to mid-August in most
pronotum are very similar to those of P. pennipes. I of range; earlier in southern Spain, from late March
i n mi In markings and shape of the head, a
Variation Like congeners, is variable in extent of i ■ l.ilycnemis, but mid- and hind tibiae not to late June.
black markings. Head, legs and thorax of young I
•H pi ii Hisly enlarged and mature adults have an
females are conspicuously reddish. i> ied abdomen. P. pennipes and P. latipes,
lib h • overlap in France, have significantly
Occurrence li -d tibiae and only some females may have
Range and status Endemic to Morocco, Algeria i li wash. The mature colour is less intense
and Tunisia, where it is common; no records south ili,iii il1.11 of Ceriagrion tenellum or Pyrrhosoma
of the Atlas Mountains except from some Algerian \mpinila, which are differently marked. Moreover,
oases. Probably occurs throughout northern • uiipennis has bluish eyes, like other mature
Algeria. The record of a single museum specimen • n 'i'‘inis males - a unique colour combination.
labelled as from Tenerife (Canary Islands) has not I
Hftiul < haracters Upper tip of male's upper
been confirmed in the field. Locally threatened by i|i|h H luges longer than lower tip. Female hind
overexploitation of water in more arid regions. • •I. of pronotum with pair of distinct lateral
Habitat All permanent stretches of running waters. l^lh
Flight season Mid-April to the end of September. Vrtii.ition Abdomen whitish in immatures, more
in < ly recalling congeners.
Mi'Ii.iviour Deposits eggs in fresh, floating aquatic
pi mias well as roots or driftwood.
Platycnemis Featherlegs Platycnemis Featherlegs

Platycnemis latipes Rambur, 1842 White Feathei mis dealbata Ivory Featherleg
< l\ s & I lagen, 1850
101
<5 appendages
(side view)
sublateral
largely white
tooth on
abdomen and
hind edge of
legs
pronotum
$ pronotum
(from behind)
Identification white, with usually at least S2-5 unmarked. In Mt-Hlll. ..Hon coast, Central Asia and northernmost India and
General Within the species' range, mature males sexes, the mid- and hind tibiae are without or i Him Ihoir range, mature males are Pakistan; limited in the south by the Sinai, Syrian
are unique by their porcelain-white body and only a short black basal marking. P. subdilataM i .m ivory body and enlarged white Desert and Persian Gulf. Often abundant.
expanded legs with limited black markings. These (North Africa) and P dealbata (Turkey) are simil ii i ilical in this regard to P. latipes, but Habitat All types of running waters.
ghost-like damsels are often abundant on rivers in but do not overlap in range. Beware of teneral H*i1 1 untiliral details and range, Flight season In Turkey, from late April to the end
Europe's warm south-west. P. pennipes males, which are whitish (not yet h lot 28-38mm, Ab21-30mm, of September; from March to October in the Near
Field characters Tot 33-37mm, Ab 25-30mm, Hw and may have less intense dark markings. ■ ll ......... Both sexes differ from overlapping East.
18-22mm. Males are paler, with broader tibiae, Hand characters Male upper appendages with ml /’ kervillei by (almost) unmarked
than overlapping species; the abdomen is creamy upper tip shorter than lower. Pronotum of fem< HU i i hind tibiae. Moreover, male
with pair of short lateral teeth on the hind mail ili11< >•.! all white, seldom more
which are larger and placed more outward in | ■■ ii 11 •< I with black; usually not blue
P. acutipennis, but mostly absent in P. pennipsi mi<i mil never pruinose (P. kervillei).
Variation The extent of the black markings on Ii>J ■ i.......tors Unlike other Platycnemis, upper
S6-10 varies greatly. I male lack a notch at tip. Hind
.......Him in female with a small but
Occurrence li H Hli laterally.
Range and status Endemic to Iberian peninsul m/’ latipes, the extent of the black
and the south-western half of France; more IO varies. In old males the white
common than P. pennipes where they overlap. J h mien and tibiae may show a bluish,
Habitat Running waters, mostly with medium i Ml uni ■ mil, linge.
slow current, such as larger rivers; rare in moun
areas.
Flight season Mid-June until the end of ••• I i.itus Just occurs in the far south-east
September. In southern Spain, from early May I hi Ini key. Extends to the Caspian
late August.
r Platycnemis Featherlegs Platycnemis Featherlegs

Platycnemis kervillei (Martin, 1909) Powdered Featherli Coenagrionidae
tip of up
luhnura Charpentier, 1840 Bluetails
appendngi
notched
Blue-tailed Damselflies, Forktails (NA)
• i K»lh< ilion and /. senegalensis, overlap locally; up to three of

Hii i i •<-Ik, He damselflies, the males (and them may occur together on the edge of the Sahara.
Hi i male colours') are easily recognised by These species are essentially similar in markings
8 appendages
(side view) ii ir,.) striking blue marking at the end of and must be separated by the male's appendages
9 1 i ii I his stands out because the abdomen and hind border of the pronotum. Only the latter
103
iHhwi largely bronze-black, with the underside structure may be used in females, but it is highly
.16 yellow. Males have a bicoloured variable. Viewed from behind, the male's upper
i ho inner part is dark grey, the outer appendages appear as an inverted 'U'; the relative
entirely
pruinose when iilia i Halt's usually have a small vulvar spine on shape and position of its branches is species-specific.
mature i h ■ of S8, at the base of the ovipositor. Identification is complicated by the existence of
•si ............ from other genera The dark various female colour forms. Three basic types exist,
iih blue 'tail-light' may recall dark-bodied which we name A, B and C here; they are defined
9 pronotum
i mi or Erythromma species. However, both in the table below. Coloration depends on form, but
(from behind)
HU li i .ill dark Pt, Coenagrion has S2 mainly also varies with age. Females that ultimately develop
H111, uk Erythromma have red eyes. The bright male-like colours are called andromorphs,
•i i hi ii ■ is shared only with Enallagma females, otherwise they are called gynomorphs.
Identification also pruinose, but more patchily, e.g. forming Il Hu ■ ' Idler in their abdominal pattern. Behaviour Unlike other small damselflies, females
General Mature male does not instantly recall distinctive antehumeral stripes. They also often I ||l< .i m< n of the species Nine species of this oviposit alone, rather than in tandem with the
Platycnemis, with its 'normal' (not widened) tibiae retain small greenish postocular spots and lack 1 i ' in genus occur in the region, although male, following a prolonged copulation. After
and whitish-blue pruinose body, but head shape, typical Platycnemis features (see genus text p. 9!>), I • • i ii 11' ly extralimital ones occur only on islands emergence, many adults remain close to the
bristly legs, venation and appendages are typical of Hand characters Upper appendages of males fl Il Ih i J iery. In most of our area only two species waterside. For these reasons, the proportions of
the genus. with notched tip. Hind margin of female H i. ii i■ iher: I. elegans (or one of its relatives) and mating pairs and tenerals at a site are often high.
Field characters Tot 30-38mm, Ab 24-28mm, Hw pronotum without prominent lateral teeth. In m<il| I he elegans-group species, I. fountaineae R Jodicke
18-22mm. Females and teneral males appear as Pseudagrion syriacum the upper appendages are
longer than the lowers, instead of the reverse. I Holl < ■ linition of female colour forms. * Applies to e/egans-group females only;
typical Platycnemis by markings, but tibiae in both
|I'H |,|| light' is absent in females of 1. fountaineae, 1. hastata and 1. pumilio.
sexes not clearly widened. Males become almost Variation Immatures have a white abdomen
uniformly pruinose on head, thorax and abdomen. bearing two black spots at the tip of each segmen IVflH ■.ndro-/ Black humeral Thorax and Thorax and 'Tail-light'
The Syrian Sprite Pseudagrion syriacum occurs in Development of pruinosity progresses from the I .ynomorph stripe when abdomen base abdomen base colour when
the Levant, with Turkish records just outside the head to the thorax, legs and finally abdomen tip. teneral when teneral when mature mature*
scope of the guide. Mature P. syriacum males are Females are less pruinose.
Andromorph | Present 1 Lilac or orange Bright green to blue « Blue
Behaviour Similar to other Platycnemis species,
but comparatively poorly known. Males perch in H (iynomorph Present Lilac Olive green or brown Brown
f IJ
the shade of stream banks.
c ' iynomorph
1
I Absent
1
j Pink ororangeBrown to green Brown
Occurrence
■'iinpi. key to (groups of) species (males only). If statement disagrees, then go to next line.
Range and status Endemic to the Near East,
"tl ■ . .ies, beware of /. hastata females (not in table).
from south-eastern Turkey to Israel and northern
Iraq and south-western Iran; status needs closer i in Fw larger than in Hw. Blue 'tail-light' covers S9 and part of S8, pumilio
examination because of the restricted range and 1 . ilher than being concentrated on S8 intermedia
the vulnerability of aquatic habitats in this arid
region. Range in our area is almost identical to th< 2 ower appendages about as long as uppers, not distinctly longer. N Sahara, fountaineae
>E Turkey
of P. dealbata, but seems less common.
Habitat Mainly running waters with lush shady
9 (lack on S2 bulges downward at front, forming a saddle. Canary Islands and senegalensis
banks, such as streams, rivers, canals and ditches. tropical greenhouses.
Flight season Earlier and shorter than overlappin
congeners: early April to late July in Turkey; most 4 (lack on S2 separated from coloured lower section by straight margin. e/egans-group
Widespread, also Canary Islands. .
records in May. ______________
Platycnemis Featherlegs Ischnura Bluetails

Comparison of species of e/egans-group: i clrf/ans (Vander Linden, 1820) Common Bluetail
Range Overlap Median lobe Inner Tips of lower Species Blue-tailed Damselfly
pronotum branches appendages
of upper (from above)
IbAlhHi inner branches are parallel to each other (but see
appendages
in - most familiar, widespread and Variation). A narrow, upright projection on the
(from behind)
■ . n i Europe, well known from hind border of the pronotum separates this species
Corsica, Weakly Long and Parallel genei .mil garden ponds. Replaced from all others, but is absent in some females and
Sardinia, Elba and bilobed; low crossed • irs in (parts of) the western regionally in males.
Sicily, etc. Giglio in mil Africa. Variation Young males are green. Females appear
mi •• • lol 3O-34mm, Ab 22-29mm, Hw in three colour forms: mature A-females are very
Widespread Long; upright Short and Diverging elegans 105
hi ii size to Enallagma cyathigerum. like the male, but have a lilac thorax when immature.
parallel, but
Widely on ft* I >I.k k, with head, thorax and B-females are identical when immature, but become
crossed in SE
the Iberian i ii I lip marked sky blue at maturity; brownish or dull greenish at maturity. C-females
Iberian
peninsula Weakly arched Long and Converging graellsii 'h.iionsis remain relatively green on have a pink thorax at first, but become rather like
peninsula B-females later. Old B- and C-females may become
diverging .iikI abdomen base, but can be
and NW Rarely in very dark. The taxonomy of this and related species
in I lx* hand, as can /. graellsii.
Africa NW fringe is complex. South-western relatives have been split
is I he tips of the male's lower
Sahara of Sahara Weakly arched Long and Parallel saharensis l . i< )(• (view from above). The off as distinct species, but variation towards the
crossed •I lhe upper appendages (view south-east is poorly understood, with several
in1 K'latively thick and long; the doubtful subspecies named. Males from southern
Italy, Turkey, Crete, Cyprus and
the Middle East usually have
Male Ischnura appendages viewed from behind.
crossed inner branches of the
upper appendages, but so do
some individuals from central
Europe and elsewhere. The
upright projection on the
pronotum is usually absent or
/. elegans I. genei I. graellsii I. saharensis reduced in males from the
Hungarian Great Plain and
northern Balkans to Central Asia.
Occurrence
Range and status Extends
from Ireland to Japan. Common
I. senegalensis
in the region and typically the
I. fountaineae I. pumilio I. intermedia
▲ Pair of most abundant odonate at very
Ischnura eutrophic sites, but can be local
elegans mating and scarce in more nutrient-poor
Male Ischnura pronotums.
(andromorph areas of northern and eastern
female). Europe.
Habitat Abundant at running
and especially standing waters;
tolerant of some salinity but
I. genei I. graellsii I. saharensis avoids acidic habitats such as
Sphagnum bogs.
Flight season Late April to
late September in central and
northern Europe, normally with
only one generation a year, but
longer flight season with more
I. senegalensis I. fountaineae I. pumilio I. intermedia
generations in the south-.
Ischnura Bluetails Ischnura Bluetails

z
z (t (jenei (Rambur, 1842) Island Bluetail
mature o
107
bicoloured pterostigma
d forewing
i pionotum
characteristic upright projection viewed

d pronotum
from the side (note its absence in the
photographs of similar species)
mature d
long median projection
(tear view)
9 pronotum ▲ Ischnura genei C-type immature female. Note black markings on S8.
i.IkihiIx .ition green (although a turquoise tinge develops in full

HUR*' >i 1 losely related to /. elegans, which it maturity), and females of all colour forms may have
< »n the Tyrrhenian Islands west of the black markings on S8. Mature females without
ii hi Hand, and very much like I. saharensis humeral black stripes may be confused with the
ini illy. Occurs with /. elegans on two small coexisting /. pumilio, but the relative size of the
Um I I' >se to the Italian mainland, Pt is discriminatory; that in the Fw is larger in
lirtlil < h.iracters Tot 29-32mm, Ab 18-26mm, I. pumilio.
" i l Hmm. Looks like I. elegans, but the colour Hand characters The inner and outer branches
, thorax, pronotum and abdomen base of the male's upper appendages are of fairly
hi . .md andromorph A-females is usually similar length and thickness; the tips of the
former are crossed (view from behind). I. elegans
has differently proportioned upper appendages.
Hind border of pronotum with a central lobe, but
without an upright projection.
Variation Female colour forms are as in I. elegans,
but form A does not become as blue and form C is
rather salmon pink when teneral.
d appendages
Occurrence
Range and status Endemic to Corsica, Sardinia,
Sicily, Malta, Capraia and Linosa; occurs with /.
elegans on Elba and Giglio. Widespread and locally
abundant within this restricted range.
Habitat Inhabits standing and running waters with
rich vegetation.
rear view
Flight season Recorded from May to September.
Ischnura Bluetails
Ischnura Bluetails
Ischnura graellsii (Rambur, 1842) Iberian Bluet.i In / a saharensis Aguesse, 1958 Sahara Bluetail
■ .ippi'tidages
rear view
109
▲ Mature male Ischnura saharensis. Note green
thorax and rather vivid orange of abdomen.
▲ Mature male Ischnura graellsii. As seen here,

the pale antehumeral stripes and postocular
spots are often (but not always) reduced or
lacking in this species.
hind border
weakly arched d pronotum side view <3 pronotum $ pronotum
Identification tips of lower

General A member of the e/egans-group, confined appendages hhnlllh Ilion large postocular spots, becoming greenish and
directed inwards d append<i
to the westernmost parts of Europe and North i hr. (lose relative of I. elegans is endemic finally brown. Form B is similar when mature, but
(rear view)
Africa. Overlaps and hybridises with I. elegans in Sahara and the Canary Islands. It the immature colour is unknown. Andromorph
locally on the Iberian peninsula, especially in the $ pronotum III |>u I i«(| among I. graellsii by the green A-females may have either a bright green or a
north and west, while only /. elegans occurs in IN* UK 1.1| ng /. fountaineae also by its bright blue thorax.
the Balearics. Meets /. saharensis very locally on they may be I. elegans (but see Variation). Femal . ......... ’ can be distinguished with certainty
the edge of the Sahara, but hybrids are unknown. without postocular spots may be confused with! male's appendages. Females may be Occurrence
Some mature females in particular may not be Erythromma viridulum, but have a vulvar spine. | . n . i, m the field. Range and status Widespread and locally
reliably identifiable in areas of overlap. Hand characters Unlike /. elegans, the tips of Hi Iiklil ill natters Tot 26-31mm, Ab 19-25mm, Hw abundant along the northern fringe of the Sahara,
Field characters Tot 26-31 mm, Ab 20-25mm, male's lower appendages are directed towards c. < )ne of our smallest Ischnura. Similar to ranging east to Libya and south to northern Niger.
Hw 13-19mm. Smaller on average than /. elegans. other (view from above). The inner branches of ■ ■ i ■" I «i it in mature males the head, thorax and Together with I. senegalensis, the only damselfly
Unlike I. elegans, postocular spots and antehumeral the upper appendages diverge (view from behinf h.ise are green. Blue individuals are likely breeding on the Canary Islands, where it is rare.
stripes are often reduced or totally lacking in both Hind border of the pronotum is weakly arched, I............. io the blue colour form of the female or Habitat Running and standing waters, preferably
sexes, while the majority of gynomorph females (B without an upright projection as in I. elegans. I ■ ill /1 oexisting I. graellsii or I. fountaineae. with dense vegetation; avoids higher salinity.
and C) have variable black markings on S8. On the Variation The spring generation is generally 1 Ihw ■ i .ide of S3-7 in males is more vividly Flight season Several generations throughout the
Iberian peninsula, larger, well-marked (postoculars, larger-bodied and darker, with the antehumeral I ft i 111. ii i in other species except I. fountaineae. year; scarce from December to February.
antehumerals) males should be carefully checked as stripes and postocular spots reduced or absent. Ai Ihilihu Isii and I. fountaineae, the upperside
in I. elegans, female forms A, B and C all occur, hi ■males is never marked with black. In both
the teneral thorax colours are distinctive: (greenish 111< ■ | lostocular spots tend to be small and the
yellow in A; whitish lilac in B; orange in C. The I | •• liiiiiu-ml stripes are narrow, but this is similar to
latter may recall I. pumilio; black on S2 is restrict!■< I . <• / and /. fountaineae.
to the distal quarter. Pink individuals, as often sew IM Hi n atters As in /. genei, the inner branches
in /. elegans, and burgundy ones are rare. i |l Un 'h iI<>'s upper appendages are crossed; the
I i ■ ii of the inner and outer branches
Occurrence 'i i / genei. The tips of the lower appendages
Range and status Widespread and abundant I i< i, more slender and less denticulate than
within its western Mediterranean range. Locally . / ms. The posterior lobe of the pronotum is
hybridises with /. elegans. ii i nl. h to /. graellsii in both sexes.
Habitat All types of running and standing waters Mihiiion Ihe spring generation is particularly
Flight season Mid-April to mid-October in i i Nil reduced postocular spots and
Catalonia; March to November in Andalucia and kmii humoral stripes. Female variation and
North Africa. Two generations a year in the north h • b i tn lent is not fully understood. Form C is
and up to four in the south. Himi in'<|uent, and has a pink thorax at first and

Ischnura fountaineae Morton, 1905 Oasis Bluci. M Im nra senegalensis (Rambur, 1842) Tropical Bluetail
► Ischnura fountaineae pair copulating.

Note blueness of male and absence
of 'tail-light' in female.
inner branches
(J pronotum $ pronotum
* ipi..... I.wjes
Un,ii view)
Identification females are gynomorph (form C) and lack hu

General A desert species that just reaches the stripes and a 'tail-light', the upperside of their
region on the fringe of the Sahara, where it occurs abdomen being black on S2-9. Their positive mature $
with the smaller /. saharensis and (rarely) I. graellsii. identification may be difficult under field
In mixed populations, is picked out by its slightly conditions. The combination of their larger size,,
larger size and the absence of a 'tail-light' in most small postoculars and black on S2 and S8 tends
females. be diagnostic.
Field characters Tot 27-34mm, Ab 21-25mm, Hw Hand characters Males are reliably identified by
i,Ji tip
19-24mm. One of the larger Ischnura species. In the appendages, which are all of similar length. I
mature males, the thorax and abdomen base have Variation Unlike other species, areas that
a sky-blue ground colour, without a hint of green, become blue in males are whitish, not greenish, I
and shining black markings; the underside of at immaturity. Postocular spots and antehumeral
S3-6 is noticeably orange (only I. saharensis and stripes are often reduced or absent. Immature upperside of S8 black
I. senegalensis are equally bright). In both sexes, females are orange with black markings. Their I
the postocular spots are small and the antehumeral legs are unmarked at first, but develop brownish
stripes in males are narrow, but this is similar to stripes. With maturity females turn olive, and i iiiii <ation on S8 appears square-cut at the front, not or barely
I. graellsii and I. saharensis. The great majority of later to brown. The rare andromorph females nmiwirtl )ne of the most widespread damselflies extending onto S7, while in the other species it
(A) are much like males; their teneral colours are Hu i 'li I World tropics, which just reaches the extends below the black upperside for about half
unknown. B-femalesare unknown. i tn ii y I .lands. Long mistaken for the co-occurring the length of that segment; (3) the black line on
I |ji/i m /•./•», its presence was confirmed there only in the interpleural suture of the thorax tends to be
Occurrence 'i I he species is often imported with aquatic shorter and thinner, at least in individuals in the
Range and status Extends from Central Asia Mh. • hi reproduce in greenhouses, and benefits Canary Islands. Only gynomorph females (form C)
htilll I ll< |l ier temperatures and human impacts, it is have been found there, which are orange when
through the Middle East to Tunisia, Algeria, Moroc
and Pantelleria (an island between Sicily and Tunisu 11111 < | )ing an eye out more widely for the male's immature and black on the upperside of S8. In
Abundant in suitable habitat. Occurs in eastern mi. .1 distinctive abdominal markings. contrast, all forms of /. saharensis are blue or
Turkey outside the region covered by this guide. 11.-hl < h.iracters Tot 28-31 mm, Ab 19-25mm, Hw brown on S8, like I. elegans. Both sexes are similar
Habitat Mainly in desert oases and brackish n 111. Recalls I. saharensis and other elegans- to I. fountaineae, which could show up on the
coastal sites. Springs and rivers with little ..... 11 i x'des in size and overall appearance, and Canary Islands. The male is usually larger, with
vegetation, shallow lakes, glasswort (Salicornia') ' . I. i mguished in the hand. However, in males: a blue or whitish (when immature) rather than
marsh; tolerant of high salinity. Hu iiontof the glossy black patch on S2 clearly green thorax. The somewhat similar saddle on S2
Flight season All year in the oases of Tunisia, wit i..ih|r downward, appearing like a black saddle, is less pronounced. Definitive identification requires
very low numbers in winter, otherwise March to i tilu'i Ilian being separated by a fairly straight examination of the very different appendages. Most
November; several generations a year. mini Irom the green lower section; (2) the blue males of /. genei are also green, but that species

is confined to Mediterranean
islands.
Hand characters The inner
branches of the male's upper
appendages are in close
contact but not crossed as in pterostigma
I. saharensis. Unlike the latter 8 pronotum border mature 8 distinctly larger in
weakly arched forewing than in
and other e/egans-group species,
hindwing
the tips of the lower appendages
are pointed inwards. The tubercle
on the tip of S10 (above the
appendages) is also smaller and ▲ Ischnura senegalensis
thus rather inconspicuous.
Variation The green markings on mature males Europe with aquatic plants and can even mainl
infrequently develop a blue tinge. Andromorph populations in greenhouses.
females are known in other parts of the range of Habitat A wide range of stagnant and slow- Iemale never
with 'tail-light'
I. senegalensis and may have a black saddle on S2 flowing waters, often with dense, vegetation.
as in the male, no saddle, or only part of it. Tolerant to organic pollution and salinity, thus <
more common at brackish, eutrophic, urban an
Occurrence agricultural sites than other species in its range,
Range and status Widespread and often common On the Canaries, found at man-made waterbod
from Africa to Japan, extending through the Nile such as water tanks and reservoirs.
Valley to the Levant. Localised and rare on Tenerife Flight season Recorded from late February to
and La Palma, but likely to be found elsewhere on November on the Canary Islands, but as it can h
the Canary Islands or in southern Morocco. This multiple generations each year, may be on the
is the most frequent species to be imported to wing in all months.
◄ Mature
Ischnura pumilio (Charpentier, 1825) Small Blueta male Ischnura
pumilio.
Scarce Blue-tailed Damsell Note larger
bicoloured
pterostigma on
Identification are distinguished by the bigger Pt of the Fw, and forewings.
General A diminutive but effective disperser, the completely black upperside of the abdomen |
which swiftly colonises pioneer habitats. Young and pronotum (see below). Because of their size,
females are remarkably orange; males have the greenish females may be mistaken for Nehalennii
typical Ischnura 'tail-light', but it is shifted to S9. speciosa, which is metallic and much more delica:
Field characters Tot 26-31 mm, Ab 22-25mm, Hand characters The male's upper appendages
Hw 14-18mm. One of the smallest European lack the inner branches of /. elegans and its
species. Easily separated from /. elegans and its relatives (view from behind). The hind border of
relatives by: (1) Pt in Fw distinctly bigger than the pronotum forms a simple arch, without any ◄ Immature
in Hw, especially in males; (2) in males, the blue projecting or upright stuctures. female
'tail-light' is on S9 and the adjacent half of S8, Variation The male's colour changes from whitis Ischnura
rather than being concentrated on S8; (3) females through yellowish and green, to blue. The 'tail pumilio. This
bright orange
always lack the 'tail-light', and when immature light' is variably (sometimes extensively) covered
developmental
are bright orange with limited black on the head, with black markings. Distal part of Pt frequently
phase is
thorax and abdomen (e.g. S1-2 and base S3 becomes blue in mature males. All females typica
sometimes
unmarked), and when mature are very different lack the black humeral stripes, having at most a referred to
and inconspicuous (see Variation). Immature thin black line along the suture, and are orange as the form
I. graellsii and /. fountaineae females can also be when teneral. They have big postocular patches, 'aurantiaca'.
orange but have more black on the head (enclosing which narrow to round spots during maturation,
postocular spots) and on the abdomen base (at while the upperside of the abdomen becomes
least upperside S2 partly black). Mature females completely black. They fit the definition of the

gynomorph form C. However, occasional females Behaviour In rare cases, tandem oviposition lid
do not become green when mature, but blue, and been reported.
could effectively be considered andromorph. Rare,
largely blackish females and green females without Occurrence
solid black markings are also known. Range and status This effective coloniser r«ilhji
from the Azores and Madeira to north-east
China, and is locally abundant. Populations ail
often short-lived, disappearing with vegetation
succession.
Habitat Recently created habitats with sparse1
vegetation (for instance, in quarries) can harbnii
huge populations, but the species can also be 115
found on a wide variety of sites, such as small o
temporary ponds (also nutrient-poor and acidic
ones), springs and ditches.
Flight season March to October in the south,
with at least two generations a year; from the fl
of May until mid-September in the north, when
a second generation seems to be becoming mo
regular.
Ischnura intermedia Dumont, 1974 Persian Bluet;

Identification pliers and (almost) completely eclipse the lowers
General An inconspicuous Ischnura from south As in I. pumilio, the upper appendages lack the I
west Asia, which just reaches Cyprus and south inner branch found in most other Ischnura spedfl
east Turkey. Unlike its congeners, the male's blue Viewed from above, the hind border of the femd ........ . behaviour. Since its discovery along the
'tail-light' typically covers the two penultimate pronotum is slightly notched, not arched as in I i 1.1 i >hrates (just outside the area covered
abdominal segments entirely. This scarce and I. pumilio. The ovipositor is shorter and more || i.. 4 ), only two dozen sites scattered
localised species is probably overlooked due to its pointed than in /. pumilio, projecting obliquely I h 11 hern Syria, Iraq, Iran and southern
resemblance to /. pumilio, and was first discovered from the abdomen rather than being pressed i ii i.in have become known. In our area it
on Cyprus only in 2013. against and parallel to it. -I ily from single records near Birecik and
Field characters Tot 26-29mm, Ab 19-21 mm, Variation The male's blue 'tail-light' can variably ‘ Ihim i 11 it key, and five valleys in south-western
Hw 11-13mm. Tiny, even smaller on average be covered with black markings, as in I. pumilio. Mi"'i I><?re it is moderately common.
than I. pumilio. Males are readily separated from Their extent varies seasonally, with more black in ii diibii mall, shallow channels of springs,
that and other Ischnura species by the blue 'tail spring. Such early males may recall I. pumilio, but ................I small rivers, bordered by dense
light' extending over the full length of both S8 at least three-quarters of S8 remains blue while at • p hi vegetation and with little flow. Occurs
and S9, but see Variation below. Both sexes are most half of the segment is blue in the bluest j Hi / /< </<ms and I. pumilio, although no extant
distinguished from other species except I. pumilio /. pumilio males. Mature males can have a greenis ....... I..... ns of the latter are known from Cyprus.
by the notably small Pt in the Hw; in males, those or blueish thorax. Observed females are HIUM < .ison On Cyprus from late March to
in the Fw are even greater than twice the size gynomorph (form C) and probably display the san 11 i uber: numbers peak from the end of
and have a larger dark portion than in /. pumilio. variability as I. pumilio, the bright orange , ..i i.. ihe middle of June, then drop, and rise
Females are similar to /. pumilio (see Variation) and immatures with big postocular patches and i in August, suggesting there are at least two
best identified in the hand. becoming dark olive at maturity. Blue andromorpl |i nri iimns a year.
Hand characters The shape and relative length females have not been recorded but seem likely tc
of the male appendages are unique among our occur.
Ischnura species. Seen from the side, the upper
appendages end in a small hook and are slightly Occurrence
(but distinctly) longer than the lower appendages. Range and status Seems scarce and localised,
From above, the uppers appear like diverging but also easily overlooked due to its small size anc

Ischnura hastata (Say, 1839) Citrine Forkl |/i.i1lag ma 'American' Bluets
h hii Hitier, 1840
largely unmarked
Ulfl* .illon Separation of the species The genus is almost

immature $
pm*i i H. al bluets, the males being entirely confined to Eurasia and North America,
i <*ly marked with black (see the vast majority of the almost 50 species restricted
pterostigma on <?
forewing it I emales are usually either brown to the latter. Only two very similar species occur in
$ pronotum loipedo-like markings on S3-7, and our region, one being among our most widespread
i i h ii prominent vulvar spine on the species, the other restricted to north-west Africa.
117
1 .8, at the base of the ovipositor. Their separation requires close examination of the
... ....... horn other genera The blue-and- male appendages (see E. deserti).
•I males recalls most Coenagrion Behaviour Strongly recalls Coenagrion species, but
<3 S8-10 side view
v Ihromma lindenii (see E. cyathigerum unlike them males prefer open water, where they
I < (imparison). Only Ischnura females fly and perch on floating plants close to the water's
Identification Hand characters The male has a unique rod .I ii spine, although it is weaker. Brown surface.
General Unique in many ways, this is the only projection on S10. The female's pronotal hind ii, Im- confused with Sympecma, which R Jddicke
American species reproducing in our area. The only is reduced in comparison to /. pumilio. likings on S3-6, but differs in its long
population here, in the Azores, was misidentified Behaviour The Azorean females lay eggs with Ii i iii. - >l markings and venation.
until 1990, although records suggest it may have needing to mate, producing a new generation
been present at least a century before. It is the females. In other invertebrates a bacterial infl
only parthenogenic Odonata population known in is usually responsible for parthenogenesis, bul
the world: all generations lack males, unfertilised experiments with antibiotics have not yet prov
eggs producing females only. Surveys in the this for I. hastata. Males of I. pumilio (the only
archipelago and experiments aimed at interrupting other damselfly on the Azores) have been seer
parthenogenesis have failed to produce males. These holding I. hastata females in tandem.
males are the only odonates in the world with the
Pt inside the wing, rather than on its leading edge. Occurrence
Field characters Tot 20-27mm, Ab 17-21mm, Range and status Inhabits all islands of the ◄ Enallagma cyathigerum male.
Hw 11-15mm. Distinctly smaller than I. pumilio. Azores, where sometimes hundreds of femal® Note the broad antehumeral
The male, unknown from Europe, is unique by its have been seen at a pond, making it the stripes and 'plain' side of the
largely yellow abdomen. The deep orange Pt of commonest species there (always outnumberii thorax.
the Fw is fully enclosed by the wing (females have I. pumilio). Widespread in North and South
normal Pt). Fresh females have the basal half of the America (also the Galapagos Islands), where
abdomen orange, S1-4 being (largely) unmarked; parthenogenesis is unknown. A strong dispersi ulhti/nia cyathigerum (Charpentier, 1840) Common Bluet
in I. pumilio only the very base (S1-2) is unmarked. which could appear on eastern Atlantic shores. Common Blue Damselfly
Mature I. hastata females turn pale brown to dull Habitat Almost every well-vegetated Azorean
olive, with a wholly black abdominal dorsum. pond, typically with pondweeds (Potamogeton
Eventually, they become largely covered with and spike-rushes (Eleocharis). I.I.HlIth .ition antehumeral stripes and large postocular spots
greyish pruinosity (see photograph). /. pumilio turns Flight season Recorded from the Azores from Mi •• • i 1 ><ibly the most widespread species in in both sexes, the antehumeral normally at least
green or occasionally blue, but is never pruinose. late May to early August. Almost year-round in liiiil i )ne of many bluets whose identity is as wide as the black humeral stripe beneath it;
Olive females of both may be easily confused, but southern United States; April to November furt iimiK'd in the hand. Easily identified by the (2) the sides of the thorax appear plain because
can be separated by the pronotal hindlobe. north. ill mgs, e.g. the 'mushroom' on the male's there is not usually a short black interpleural stripe
th. i i pi'does'on the female's S3—7 and between the humeral stripe and the small black
ii- .liipe' on the thorax sides of both. Its stripe on the lower suture; (3) the male has a
ii id habitat also differ from other bluets, small mushroom-like marking on S2, and S8-9 are
I- , myriads of bluets skimming over an completely blue, creating a conspicuous 'tail-light';
mu lol < will rarely be another species. (4) the female has black torpedo-like markings on
Id th .metersTot 29-36mm, Ab 22-28mm, the abdominal dorsum. Erythromma lindenii males
HWP- I mm. Size and shape close to other share the skimming habit and broad antehumerals
(*'-> bill appears slightly more robust and purer of Enallagma cyathigerum, but the postocular
◄ Ischnura hastata
female in the Azores mbines the following markings: (1) broad spots are reduced, there are two short black stripes
Ischnura Bluetails Enallagma 'American' Bluets

Coenagrion species, where there are often
prominently projecting lobes, especially in frnuili
Unlike Coenagrion, at least one cell below th#
wing's leading edge between the Pt and wing fl
in the Hw is usually doubled.
Variation The male's S2 'mushroom' may be rod
or pointed, its stem may be missing or lateral wi
like extensions can be present. Very dark males
occasionally, especially in the north and east, d<Ty mature 9 mature 9 mature o
(dull form) (blue form) <5 S1-2 showing
the familiar diagnosis. They may have extensive i 'mushroom' mark
black on abdomen, narrowed or even broken 1
antehumerals, and well-developed black interpl# 119
and metapleural stripes, recalling Coenagrion in
and C. johanssoni. Andromorph females are blm
and not uncommon, but are often outnumber#!
by greenish and brownish gynomorphs.
on the thorax sides, the entire upperside of S2 is
black and the blue is shifted to S9-10 (S8 is black). Occurrence
Coenagrion males are hardly distinguishable at a Range and status Common in most parts of lh
-.tripe at least as broad 9 abdomen tip
distance, but prefer to remain among bankside region, its range extending north of the Arctic ] stripe below it
vegetation. They have antehumerals narrower Circle and to the Moroccan Atlas Mountains an(
than the humeral, two short thorax stripes, and a Kamchatka. North American populations have
different marking on S2 (but see Variation). The been found to pertain to a separate species. !
aforementioned features of the head and thorax Habitat All types of ponds, lakes and also slow
also apply to Coenagrion and Erythromma females. rivers. Huge densities occur in acidic waters ■plain' side of thorax, with black prominent spine
Hand characters A quick look for the female's without fish. interpleural stripe not or hardly below S8
developed
vulvar spine with a hand lens rules out confusion Flight season Late April to October. Larval ■
$ pronotum
with all Coenagrion, Erythromma and Sympecma development needs more than one year in the
species. In both sexes, the hind margin of the north, while in the south up to two generations
pronotum is only weakly curved, unlike most emerge each year.
mature 9
(blue form)
Enallagma deserti (Selys, 1871) Desert Blui

Identification and ecology are very similar to E. cyathigerum, of
General Atypical bluet, patrolling and perching which some workers consider it a subspecies, bill appendage
close to the water's surface. General appearance (rear view)
the two overlap in northern Morocco. Identificati
is possible only under magnification. side view
Field characters Tot 32-37mm, Ab 24-29mm,

Hw 19-23mm. Slightly larger than E. cyathigerur • H I mid the pronotum) are too subtle and Enallagma deserti
but otherwise seems identical. See that species ai urn for reliable identification. 9 pronotum
genus text for separation from other bluets. u til n (.ynomorph females are prevalent and
pronotum does not differ
Hand characters The tips of the male's upper III ill -iircnish.
from E. cyathigerum;
appendages have a distinctive shape, which can markings vary according
to paleness of individual
be recognised through a hand lens with some Ihiiinrnce
experience. The protruding tip of E. cyathigerum Hid status Endemic to the Maghreb.
is much reduced in E. deserti (view from side), an i illy rather scarce, but may occur in huge
the tooth lying above it appears like an inward I i -I limns locally; the species has benefited from
pointing finger in E. cyathigerum, but is much II in reservoirs.
upper
broader and shorter in E. deserti (view from abov il-thii.it ( alm river sections or lakes, dams and appendage
i i with floating leaves of submerged plants. (rear view)
and behind). Males with intermediate features he
been found. Slight structural differences of the Hight *.«ason Mid-April to late September; side view
female mesostigmal plate (the part of the thorax |liii|i ilily with several generations a year.
Enallagma 'American' Bluets Enallagma 'American' Bluets

Coenagrion 'Eurasian' Bluets
Kirby, 1890
Identification an all-black upperside to S2 and a shorter 'tail liq||
Diagnosis Males are small blue damselflies marked shifted to the extreme tip of the abdomen.
with black. The blue areas may be (partly) greenish Separation of the species The richest genus "I
or whitish. Females are blacker, and more often damselflies in our area, with 13 species. AddiliuiJ
green or brownish. Because this is a large and species occur east to Japan, with a few in Noilli ]
diverse group, the genus is best identified by America. Males can normally be separated by lh(I 121
the exclusion of the smaller genera (see below). markings, aided by their appendages. The patlwli
A damselfly with plain Pt, roundish postocular on the male's S2 is a popular identification fealuj
spots, the coloured antehumeral stripes narrower but as all markings are highly variable this may I
than the black lines below (humeral stripes), and serve only as an indication, and it may be wise
two short but well-defined black lines on the check the appendages and pronotum in individufl
thorax sides (interpleural and metapleural stripes) cases. A simple key to males is provided below, I
will in most cases belong to Coenagrion. Females may be difficult to identify, as markings I
Separation from other genera Enallagma differ less between species and vary (even) more I
normally have the antehumeral stripes wider than than in males. Study of the hind border of their I
the black humeral stripes below them, and they pronotum is required. The species typically occui
lack the black interpleural stripes on the thorax sides in fairly high densities and do not wander far from
below that. Ischnura males have two-toned Pt. their habitat, so a conspecific male is usually clo‘»®
Enallagma and Ischnura females possess a vulvar at hand.
spine. Erythromma species are darker, with reduced Behaviour Males typically fly low among or alomi
or no postocular spots, and males have red or riparian vegetation, seldom venturing far from I
all-blue eyes, whereas these are blue with dark it. Tandems often oviposit in concentrations on I
caps in Coenagrion. The blue Erythromma lindenii floating vegetation, the male adopting an upright
is superficially very similar, but differs in numerous posture.
details of markings, including wider antehumerals, K-D B Dijkstl
Simple key to groups of similar species (males only). If the statement agrees, compare
the given species. If it disagrees, then go to the next line. See also photographs opposite.
Abdomen is all black, except for bluish areas at base and near tip. Lower arma turn
1 appendages are massive, dwarfing uppers.
2 Abdomen sides black along lower border. Black markings are present at base johanssoni
of hind legs. Exclusively boreal or alpine species. hylas
3 Black on middle segments of abdomen is drawn out into two long spikes, puella
one on each side of segment. pulchellum
syriacum
intermedium
4 Undersides of eyes, face and often thorax are green, not blue. Black marking hastu latum
on S1 always restricted to base, not covering segment's full length. Black lunula turn
marking on S2 usually broken up into three marks, not a single one. Upper
appendages never hooked at tip. Northern rather than southern species.
5 S6 is largely black; terminal half of abdomen therefore appears black, apart scitulum
from blue 'tail-light'. Pt are elongate and pale. caerulescens
6 At least basal third of S6 is blue; whole abdomen appears to have alternating mercuriale
pattern of black and blue. Pt are lozenge-shaped and dark. ornatum
----- —- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - --------
Coenagrion 'Eurasian' Bluets Coenagrion 'Eurasian' Bluets

ii i long typical ones, showing a black frequently free from the basal segment border in
Coenagrion pulchellum Variable I Hi i. r, lypically more than half black females.
(Vander Linden, 1825) Variable Dam... ............... Ill irral stripes are usually broken.
i.•in.lies with broad blue bases to the Occurrence
......... are common and not unlike Range and status Widespread and numerous
2 antehumeral
iih diagnostic long lateral spikes), locally, but overall much scarcer than C. puella,
stripe broken
H lil.u k on S2 and S8-9. Green especially in south. Ranges to the West Siberian
ii males with an all-black abdominal Plain and Central Asia.
i Ic.-.ii nilar to the common type of Habitat Wide range of still, occasionally
11.ilc, are also frequent. Other varieties slow-flowing, waters. These are typically lushly
d pronotum
(similar shape in ?) !• x al, such as a black-backed variety vegetated, non-acidic and meso- to eutrophic, such
id SB noticeably pale, reminiscent of as oxbows and fenlands. 123
mature d Flight season From April to mid-September; most
I ike the latter, C. pulchellum is the
in which the black marking on S2 is abundant in late May and June.
$ andromorph form $ gynomorph form

ihtgrion puella (Linnaeus, 1758) Azure Bluet
Azure Damselfly
d S1-2 showing 'Y' mark
d pronotum
d abdomen tip
uppers (nearly) d abdomen tip d appendages
mature d
touching at base (side view)
2 pronotum
Identification in females, although through a hand lens the
General A slender blue damselfly that is often distinctive W-bordered pronotum of the female
confused with the paler C. puella. Males typically characteristic. upper appendages widely
have blue exclamation marks on the 'shoulders' Field characters Tot 34-38mm, Ab 23-32mm, separated
and a black 'Y' at the abdomen base, rather 16-23mm. Similar build to C. puella, with whicl
than blue lines and a black 'U'. Although the it will most often be confused. Good pointers h
two species widely overlap in range, they often recognise males in the field are: (1) darker, with
occupy different habitats. The vernacular name a deeper blue colour and more black markings;
showinc
refers to the variability of this species, particularly (2) antehumeral stripes usually broken, appearin ? gynomorph $ andromorph
d appendages
like exclamation marks; (3) black figure on S2 (side view)
connected by a stalk to the segment border,
usually appearing like a 'Y' rather than a 'U';
(4) S3-6 substantially blacker, e.g. S4-5 at least I black spikes
mature d
black (not less). Females normally have complete extend
forwards
antehumeral stripes and are more variable than
those of any other Coenagrion (see below). i H k interpleural stripe present in all
mature ¥
Hand characters Male appendages somewhat lik a I'ion but very rarely in Enallagma
those of C. puella, but uppers as long as lowers

(view from side) and (nearly) touching each other
at their base (view from above). Hind margin of
female pronotum deeply incised at two points, hlniihfication may be confused with the equally widespread but
resulting in three distinct lobes. hHiK-i.il This sleek, pale blue damselfly is one of often darker and more local C. pulchellum. Two
Variation Eastern and southern males (e.g in the Hu 11 ii nonest odonates in large parts of Europe. lookalikes replace the species in Crete and south
Mediterranean and Turkey) can be exceptionally • i ih .lie usually recognised by the black 'U' on east Turkey.
dark. Males with more blue that recall C. puella ' n ii I iwo-spiked markings on the abdomen, but Field characters Tot 33-35mm, Ab 22-3.1 mm,

Hw 15-24mm. Longer and thinner than most i nuliomorph form of the female (see of habitat; classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN
similar species, such as Enallagma cyathigerum. The h i hi but is unrecorded to date. Red List.
typical blue damselfly in many areas. The male is Habitat Unlike its mainland counterparts, appears
light blue, typically with narrow but complete to be confined to running water, inhabiting
antehumeral stripes, black 'U' on S2 and apical ....i i.itus Confined to Crete (shown in permanent streams.
fifths of S3-5 with black rings. A thin black spike Flight season From mid-May to early August.
i. 124), where it is localised because
extends from these rings on each side (absent on S3
in pale specimens), almost reaching segment bases.
These spikes are shared with the near-identical
C. syriacum of southern Turkey and C. intermedium
of Crete, and the darker but widespread
C. pulchellum (see that species). Gynomorph 125
females usually predominate; these are yellowish
green with the entire abdominal upperside black
and are best identified by the pronotal hind border.
Hand characters Male upper appendages are
distinctly shorter than lowers, widely separated reminiscent of typical andromorph C. pulchellufi
from one another and with inward-directed hooks and C. ornatum females, but these normally had ▲ Coenagrion intermedium male.
at tips (view from above). The wide gap between more blue on S7-9.
the upper appendages is unique among related
k mtgrion syriacum (Morton, 1924) Syrian Bluet
species. Hind margin of female pronotum is wavy, Occurrence
forming three very shallow lobes. Range and status The most abundant specie*,
Variation Males vary greatly in the extent of the of the genus; common in a very large part of Qfl l( .Hion
black markings, and care is required to use these area, with its range extending to the West Sibeil ■iHBiAl i • i >1. ues the deceptively similar C. puella
characters. In north-west Africa, males have two Plain and eastern Kazakhstan. i r.i, the two species meeting in
black spots on S8, which are absent or smaller Habitat A wide variety of waters, especially still
nicy. Can be separated reliably only
elsewhere. These specimens are sometimes but also flowing, although generally scarce on I I kn I ippendages. 8 pronotum $ pronotum
lithl Ji u.xters Tot 30-37mm, Ab 24-29mm, Hw
considered as the subspecies kocheri, but similar peaty or clay soils. Favours the presence of aqual
males from Spain suggest the variation is gradual. vegetation. hi Male appears identical to C. puella. It
An andromorph variety of the female has the Flight season From April (even March in Algerlf tl I i ii i typical males of that species from
basal fifths of S3-6 blue, the black markings on to September, but most common from mid-May id northern Europe (e.g. S6 is largely black
these segments being three-toothed. They are the end of July. I . i i ihout half) and may recall C. pulchellum,
III iml In. puella are similarly dark. Pale females
to like those of C. pulchellum.
Coenagrion intermedium Lohmann, 1990 Cretan Bli || ....I. h H.icters Male upper appendages more
h each other near their base (view from
6 appendages
(side view)
<3 abdomen tip 6 S1-2
11 - vol appendages are longer and more

Identification ni 11 111,in in related species, about twice
General Endemic bluet of Crete, where it replaces
i 11 in upper appendages and pointing
C. puella. It differs mainly by the shape of the tiqlii ii H kwards, not half upwards. Hind margin
male appendages and can therefore most easily be it i iionotum more strongly three-lobed
recognised by its range.
puella (recalling C. pulchellum), with
Field characters Tot 35-36mm, Ab 26-32mm, I ow central lobe.
Hw 19-22mm. Larger and slightly darker on
<3 pronotum $ pronotum
VmlHb. hi 11.is the same female colour forms as
average than C. puella from central and northern
■ f gif'll.i
Europe, but otherwise appears identical to it and
C. syriacum; C. puella from the adjacent mainland Hiiunonce
are similarly dark.
R ..H|. Hid Status Replaces C. puella in a band
Hand characters Male appendages are similar to
i • Mediterranean Sea from Antalya to
those of C. puella, but the upper appendages more
I Isiael.
or less touch each other near their base (view from
Ihhit .i ‘.nil and slow-flowing waters, with ample
above), as in C. syriacum and C. pulchellum. Hind 4. p i di hi such as pondweeds (Potamogeton).
margin of female pronotum intermediate between <5 appendages <S S1-2 Hh|lii r.ison Turkish records are from mid-April
those of C. puella and C. pulchellum. (side view) hi Hu i nd of May.
Coenagrion mercuriale (Charpentier, 1840) Mercury Uli h.m// ion ornatum (Selys, 1850) Ornate Bluet
Southern Damn
lozenge-shaped pteroffl
+ pronotum
with dark centr#
gynomorph
127
internal tooth
near base
o appendages
d SI —2 showing
'Mercury' mark
Identification
General Small, deep-blue damselfly, typical of
small streams in south-western Europe. Male's S2
is marked with a black double-horned triangle,
recalling the ancient alchemist symbol for the ition middle, weakly notched in its centre.
element mercury, to which the species owes its <'.r.tern ecological counterpart of Variation Gynomorph females without blue
name. Details of markings and appendages further A \ inhabiting similar streams. The based segments exist, but should be identifiable
identify it. ■ vorlap widely in central Europe, by their postocular spots and pronotum. As in
Field characters Tot 27-31 mm, Ab 19-27mm, Hw Imhi I i ilecies are very local, but often occur C. mercuriale, females are occasionally pinkish on
12-21mm. Stouter than C. puella and among the ml able streams. The black marking the thorax and abdomen.
smallest members of the genus. Male S2 marking Hmm. il. S2 has been likened to a bird, bat,
is variable, not unlike that of other Coenagrion H .11, m oil ier winged creature, but the ragged Occurrence
species, but typically resembles a head bearing a abdomen might already be reproductively active • I. postocular spots is perhaps the best Range and status Very local in the north and west
horned helmet. S3-6 seldom more than half black, but probably darken with age. (in I hiKj feature. Details of markings and of range, to fairly common in the south-east.
S7 always with some blue at the base. Males are |M. ♦ h I. »• p < onfirm identification. Habitat Similar to C. mercuriale, being found
perhaps most easily identified by the exclusion Occurrence I., hl i h.ii.k ters Tot 30-31 mm, Ab 20-30mm, by sunny streams and flowing ditches, often
of congeners likely in the same habitat: C. puella Range and status Locally common in France and hl 1 urn. Smaller and stouter than C. puella. calcareous and with structured vegetation.
bears long lateral black spikes on the black end the north of the Iberian peninsula; populations are • typically have the hind border of the Flight season From early May to mid-August.
rings of S3-6; C. ornatum has more lanceolate very scattered in the north of range. Not known to H .pots toothed. Male S2 is usually
markings on S3-4 and frayed postocular spots; occur east of Italy, Austria and Germany; numerous "i ■ 'i nil a trident or stalked 'W'. Male has a
C. caerulescens and C. scitulum have elongated old records from eastern Europe are presumed to ba nip 11.1| led black marking at the ends of S3-4,
Pt and largely black S6-7. Typical females are erroneous. <1 lie ally drawn out into very long spikes
gynomorph, marked yellowish green but rather Habitat Sunny streams and springs with rich < uni’. Andromorph females predominate,
dark and nondescript, again best recognised by aquatic and riparian vegetation, such as submerga |HHimm ■ • blue at segment bases than most
the exclusion of other species. banks of water-starworts (Callitrichej or stands of H’*i Ip1., mminiscent of andromorph females of
Hand characters Male upper appendages are Lesser Water-parsnip (Berula erecta). These are i"'Hum. In the latter, the black markings
strongly hooked at the tip, as in C. scitulum and often calcareous, but can occur on heathy areas i ill , 11. ive longer lateral spikes flanking the
C. caerulescens, but are about as long as the lowers flushed with calcareous water in England. Flowing) .1 pike, while in C. ornatum the central spike
and also with distinct internal teeth near their base. drainage ditches may also offer suitable habitat. H i imp i, ('specially on S3-4.
Hind margin of female pronotum with tiny lobe in Flight season Mainly June and July in north II-hiiI <haracters Male upper appendages shorter
the middle, much smaller than that of C. scitulum. of range (from mid-May to mid-August), but " i /ers (view from side) and without strongly
Variation Andromorph females with the pale longer further south, e.g. from early March to 4mI lip, therefore more like C. pulchellum than
areas on the abdomen larger and bluer are rather late September in Morocco, suggesting two •In i ' mlhern Coenagrion. Hind margin of female
rare. Females with distinctly pinkish thorax and generations a year. ii uh Him with slight lobe projecting from the

( am* nay r ion scitulum (Rambur, 1842) Dainty Illi ii in.. ion caerulescens Mediterranean Bluet
Dainty Dam ♦ • "I'Hiibo, I 838)
6 pterostigma
appears triangular
$ pronotum
+ pronotum
pterostlgmi
strongly andromorph
much incurvec form
blue o hooks
abdomen,
but may be 0 appendages
blacker straightish hooks
?
d S1—2 showing andromorph
'cat's head' mark
W
w
Identification
General Another small bluet of the south, i bmithnilon
preferring calmer waters than its relatives, these I •pdganger of C. scitulum, occurring in
often with rich aquatic vegetation. The black-and- ill .I of the latter's range and favouring
blue pattern of the males appears as if the basal half i Ilian still waters. It is relatively more
of the abdomen is of a Coenagrion and the terminal li hi ils sibling on the Iberian peninsula
half of the abdomen is of an Ischnura. Care is .ill Africa. The male appendages and
required to differentiate from C. caerulescens along um are the most reliable means of
running waters in the western Mediterranean. 1*1 - ..... Illi’ IWO.
Field characters Tot 30-33mm, Ab 20-27mm, MftH »li tors Tot 30-33mm, Ab 18-27mm, Hw
Hw 14-20mm. Shorter-bodied than C. puella and > .imilar in size and shape to C. scitulum.
one of the smallest species of Coenagrion. Males of each but not at base (view from above). Unlli ii.ii I .. r. differ subtly from this species, Male upper appendages are longer and straighter
differ from their usual neighbours, C. mercuriale, C. caerulescens, male upper appendages have ii|h Hh'io is overlap and these characters than in C. scitulum, only weakly hooked at tips and
C. ornatum and C. puella, by having S3-5 about half strongly incurved hooks (view from above) and i ■ i cly be relied upon: (1) both sexes tend over half as long as S10. Female is recognisable by
black, while S6-7 are all black. Male S2 is marked are less than half as long as S10. The hind margl . . in ■ i< •, pale paired spots on the pronotum the pale projecting 'V' in the hind margin of the
with a black 'tuning fork' or 'cat's head', but this of the female pronotum has a small lobe in the ii. >i absent); (2) males usually have more pronotum. Male pronotal margin has a small knob
pattern is highly variable. Males of C. caerulescens middle, while the male pronotal margin is broad hall nol less) of S3—4 black, often with in the middle.
appear almost identical (see that species and Hand triangular and pointed in the middle. Ii .I. more on S3 than S4 (not the reverse); (3) Variation The extent of the markings varies
characters for distinguishing features). Gynomorph Variation Females are variable and can be darkl 1 i i.illy has some black (seldom unmarked strongly in both sexes but appears to be no basis
females are greenish or brown, but are usually than described. i les are not unlike C. scitulum (also for the distinction of subspecies, such as the dark
outnumbered by andromorphs, in which the blue i ii H11 'i), but are generally very pale with Italian ssp. caesarum.
areas creep up rather broadly at the bases of the Occurrence i ii humeral stripes (usually wider than the
abdomen segments and the black markings appear Range and status Widespread in the i in" H a al stripes), larger postocular spots and Occurrence
torpedo-shaped. Best identified by the long, pale Pt Mediterranean and fairly common in France .. i black markings on abdominal upperside Range and status Endemic to the western
(see below). and parts of the Iberian peninsula, becoming fen < ners. In most of its range (but not, or Mediterranean. Local and seldom numerous in
Hand characters Shares the following diagnostic more localised towards the Caspian Sea and a llaly and the Tyrrhenian Islands), they Europe, but commoner towards the south and the
features with C. caerulescens- (1) Pt in both sexes rare in Central Asia. Has expanded considerably I ii ibdomen tip (S9-10 and appendages) most common Coenagrion in the Maghreb.
more elongate and often paler (brownish, not northwards in Europe since the 1990s. i i i. i if, not black on top as in overlapping Habitat Sunny seepages, streams and rivers with
black) than other Coenagrion, the anterior side Habitat Sunny, still, sometimes slow-flowing, wall ///. >n species, including C. scitulum. ample vegetation.
being clearly longer than the basal side, while in • I uni i h.iracters See C. scitulum for shared Flight season From mid-April to mid-October in
with rich aquatic vegetation, such as water-milfa
other Coenagrion all sides are about equal; (2) male Ii id in i hat differ from other Coenagrion. Outer parts of north-west Africa (possible proof of two
(Myriophyllum) and hornworts (Ceratophyllum). |
upper appendages distinctly longer than lowers Flight season From April to September; most | lhe Pt is more acute than in C. scitulum generations a year), but elsewhere mainly from
(view from side), with a distinct tooth at the tip abundant from mid-May to the end of July. I (I I* hi H .pears more triangular than quadrangular). May to August.

Coenagrion hastulatum Spearhead Blm i êmtgrion lunulatum (Charpentier, 1840) Crescent Bluet
(Charpentier, 1825) Northern Dam*.« I Irish Damselfly
usually more
+ pronotum
green visible
at base than mature d ? gynomorph
much form
in C. puella
"nature o
(I
black on
$ abdomen tip
6 S1-2 middle of 131
showing abdomen
J gynomorph
'spearhead'
conspicuous
blue base of S8
d appendages O appendages
(side view) (side view)
+ abdomen'
d showing
green underside
- Iftiillli* ition
tHimal l.iirly robust bluet, with a noticeably
Identification < Jour, rather black abdomen, and
General The commonest blue damselfly in much pattern on S2 consisting of a black
of boreal Europe, but very local relict populations ...... id two dashes. Rather local in much of
further south. Males are recognised by their liuji ■ >1 ten in acidic habitats.
greenish hue and the black spearhead markings on Multi i It. natters Tot 30-33mm, Ab 22-26mm,
the basal abdominal segments. H* !»• mm. Stouter than C. puella. Darker and
Field characters Tot 31-33mm, Ab 22-26mm, HWf lubi r.i than C. hastulatum, male fairly deep
Hw 16-22mm. Shorter-bodied than C. puella. Cm h blue, green on underside, with extensive
Male is pale blue, with a turquoise tinge, and I i" "I mgs differing as follows: (1) postocular
can be quite green on the underside (as in C. mirnl < onnected' by blue line across back of
lunulatum), especially of the eyes. Marking on S2 is Ihm'I U)' •2 typically with a 'sad face' (crescent
variable, usually consisting of a black spearhead- or flfti > < • < I. ishes forming mouth and eyes), but this abdominal markings and postocular spots can be
mushroom-shaped mark and two black dashes. Occurrence Ci. variable and not always reliable; (3) S3-4 bright blue, contrasting with brown-grey thorax.
Usually less than half of S3-4 is black, the marking Range and status Abundant in many parts ol Il mi i half black; (4) S6 almost all black, thus
on S3 being characteristically spearhead-shaped. northern Eurasia east to Kamchatka, but isolalei ''ii. ill of abdomen appears black, apart from Occurrence
Typical female is a green gynomorph, with the in elevated or bog-like sites towards the west ar it i i light'. Both green to brownish gynomorph Range and status Widespread in the temperate
entire abdominal dorsum black, making it similar to south; in our region has undergone a sharp dm I fill 11 Ji' i . mdromorph females occur frequently, regions of Eurasia, as far east as Kamchatka,
C. puella, but in C. hastulatum the black gradually in recent decades in many countries south of iti 1 ' i .resembling females of E. cyathigerum with an isolated population in the mountain
narrows towards the base: from above, more Fennoscandian core range. in ii -.pedes), with the entire abdominal steppes where Turkey, Georgia and Armenia meet.
lateral green is visible on S3-4 than on S6-9. See Habitat Wide variety of pools and lakes in the nc " i »I.k k, but S8 broadly interrupted by pale Generally rather local, but may occur at high
C. lunulatum for a comparison with this species. but restricted to somewhat acidic and oligotropl , ii i li .<>, which is characteristic. densities.
Hand characters Male upper appendages shorter or mesotrophic habitats in much of its range. Fav( IMHhli a ratters Unlike C. hastulatum, male Habitat Well-vegetated pools and lakes, often
than lowers. Hind margin of female pronotum with well-vegetated borders, e.g. with sedges. ii'' u IK mdages are at least as long as lowers, acidic and nutrient-poor, such as heathy lakes. Less
two straight oblique borders that meet in a small Flight season Up to early September in the nor 11 in l margin of female pronotum has large critical towards the east, where also found in gravel
point, like a shallow 'V'. and at higher altitudes, but most numerous in II - ii... in it j lobe. pits or eutrophic ponds.
Variation Marking on male's S2 may be reduced, second half of May and June in the lowlands of llallon Andromorph females vary widely in Flight season End of April to late July, especially
without a stem, recalling that of C. lunulatum. central Europe, and seldom seen after July. * 11 •! 11 and intensity of blue coloration, e.g. May and June, perhaps later occasionally.

Coenagrion hylas (Trybom, 1889) Siberian Bln < ./ qrion johanssoni (Wallengren, 1894) Arctic Bluet
<3 pronotum $ pronotum
extensive areas of black on abdomen sides and thorn
133
black at base
of hindlegs
d S1-2 6 appendages
(side view) 2 showing characteristic 'three-coloured' pattori
Identification Occurrence
General Large, dark bluet that is widespread in Range and status Ranges from the Urals to Jap
Siberia, but one of the rarest species in Europe. It is with an isolated population in the northern Alps
known only as a postglacial relict from a few sites and another in the far north of European Russia,
on the northern slopes of the Alps. At present, only ouside the scope of this book. There, C. hylas
about a dozen Austrian populations survive. Within occurs on peaty taiga lakes with its congeners
its European range, males are easily identified by with beige to yellowish thorax and abdomen is
C. johanssoni, C. hastulatum and C. glaciale (the •Uhiiii ication
the black-sided abdomen. infrequent.
latter not included in this book). Extinct due to Hmitit.il small, dark bluet with the most northern
Field characters Tot 33-38mm, Ab 25-32mm, habitat destruction in Bavaria, and in our area nt tutp I .my European damselfly. Here they are
Hw 19-28mm. Our largest Coenagrion species.
Occurrence
present in only about 14 sites in western Austria, < ily nh-ntified by their size and black-sided
Range and status Widespread and moderately
Both sexes differ from all other small blue damsels Habitat In Austria, small lakes and peaty marshi lilt II HIICIl.
common in Fennoscandia; rather local in the Baltic
(except the tiny C. johanssoni, which does not in mountain valleys between 800m and 1,600m t (will t h.iracters Tot 27-30mm, Ab 20-24mm, Hw
States. Ranges to Kamchatka and the Bering Strait.
overlap in our region) by the black sides and altitude, densely bordered with sedges and fed I i ii i iin. Shorter-bodied than C. puella, this is one
Habitat Mainly aapa mires (the predominant
underside of the abdomen. Black markings on the cold, nutrient-poor, neutral to calcareous spring I llH iilallest species of the genus and the most
wetland type of the boreal taiga), mire lakes, raised
thorax at the base of the hindlegs are also rarely water. liililiii Hive in our area. Because of the black-sided
bogs, and marshy bays or peaty edges of lakes.
seen in species other than these two. Differs from Flight season May to August; most abundant i I h -ii ii, both sexes are most similar to the much
Flight season June to August.
C. johanssoni by its range and size. Moreover, males June and July. biiqri Alpine C. hylas, but they are not known to
of C. hylas have well-developed black metapleural 'in i' igether in the region covered by this book.
stripes extending from Hw bases to the hindlegs 1 iiilil <• ihat species, C. johanssoni males usually have
(also in some females of C. johanssoni). Females are Hie 11 .haped black marking on S2 connected to
rather massive, with blue postocular and abdominal •in l ament base by a thin stem. Overlaps most
spots, a green thorax and heavy black markings, hil i'/ with C. hastulatum and C. lunulatum, but
rendering them unmistakable. ilui'.i males are greenish on the underside, lack
Hand characters Not important. hl i< I Hanks on the abdomen and usually have the
Variation In females, length of the black l<l,iJ marking on S2 broken up into three parts.
interpleural stripes varies, sometimes joining the •......... C. johanssoni has tip of abdomen (S10
metapleural stripes at their broadened lower ends. uh I H l|acent part of S9) blue, a feature otherwise
Behaviour Adults commute from foraging in iad to the Mediterranean C. caerulescens.
habitats up to 500m from the water in the late I hind characters The pear-shaped postocular
morning. Their numbers peak around noon but ••IH 'i are not a reliable character.
most unpaired males leave almost simultaneously Vnn.il ion Extent of black on the thorax sides of
an hour later, egg-laying pairs remaining at most li'in.il(‘S varies, with metapleural and interpleural
two hours longer. Inpi", sometimes converging. A gynomorph form
Coenagrion armatum (Charpentier, 1840) Dark Blii-
I t y hromma Brighteyes
Norfolk Danr.< I
J I li.n|)('ntier, 1840 Red-eyed Damselflies
1 ItfiHillfh iiion on the body and an all-dark back of head. Their

Hl-I"" 1 I hr. genus includes two types of females have dark eyes and no postocular spots,
Hi with bright-eyed males, sharing the and the entire abdomen upperside is dark. Males of
i li. i< inostic features: (1) male's eyes are other blue-tailed damselflies (Coenagrion, Enallagma,
H blue, not capped with black; thus, the Ischnura) do not have red eyes and usually have
■ ryes contrasts with the black upperside postocular spots. Most damselflies with red eyes
135
ii I, (2) the postocular spots are reduced to (Ceriagrion, Pyrrhosoma) also have red bodies. The
iiipes, or are absent; (3) the black marking red-faced male of Pseudagrion sublacteum is likely
tiles extends along the segment, to be found only in Africa and the Near East. The
' ii > lip; (4) males have no blue on the combination of characters in Erythromma females
i' i J S8, while S9-10 are all or largely blue, may also be found in all-dark forms of Ceriagrion
i line tail' is therefore shorter and closer to and Pyrrhosoma. However, these will often have
i ii -.... .. tip; (5) upper appendages of males traces of red and have differently configured black
11 h >nger than lowers, about as long as S10; markings on the thorax; the legs of Ceriagrion have
• il ’ ki tips, especially in the Hw, are usually no black. If seen well, males of the two red-eyed
11 med, because numerous cells have been species can be identified in the field by details of
Ii i I, and the Pt are rather long, the blue pattern on the abdomen.
Identification or two spots, and abdomen has diagnostic pattei i• m from other genera and of the Behaviour Unlike other damselflies, males tend
General A dark, inconspicuous damselfly that on S1-3 and S8-9. Female is unique in having i. males have no vulvar spine, unlike to stay away from the water's edge, preferring
lives concealed in marshy vegetation. At first a largely black abdomen with bases S2 and S8 / i and Ischnura. The species are compared floating and emergent perches. Their flight is not
glance, more reminiscent of an Ischnura than a broadly pale. Like other Coenagrion and unlike III .llhnll i blue-and-black damselflies in the species slow and undulating, but direct and linear, quickly
Coenagrion. Both sexes can be identified by the male, it has complete antehumeral stripes. | |»«h Hu' led-eyed Erythromma males are the only skimming low over the water's surface.
black abdomen marked diagnostically with blue Hand characters Male lower appendages are ... .combining red eyes with blue markings K-D B Dijkstra
at the base and the tip, and are easily recognised huge, twice as long as S10, covered with thin I
by their different but equally distinctive markings. pruinosity. Hind margin of female pronotum with ◄ Male Erythromma
The male is armed (hence its scientific name) with narrow rectangular lobe. viridulum showing
peculiar lower appendages, so large that they Variation Female colour ranges from olive green the bronzy-black
stand out even when seen with the naked eye. to grey-blue. abdomen and blue
coloration extending
Behaviour Males wind low down through the
to the sides of S2-3
Hw 16-21 mm. Shorter-bodied than C. puella. vegetation, and can be hard to follow.
and S8.
Male largely black with greenish-blue markings,
antehumeral stripes are absent or reduced to one Occurrence
Range and status A north-eastern species that is
generally very local in our area and has disappeared
from large parts of its former range, such as England,
although locally (e.g. northern Germany) it seems to
have recovered recently. Range extends to the Russian ◄ Male Erythromma
Far East and Kamchatka, with a relict population in lindenii. Note the
the mountain steppes in Georgia and Armenia. contrasting blue
Habitat Fields of sedges (Carex), Water Horsetail eyes and wide
(Equisetum fluviatile) or similarly reedy plants, antehumeral stripes.
usually standing in shallow mesotrophic water.
Here, the vegetation is quite uniform, with a critic,
plant density (not too open, but also not too dense
offering adults both shelter and room to move.
Flight season Short and early in the southern
fringe of its range, peaking in May, but as late as
August in the north and at higher altitudes.
Coenagrion 'Eurasian' Bluets Erythromma Brighteyes

Erythromma najas (Hansemann, 1823) Large Red< i/lliromma viridulum (Charpentier, 1840) Small Redeye
Small Red-eyed Damselfly
short complete or
antehumeral < omplete
stripes .mlehumeral
stripes
many subdivided
cells in hindwing tip 137
3 abdomen
glossy black
mature <T
d abdomen coloration extends to sides
appearing matt of S2-3 and S8
and greyish
blue coloration on S1 and
S9-10 square-cut
i.-ulH i< .ition

immature <5
(females are hriii'mI Unghter, sleeker and daintier than E.
similarly coloured) he • iili a more southerly range and later flight
1l< twever, the overlap in range and season
Identification reduced in the female. Male has S2-8 largely bl| i* i md E. viridulum is rapidly expanding its
General Still the only red-eyed blue damselfly in without blue sides, and S9-10 all blue, the blue h i ihwards into areas once inhabited only
much of northern Europe, although E. viridulum areas therefore appearing isolated and square-c| -. Like that species, males often perch far
is expanding into its range. The classic image of The dark areas on the abdomen become pruino mi I Mid low on aquatic vegetation, although
this species is of a male perched flat on a lily-pad, appearing matt and greyish. Female is blacker II Wify ,n< loss partial to floating leaves.
appearing dark grey with three patches of colour: most damselflies, otherwise mainly green; brow i IhIiI < h.iracters Tot 26-32mm, Ab 22-25mm,
red eyes, blue thorax and blue tail-end. eyes often reddish. Teneral females are remark.il i In ’i)mm. About as large as Ischnura elegans.
Field characters Tot 30-36mm, Ab 25-30mm, bronzy, and can be mistaken for Lestes and [ ||ii. • hi iller and more slender than E. najas.
Hw 19-24mm. Somewhat larger and thicker Chalcolestes species. in.In H I. ■ of the legs is usually pale. Antehumeral represents such a pale variety and does not warrant
than Ischnura elegans. Darker, duller and heavier Hand characters Male upper appendages are iiipi mnplete. Male has upperside S2-8 black, taxonomic status.
than E. viridulum. Legs are all black, and the straight (from above). Female hind border of ir H iilowly so on S2-3 and S8, leaving the Behaviour Typically perches on emergent aquatic
antehumeral stripes are absent in the male and pronotum with projecting narrow lobe (view fro) I. i i iliese segments blue. The blue of the vegetation.
above). i,i nd tail-end thus extends onto the sides
Behaviour Males often perch flat on floating ' •>h i 'id segments (and legs), giving a brighter Occurrence
vegetation, making quick sorties over the water, lull h i lean-cut appearance. S9-10 largely blue, Range and status Expanding northwards; once
I ii|i| iside S10 marked with a black 'X*. The absent in parts of north-west Europe, it became
Occurrence ■* d-.n n is never pruinose, being glossy bronze- one of the commoner species in the 1980-90s.
Range and status Common in many areas east male is best separated from E. najas by the First reached Great Britain in 1999, now occurring
to Japan, but can be local (especially in south) • h|T 1 < • antehumeral stripes. Unlike E. lindenii, widely in the south-east. Colonised Lithuania, Latvia,
and seems to wander relatively little, not readily ... .I. . often marked bluish on the thorax Belarus, Denmark and Sweden in the 21st century.
colonising new habitats. i. k I abdomen base and tip. In Morocco, Habitat Favours eutrophic standing water, clogged
Habitat Richly vegetated calm or standing wate . 11. nion sublacteum males are also red-faced, with aquatic vegetation. Typical emergents include
such as ponds, ditches and canals, usually with Imi Hu mnges do not overlap. algal mats, hornworts (Ceratophyllum), water
floating leaves of water-lilies (Nuphar, Nymphai Ilrtlid < haracters Male superior appendages milfoils (Myriophyllum) and other plants. May also
Nymphoides) or pondweeds (Potamogeton). ...... I at tips (view from above). Female hind appear on other emergent vegetation, including
Flight season From April to August, with a pe •..... i of pronotum not lobed (view from above), floating peat moss (Sphagnum) in bogs.
in June, therefore about a month earlier than v.ii I.ilion Tends to become paler in south of Flight season From May to September in the
E. viridulum on average. ■ mi i« i he Near Eastern subspecies orientate merely south, but mainly in July and August in the north.
Erythromma Brighteyes Erythromma Brighteyes

i 11 ms zernyi and lacustris Occurrence
Erythromma lindenii (Selys, 1840) Blue i i.ilrd in the Near East and the Range and status A southern species that can
Goblet-marked D.iiiim .... dor region, but differences are be abundant in the Mediterranean region. Slowly
bright blue eyes contrast postocular spots d in the case of the former reflect expanding its range northwards.
with black head reduced to slits or Habitat Larger, well-oxygenated waters, including
win iii<>ii
even absent
| Ihhi i lly low, and often fast, over lakes, gravel pits, slow-flowing rivers and wide
tn banks, perching horizontally on canals, with rich aquatic vegetation such as water
pterostigma
i and aquatic vegetation. They are milfoil (Myriophyllum).
broad
i i Im by scanning prominent isolated Flight season From March to October in the
antehumeral
stripes ini|H n water. south, but mainly in July and August in the north.
139
lanceolated
? pronotum and
front of thorax dull with
fyrrhosoma Large Red Damsels
blue
middle of
abdomen
'mi | 'iitier, 1840
nillllHillon antehumeral stripes. Black females can be confused
Hhh.i. iIk>i large damselflies with a mainly with females of Erythromma and the black form
o S1-2 showing <5 abdomen tip
goblet-shaped mark
11<» postocular spots, black legs and of Ceriagrion, but differ by details of the thorax
long, curved upper
appendages i I rmales lack any red, being black markings.
short 'tail-light' at II#1 >1 . ‘How. The thorax markings are Separation of the species Two species are found
extreme abdomen tip
•'Ml I ih< ii 111'humeral stripes are (often red) in the region, but one occurs only locally in the
n hi.iiks that cross the humeral sutures southern Balkans. They can only be distinguished in
across the back of the head, sometimes abwi i indicates, these stripes are normally the hand by the male appendages and the female
Identification
Pale antehumerals wider than the black humal ...... . to these sutures). pronotum.
General The slender all-blue males skim swiftly
(as in E. cyathigerurri), but short black line heli . 1 • i«m bom other genera Red specimens Behaviour Males behave aggressively, but do not
over water and rest on floating perches, far
humeral is also present (as in Coenagrion). Mrtl i i i'd only with Ceriagrion species, have clear territories. Oviposits in tandem.
from the banks. With binoculars, the broad
abdomen is blue, upperside S2 with a comply •1 l> ii■<i and Pt colour, and the distinctive V J Kalkman
antehumerals and terminally shifted 'blue tail' can
black goblet-shaped band, S3-6 with eloncj.ilu
be seen. In the hand, the unique configuration of
black spearheads, S7-8 largely black and S9-1
markings on the head, thorax and abdomen are
largely blue. Coenagrion and Enallagma m.iltn
apparent.
rounder postocular spots, often less blue on th
thorax and S3-6 and S9-10, but more on S2 a
Hw 19-21 mm. In size and general appearance,
S8, resulting in a different distribution of bkit k
close to Enallagma cyathigerum and Coenagrion
blue. At a distance, the blue males of Platyintl
puella. Postocular spots are linear, often connected
pennipes appear to have a similar distribution I
black on their bodies, but the details are quit!
different, and their broad white legs readily etxi
confusion. The female is peculiarly three-coloi n
the head, thorax and abdomen base are pale
yellowish brown to greenish, the middle of th#
abdomen (especially S4-6) is blue, and the tip
is pale brown. The upperside of the abdomen |i
almost continuously black from the base to lip
female's three colour zones and markings (wllli
are similar to those of the male) are diagnostic
Hand characters Male upper appendages loin
than in most bluets. Female with round knob1,
on sides of thorax behind pronotum. Female
appendages are pale (but black in most similar
species). Unlike E. cyathigerum, there is no vuh
spine. hi. ma nymphula male Noto the prominent red antehumeral stripes and the black legs
Erythromma Brighteyes Pyrrhosoma Large Red Damsels

Pyrrhosoma nymphula (Sulzer, 1776) Large Red Diun
7 n • I he male, although yellow rings
black line and spots on S2-6 are
Occurrence
Range and status Common in large areas west of
Large Red Dam el nod with the previous form, S7-9 the Urals, becoming more local to the south.
i Jly black, and the red rim of the Habitat Wide range of waters, with the highest
Corrupted by the black hind margin; abundance in well-vegetated standing water.
i abdomen is largely bronze-black, Mainly in running waters in parts of eastern
IUpIhiii ml stripes do not become red but Europe.
unlike the other two forms, and Flight season One of the earliest species in
oimma females. Some individuals northern Europe. From April to August, most
iod on the abdomen. abundant in May and June. Probably a few weeks
earlier in the south.
141
■ i li .onia elisabethae Schmidt, 1948 Greek Red Damsel
ventral hook is only one-

third length of appendage
lower appendages are

slightly longer than uppers deep folds in hind margin
0 appendages
(side view) $ pronotum
i appendages
f. melanota ('.ide view)
without red
flllh.dion Occurrence
ml K«’pl. ices P nymphula in the southern Range and status A rare and vulnerable species,
note black legs and individuals of Pyrrhosoma here should currently known from a small number of localities
broad antehumeral ini h lontified (under slight magnification), on the Peloponnese, Kerkira (Corfu) and southern
$ pronotum
stripe
Hu’ limits of both Pyrrhosoma species are Albania. Probably present in a larger part of
■ mi li lown and their ranges may overlap, Albania and north-west Greece.
Identification forms have been named, but a wide range o dim .k ters Tot 36-38mm, Ab 28-30mm, Habitat Poorly known: found in richly vegetated
General The Large Red Damsel is the first sign intermediates exists. The three main forms d i' ' limn. Coloration and markings as streams.
of spring in much of our area, being the only f. typica (f. intermedia is included here) - S2 Flight season Records range from the last third of
Pyrrhosoma present in north-west Africa, Turkey red, with a median black line that expands in Ih • di .i.iders Differs from P. nymphula in April to the middle of June.
and most of Europe. Although it is easy to identify a spot at the end of each segment and narro illiih ' haracters that are visible with a
to genus level, there are no characters that yellow rings at their base; (2) f. fulvipes - this Inn * I) lhe ventral hook of the male's
separate P. nymphula from its southern Balkans ri| I h l.iges is about one-third the length
counterpart, P. elisabethae, in flight. •i I - i u Inge, and about two-thirds as long
Field characters Tot 33-36mm, Ab 25-30mm, < • hi/’ nymphula; (2) the male's lower
Hw 19-24mm. Somewhat larger and more robust !• much further than the uppers (in
than Enallagma cyathigerum. Both sexes have a red i the lowers are about the same length
abdomen, with only the last segments (especially .. .......... lei than the uppers); (3) in females,
S7-9) largely black. The thorax is black with yellow i H i lin of the pronotum has a deep and
sides and antehumeral stripes in young specimens, !• I i. >i« each side, these folds appearing
the latter becoming red with age. i when viewed both from the side and
Hand characters See P elisabethae for structural nmphula females have only slight pleats
I
characters that distinguish it from P nymphula. ........... • ■ position on the hind margin, and these
Variation Females vary in the extent of black •li ed above the margin in side view),
and red coloration. This variation probably differs ullmi Piobably the same colour forms occur as
between regions and populations. Detailed ■i 'ml.i. The black f. melanota seems to be
information is lacking, although females are 1 h ninon in P elisabethae, while f. fulvipes
generally blacker in the south. Various female mu yrl been found.
Pyrrhosoma Large Red Damsels Pyrrhosoma Large Red Damsels

*lhm 1 I 11 dour forms
Ceriagrion Small Red Damsoli H i ognised. The
* tl i iik e of these
Selys, 1876 • 11 legions and

iii’ii i.mges are
Iili I. melanogastra
Identification to be confused with other small damsellhw,
■ i il in lhe south
Diagnosis The only damselflies with a combination they never have black-marked legs.
i ii' absent in the
of no postocular spots, reddish legs and Pt, and Separation of the species Only two Slipt'ill
• 11r. differ by the extent of black on
usually a (partly) red abdomen. Some females have identical species are found in the area. Thill
H id face: (1) f. typica - abdomen
a totally black abdomen. The yellow antehumeral cannot be distinguished on sight, but in mo|
I of S1-3 and S9-10 red, extent
stripes are very thin or even absent. Across the only one species occurs. The two may oveili 143
n y slightly, face cream-coloured,
face (in front of the antennae) is a diagnostic sharp Greece, and should be separated in the h.iiu
If..... is < ind base of labrum black; (2) f.
transverse ridge. Behaviour Weak fliers that stay low in thl
abdomen and face all red, as in
Separation from other genera Other damselflies vegetation, most often in close proximity to
l.inogastra - entire upperside of
with red and/or without postoculars have black water's edge. Males interact aggressively, bill
I. ' I most of face black; (4) f. intermedia
on the legs. This includes the more robust not have clear territories. Oviposition takes pl
îie i ugely red but black-marked varieties
Pyrrhosoma species, which in addition have black in tandem.
In si (wo forms, thus is quite variable,
Pt and differently configured thorax and abdomen
•■liked as f. typica.
markings. Black Ceriagrion females are most likely
Ceriagrion tenellum (de Villers, 1789) Small Red Dam hihI .t.itus Widespread in the western
i hi, extending into north-western
no or reduced Sma" Red Da'"’
i locally common. Rare in a narrow
•hlMI Hl <• Adriatic Sea (Slovenia, Croatia and Marsh St John's-wort (Hypericum elodes').
i il'.o present on Crete and los. Flight season From the end of May to early
i»mi ill .ireams and seepages (often September in the north, peaking in July and
i Inil in the north-west mainly bogs and August, but from the start of April to October in
•., i .i ■ will) peat moss (Sphagnum) and often the south.
11mgr ion georgifreyi Schmidt, 1953 Turkish Red Damsel

Hwulilh ation of the pronotum (in C. tenellum these lobes are
IiihmihI i • ■places C. tenellum in the Near inconspicuous and never exceed the pronotal rim).
H Iml and on the Greek mainland and Variation Probably has the same female colour
C. tenellum C. georgifreyi h i islands. While the two species are forms as C. tenellum. So far, f. typica and
hid occur together, the range of f. erythrogastra have been found.
$ pronotum and front of thorax
vi is still poorly understood and careful
U in i inquired in the hand. Occurrence
i.i • h .i •< ters Tot 35-40mm, Ab 28-33mm, Hw Range and status Found in a narrow fringe along
f. melanogastra f. typica f. erythrogastra
• .< unewhat larger than the superficially the Mediterranean (shown in blue on map), from
■< il • innellum. Israel to south-west Turkey, and also on the Greek
i mil ilmiacters Differs from C. tenellum in three islands of Thasos, Zakinthos, Kerkira (Corfu), and
note reddish legs and Mel < 11 ii a> lers that are visible with a hand lens: (1) Lesbos. Recent records near Athens and from the
all-red abdomen C. tenellum C. georgifreyi
It -wer appendages are more slender; (2) in north-west Peloponnese suggest that older records
• lightly raised tip of S10 bears a crown of of C. tenellum from the north-east Greek mainland
Identification area, and therefore easily recognised by the g Mi i -ti • •. <. tenellum males have no such crown, may prove to be this species too. Uncommon
General This small, weak-flying damselfly is the characters: entirely red male abdomen, reddis ti hom Crete (and possibly los) sometimes within its small range, and possibly threatened by
only Ceriagrion found in north-west Africa and and Pt, and absence of postocular spots. t i. .mall spines, when the shape of their habitat destruction.
most of Europe. Hand characters See C. georgifreyi, which n" i p i- •■. is diagnostic; (3) females have two Habitat Seepages and small streams.
Field characters Tot 25-35mm, Ab 22-30mm, appears identical in the field, for distinguishin Hi......... upright lobes on the thorax, just behind Flight season From the beginning of May to the
Hw 15-21 mm. The only Ceriagrion in most of our characters. ■I piitnt aim, which are higher than the hind rim end of September.
Ceriagrion Small Red Damsels Ceriagrion Small Red Damsels

I . .... ■ . hidden among vegetation, size, behaviour and poorly accessible habitat.
Nehalennia Selys, 1850 Sedgling*. I ii »rl, slow, feeble, low flights Habitat Confined to specifically structured
n h J HI.ides. vegetation, usually in wet depressions of bogs or
Sprite*. (|
shallow borders of acidic, nutrient-poor lakes, with
Bhutwu* uniform growths of narrow-leaved grass-like plants
■ up HII.I .t.itus The species'specific habitat spaced densely enough to provide protection, but
Nehalennia speciosa (Charpentier, 1840) imented or lost throughout its range, loosely enough to allow free movement. Slender
i )l Europe's most endangered Sedge (Carex lasiocarpa) and Bog-sedge (C.
1 l< il is extinct in large parts of its limosa) are most characteristic, but the exceptional
i ■, il seems to have recovered in association with Purple Moor-grass (Molinia
ind has been rediscovered in several caerulea) and Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile)
II .is in France in 2009 and the has also been documented. 145
i 11 2015. Becomes somewhat less rare Flight season From mid-May to mid-September;
i .ist (e.g. widespread and regionally most abundant in June and July.
u hi in the Baltic States), reaching K-D B Dijkstra
hi Easily overlooked because of its
◄ Nehalennia
speciosa male.
Note the short
wings and pale
legs, as well as
the blue bow
shaped stripe
along the back
of the head.
Identification apparent until the adults are flushed from their

General Called 'Deesse Precieuse' in French, retreats.
meaning 'precious goddess'. Nehalennia was a Field characters Tot 24-26mm, Ab 19—25mm.
goddess worshipped in the Rhine area in Roman 11-16mm. Smaller than any other damselfly In |
times. This tiny odonate is perhaps the most fragile area. Not only tiny but also very slim-bodied anC
in our area, because of its weak flight, delicate size short-winged. Mature specimens of both sexes i
and build, and vulnerability to landscape change. bright metallic green, marked diagnostically will
These petite, metallic green damselflies mostly pale blue: a bow-shaped line across the back of
inhabit stands of sleek sedges in bogs, where head, the lower half of the thorax, and blotchai
they live concealed among the leaves. They are on S8-10 forming a pale blue tip to the abdoml
very inconspicuous and their presence may not be Unlike many coenagrionids, round postocular *.| i
antehumeral stripes and black markings on SI 01
absent. The metallic body colours are reminisc<*ii
of Lestes and Chalcolestes species, an illusion I
strengthened when these are marked with pale
blue pruinosity. However, all Lestes and Chalcolt
Pseudagrion Selys, 1876 Sprites
are considerably larger (over 30mm total length),
have long Pt and typically perch with half-spread
wings. Because of their colour and size, mature
l' ,1‘ie lagrion sublacteum (Karsch, 1893) Cherry-eye Sprite
orangish females have been mistaken for Ischnui
pumilio. The latter always have a vulvar spine. hlmiiiii ition cyathigerum. The front half of the head, including
Hand characters Frons with sharp transverse rid .11 uh only member of Pseudagrion, one of the eyes, is brick-red or orange in mature males.
in front of the antennae, seen otherwise only in i n j .1 d.imselfly genera, with over 150 species Black markings on the head and thorax are
Ceriagrion. Male upper appendages are large .in Ilii mu regions of the Old World. Males are limited, outlining large pale brown to dull orange
blunt, lower appendages are virtually absent. ii grey, with a bright rufous face, postocular spots and antehumeral stripes. The sides
Variation Pale blue is replaced by (reddish) bro\ ih hl ih n.icters Tot 32-39mm, Ab 25-33mm, of the thorax are bluish in males and the abdomen
in older females. IM l ' bum. Slightly larger than Enallagma has almost continuous black dorsal markings,
Nehalennia Sedglings Pseudagrion Sprites

Mshnidae
4r*s na Fabricius, 1775 Mosaic Hawkers
Mosaic Darners (NA)
lillfh iiion pale abdomen with a black band on the upperside
K yimi .1 identified by the exclusion of

1 genera; specialists do not regard all
■ .oly related. It is quite certain that
(except the huge A. immaculifrons). Boyeria and
Caliaeschna have cross-veins in the median space.
Separation of the species A large and diverse
ill be placed in a separate genus in group, the majority of the world's species occurring
147
1 epical Aeshna species have dark in North America. Aside from a few pairs of similar
■ 1 with coloured bands on the thorax species, each species has several unique features.
of spots on the abdomen. The The simple key below leads to the main groups.
1 median space (large central space Females may develop male coloration, although
iihoiit cross-veins. Fields before medial the intensity and extent of blue markings vary
11 id radial supplement have three or strongly.
1 11 rows of cells. Male has auricles and Behaviour Often seen hawking in open but
■ll^lliM.u jle of two to four cells (except sheltered places, such as glades and gardens, as
■ IH */»’••> well as over predominately still waters. Hunting
h .. Irorn other genera Closest to individuals often concentrate at good sites,
- which differs by numerous (although especially towards dusk. Males make aggressive
ip Im 1.1 live) features, including early flight and swift patrols over water, usually following a
which are distinctly torpedo-shaped on S3-6. S8-9 appendages long and blunt, clearly surpassing in ill .ize, hairy body, thin Pt and abdomen fairly fixed and often extensive route, frequently
are blue (before they become pruinose). Apart lower appendages. Latter with a prominenl <lm» unlike Aeshna males). In the hand, interrupting direct flight with hovering pauses.
from the face, males become covered with whitish knob (seen from side) and rounded tips (seen 111 1 1. of venation and markings are Females of all species, except A. affinis, usually
pruinosity; this is most dense on S8-9. Females side and above). The Swarthy Sprite P. hamoni mx differs in shape and wing venation, oviposit alone.
are pale brown, with vestigial black markings. The be found in north-west Africa and shares the tM 1 Ml in the field by the plain thorax and K-D B Dijkstra
extent and shape of these markings are unlike face and toothed S10. The mature male is vriy
any other coenagrionid females in our area. dark, with the lower appendages marginally lni|| III q<l. 1 - y to (pairs of similar) species.
Erythromma species also have red-eyed males but than the upper ones. The lower appendage-, dtf ■ 1 uu-nt agrees, compare the given species. If it disagrees, then go to the next line.
do not co-occur, and have bright blue thorax sides not or only weakly knobbed and pointed. The
Syrian Sprite P. syriacum is known from south-1 11 uinent green antehumeral stripes that are wider than the dark area cyanea
and tail-end. The distribution of red on the head
1 ■ 1 /(»en them. Sides of thorax are always green with black lines. viridis
also differs. eastern Turkey but lacks the red face and is mM
Hand characters Apical border of male S10 has likely to be mistaken there for another prulnfl
lb •• ly is mostly brown, the abdomen without a clear 'inlaid' pattern of ; grandis
several small black teeth, a feature found in no damselfly, Platycnemis kervillei (see that spedM
I" 'i', on upperside. Marking on upperside of frons is vague or a single i isoceles
other non-red damselfly in our area. Male upper Variation Extent of black markings and inteir.ii,
■ ini < ross-bar, but not a distinct black T.
of pruinosity varies individually, regionally and W
age. Combined with the underlying colours, lliii 1 1 listance along which the eyes touch each other is less than twice the caerulea
may produce an array of grey, brown and violrl I 11 h of the occipital triangle between them.
hues.
Behaviour Males perch on stones and sticks. ■ II J length is less than 65mm. Facial suture with no or only thin dark line, ( mixta
11 1 1 I hick black one. Anal loop encloses two columns of cells, not three or affinis
Occurrence H Hi'. Anal triangle is of three cells, not two.
Range and status Common in much of tropic .i
1 1I11 has a group of small teeth on the upperside of upper appendages (view crenata
Africa. Relict outposts in Morocco and the N0.11
in -.ide). In female, hind border of ovipositor plate at base is rather straight serrata
East.
11'W from below).
Habitat Sunny ponds, ditches, streams and rival [
in most of its range, but in Morocco confined In 1 Hi' has a smooth upperside of upper appendages. In female, hind border of j juncea
fast-flowing lowland rivers in semi-arid areas. I ; subarctica
i| h r.itor plate is deeply incised (view from below).
Flight season Recorded from the end of May l(
early August in Morocco.
K-DB Di/Ai
Pseudagrion Sprites Aeshna Mosaic Hawkers

Aeshna mixta Latreille, 1805 Migrant Haw k
Identification fresh males have yellowish spots. The antehum

General The commonest small hawker, but stripes are reduced to a short yellow stripe in |
beware confusion with the similar-sized Brachytron both sexes, but are prominent in other species,!
pratense, especially earlier in the season. Numerous especially males (e.g. A. juncea). See A. affinh
in much of our area, and although it can be on the a comparison.
wing during most months in the Mediterranean, Hand characters Unlike A. juncea and other I<1
further north it is especially associated with late mosaic-marked Aeshna, the facial suture (betwi
summer and autumn, when it may appear in frons and clypeus) is not marked with a distim I
massive migrations. It is usually identified by its black line. Together with A. affinis, differs from
size, relatively dull colours and the diagnostic most Aeshna by having two (not three) column
yellow 'nail' mark at the abdomen base. of cells in the anal loop, three (not two) cells in
Field characters Tot 56-64mm, Ab 43-54mm, Hw the anal triangle, and seven to nine (not more)
37-42mm. Distinctly smaller than most Aeshna, cross-veins between the node and Pt. Unlike
it resembles a small A. juncea. The upperside S2, A. affinis, the male upper appendages lack a toi
with its central T- or nail-shaped yellow marking, is on the underside near the base, and the female
most notable in mature males, where it contrasts appendages are longer than S9-10 combined.
with the blue abdominal spotting; females and Variation In cool weather the blue markings ol
the male change to lilac. Males from the Urals
and Western Siberia have entirely blue abdomen]
markings, even lacking the yellow nail, and are
easily confused with A. affinis. Considering the
species' migratory behaviour, such individuals coil'
show up anywhere in Europe.
Behaviour Prefers to hawk swiftly quite high up
along trees, often above 2m, especially in late
afternoon. Male patrols at breeding sites are low®
down, often along reedy banksides, and include
frequent hovering. hini wi of individuals present in an area. Currently as reeds; avoids acidic water but tolerates brackish
11, mding its range, having colonised parts of water. May be found anywhere when migrating or
Occurrence in H Hu-in Britain, as well as Ireland (2000) and hunting.
Range and status Widespread and common in Flight season From May to December in the
hlil.ind (2003).
large parts of Europe, east to Japan. Influxes in la Habitat Breeds in a wide range of still and slow- south, but mainly August and September in most
summer can often lead to sudden surges in the lli iwmg waters with some riparian vegetation, such of its range.
Aeshna Mosaic Hawkers Aeshna Mosaic Hawkers

relatively long
pterostigma
Aeshna affinis Vander Linden, 1820 Blue-eyed I l;i\
Southern Migrant H
Identification
General In flight, often confused with II •
and similarly small A. mixta. Ranges less lai
but also migratory and may be invasive' in Qi
summers. Males are often observed when a
low patrols over drying wetlands, showing II
d S2 blue
noticeably bright colours. The male's vivid bl|
with black
and abdomen and largely green thorax side', ‘mask’ marking
especially distinctive, reminiscent of a mimali venation as A. mixta
Anax imperator.
Field characters Tot 57-66mm, Ab 39-4'hm mature <5
37-42mm. Size and build as A. mixta, but

yellow T mark on S2. Sides of thorax green,1
large blue
fine black lines along sutures, but with only ti spots
green antehumeral stripes (unlike other gim
sided Aeshna such as A. cyanea and A. virldlt
markings on the male abdomen are brighter i
more extensive than in A. mixta, most noth ei
being the larger middle spot-pairs on S3-7 .11
all-blue S2 with its characteristic black rhask li rather short
marking. Beware of Russian A. mixta with win appendages
blue abdomens that may wander, especially in

eastern Europe. The green- or yellow-mark®d
females (and young males) generally also d|>|i|
brighter and paler than A. mixta. In size and n
>llmis male. Note bright colours and vivid blue eyes.
may resemble Brachytron pratense.
Hand characters See A. mixta for venationd
peculiarities of both these species. Pt of A. ,iffi
is longer than in A. mixta. Male upper append
▲ Aeshna affinis male. Freshly emerged, its have a blunt tooth on underside near base, unll
colours are still as in the female. Note the A. mixta (view from side). Female appendage!I
distinctive fine-lined green side and small shorter than S9-10 combined.
antehumerals.
Variation Mature males develop a blue hue on
the green thorax. Like other Aeshna, female*,
may develop male colours, an especially startlin
phenomenon in this bright species.
Behaviour Males patrol low, at about chest he
often beating to and fro over a small area; freqd
perch and not easily disturbed. This is the only
Aeshna that regularly lays its eggs in tandem,
Occurrence
Range and status Seldom abundant, but may
migrate in huge aggregations. Most frequent
in areas with a continental climate but also
hhnd.u 2018 being only the third odonate low rushes, bulrushes or reeds.
permanently present around the Mediterranean,
Flight season On average, emerges earlier than
although scarce in much of the Iberian peninsula •I* orded there, all of them aeshnids.
thhibn Prefers standing waterbodies that dry up A. mixta. Seen mainly from May to August,
and north Africa. Hot summer weather may lead
•■I Uh ■ nurse of summer, often overgrown with especially in the later months.
to influxes further north with a vagrant male in
Aeshna Mosaic Hawkers
Aeshna isoceles (Muller, 1767) Green-eyed Hawk
Norfolk li t'
153
▲ Aeshna isoceles male. Note the contrasting green i
Identification apart from a slightly dark crest on the frons, jw

General A brown and rather plain hawker, with yellow bands on the thorax sides, dark lines on
largely clear wings and conspicuous green eyes. The the abdomen and a conspicuous yellow trlanpH
yellow triangle on S2 is diagnostic, as are the colour on upperside S2. When mature, the green oym
and shape of the Hw base. Males patrol marshy contrast with the brown body. Wings clear, will mature <3
ditches, reedy lakesides and other lush, calm waters. dark veins and a diagnostic deep amber patch no pale spots on S3-10
Field characters Tot 62-66mm, Ab 47-54mm, at the Hw base. The all-brown Aeshna grandh I
Hw 39-45mm. Between A. mixta and A. juncea in larger and has entirely amber wings, and blue i|
size. Entire body is brown and virtually unmarked, yellow spots on the sides of the abdomen. The
brownish Anax ephippiger and A. parthenopn <
have greenish eyes, but have an unbanded thm
and blue 'saddle' at the abdomen base.
Hand characters Male membranule and anal
triangle elongated, the latter with three to seve
cells (often two and seldom more than four in
Aeshna). Male upper appendages more slendi'i
than those of other Aeshna, with tooth near h.i Habitat Ditches, marshes, ponds and lakes with
|nliHvi<'tir Unlike most hawkers, males frequently
on underside. rich vegetation. Favours swamps of Water-soldier
i ii iikj patrols.
Variation Individuals from the southern Balkan!
(Stratiotes aloides) in most of its northern range.
eastwards tend to have extended yellow thorax Sometimes on running water in the south.
ihniii(*nce
markings with prominent nail-shaped antehunit» Flight season May to August in most of its range,
h ii»ui nid status Widespread but very local in
stripes. These have been treated as ssp. most abundant in June; earlier than most Aeshna.
Inn Ii < I iis range, especially in south-west; often
antehumeralis but are probably just paler due Io
Um it >i < i r. where present. Extends to Central Asia
the warmer climate and therefore do not waridf
lh Illi- ISISl.
taxonomic status.

Aeshna grandis (Linnaeus, 1758) Brown Hawker
▲ Aeshna grandis male. Note the blue spots on the side of the abdomt
Identification markings yellow in most females and immatures,

General Heavy hawker with a tobacco-coloured the four spots at the wing bases being the only
body and amber wings, often seen gliding blue on females. Wings deep yellow to golden
majestically down forest glades or high over brown, including veins. T mark on frons indistinfl
woodland lakes. A mere glimpse is usually (more like a crescent), with no or very thin stem.
sufficient for a positive identification. See A. isoceles for comparison. Will seldom
Field characters Tot 70-77mm, Ab 49-60mm, Hw be seen with the similarly large, brown Anax
41-49mm. Size similar to A. juncea, but appears ephippiger and A. parthenope.
larger because of its deeply tinted wings. Body, Hand characters Not really needed. Seen from
including eyes, entirely reddish brown; thorax with above, the male upper appendages have roundel
two lemon-yellow bands on each side. Mature tips than most species.
male with blue highlights in eyes, six blue spots on Variation Individuals from northern FennoscaiffllM
upperside (one at each wing base and a pair on known as the subspecies linnaei, are smaller on
S2) and a series of spots on sides of S3-8. Latter average and have narrower thorax bands. mature 3
Behaviour Hawks with a characteristic slow-

seeming gliding flight, interspersed with bursts o
shallow wingbeats and graceful turns and loops.
Often hunts deep into dusk. Appears to mate blue markings on side of
abdomen
predominantly around sunrise, when males enter
dense vegetation to find roosting females. Mating
wheels formed while the female clings to her pfll
can be awkwardly twisted, with the male facing
down and his abdomen lying along the femalcS ]
face.
Mynnllv •.( lecies in Finland, for example. A female
Habitat Breeds in a wide range of calm waters,
Occurrence ht 11 ii in 2011 was only the second odonate usually with rich bankside or submerged
Range and status One of the commoner haWM ■ ■ ■ tided on Iceland after Anax ephippiger. vegetation, such as abandoned canals, oxbows and
of central and eastern Europe, especially in for»|| I- e and restricted towards highlands in fenlands. Adults are often seen in forested areas.
areas; very common over much of the boreal Imi || ii i<|(». East to Lake Baikal.
Flight season Late May to early October; most
belt of northern Europe, being the most abut ul.ml abundant at the end of July and in August.
Aeshna caerulea (Strom, 1783) Azure I law
157
Identification ▲ Aeshna caerulea male characteristically

General Small, very blue hawker of the far north perched flat on a light surface.
and high mountains, known for its habit of basking
on light surfaces. This behaviour warms the body, making it distinctly smaller than the other Aesi
enabling the species to survive in cold regions, but species with which it is usually found. Lateral narrow sinuous
bands on side of
also enables detailed examination by observers. stripes of the thorax are narrow and S-shaped, thorax
Through binoculars, the diagnostic short area of the abdominal spots are relatively large, leaving
contact between the eyes can be seen. little black between them. Antehumeral stripes .1
Field characters Tot 54-64mm, Ab 42-48mm, reduced in males and absent in females. All pale
mature d
Hw 37-41 mm. A similar size to Aeshna mixta, areas are blue in mature males, yellow in femal®|
and immatures.
Hand characters The distance along which the
eyes touch each other is less than twice the leng
of the occipital triangle between them. The fork
vein IR3 is not well defined, unlike in other Aeshi
Variation Although colour change resulting froil
temperature fluctuation is common in dragonflic
it is especially notable in this species. Cold males • h (in rence tundras; seldom below 1,000m in the Alps (mainly
have dark grey spots that become pale blue as th and status A boreal species, most 1,400-2,200m in Switzerland). Breeds in bog pools
insects heat up. Females can have either yellow 0 u iii i ion above or north of the tree line. One of and sedge swamps, and in northern Fennoscandia
blue markings, like males. ' ■ L w species numerous in Eurasia's polar regions in almost any type of standing and slow-flowing
Behaviour Dependent on sunshine to be fully i i .nds to Kamchatka, and indeed the dominant water.
active; frequently perches horizontally on bright, b h p mfly of the shrub tundra of subarctic Europe. Flight season Mid-July to mid-September in most
reflective surfaces, such as rocks and birch trunks ...... . as a postglacial relict in Scotland and central of Europe, but relatively early in Scotland, where it
allowing the sun to heat its body. Males patrol Io I nil i| man mountains, where it is scarce and local. can be on the wing as early as late May, although
along pool edges. I Ini ii tat Alpine and arctic moors, heaths and typically from mid-June.

Aeshna cyanea (Muller, 1764) Blue I l.i\
Southern II •
Identification
General Large and gaudy hawker, its dark body
inlaid with bright nuggets of apple-green and sky
blue. Typically hunts low down along borders,
often in the half-dark, like a phantom. Markings,
morphology and behaviour render it unmistakable.
It is not closely related to other European Aeshna.
Field characters Tot 67-76mm, Ab 51-61 mm,
Hw 43-53mm. One of the larger Aeshna species,
close in size to A. juncea. Mature male has pairs
of green spots on upperside of S1-7, in marked
contrast to the blue spots on sides and on S8-10.
Upperside of S9-10 each with a single blue band,
rather than paired spots, forming a conspicuous
'tail-light'. Markings on female and immature are
(yellow-) green. Thorax with two broad oval green
antehumeral stripes and green sides interrupted by Behaviour Has a diagnostic hawking flight, in
two thick black lines, one of which is complete and which it winds about erratically, usually alonp,
one only half complete. to the ground in shade or dusk. The abdomen I,
Hand characters Hind border of eyes strongly in a slight downward curve. Curious, inspecting
curved, revealing pale spot behind eyes even when nook and cranny, and diving for midges aroun
viewed from side. In male, the anal triangle has the observer. Frequently caught by cats. Males
three cells, sometimes up to six, but rarely two as aggressively guard a site, therefore usually only
in other large Aeshna species. Pt is notably short a single male is seen hovering over a small pond
(only about 3mm), and twice as long as wide. In from which hundreds of adults may have errwrgi
male, upperside S10 is flat and smooth (unlike the
tooth-like ridge found in other Aeshna, seen from Occurrence
side). Male upper appendages expand towards the Range and status Breeding habitat is favoured
end, then abruptly narrow to form a down-turned by few other dragonflies, and larvae can live in
spine (seen from the side, tip appears like a bird's huge densities therein. Often common in urban
head). or heavily forested areas. One of the commoner
Aeshna species in central Euro|
becoming scarcer towards the
north-east (to Urals) and south
Habitat Breeds in wide range
of waterbodies, preferring tho‘-
that are stagnant, small and
shaded, and often murky with
substrate other than leaf litter,
such as garden ponds or forest
pools. Feeds along woodland
rides and clearings.
Flight season Most typical
of the late summer (July and
August) and seldom seen befo
June, but flies well into autumi
with occasional records in
▲ Aeshna cyanea male, showing the 'bird's November.
head' profile of the upper appendages.
Aeshna viridis Eversmann, 1836 Green ll.i T mark on frons
almost reduced to a
crescent
Identification ▲ Aeshna viridis pair mating. The twisted ponlltJ

General A light blue male hawker patrolling results from the male grabbing the female in 111
early morning while she is perched among dci
the length of a mass of Water-soldier (Stratiotes
vegetation.
aloides), or a very green female egg-laying in the
heart of a rosette of this plant, are the classic
images of this large aeshnid. The rustling of the Field characters Tot 65-75, Ab 43-54mm, H
female's wings as she oviposits is often the first 38-45mm. Slightly smaller than A. juncea. M.u
sign of the species' presence. This behaviour on the frons has an extremely thin stalk, appifl
demonstrates the species' dependence on this as a single black cross-bar rather than a T. Tin
spiny water plant. But beware, as a large blue-and- with two broad green antehumeral stripes, as
green dragonfly above Water-soldier could also be in A. cyanea, but all-green sides have scarcely
Anax imperator. discernible black lines. Eyes and abdomen spot!
pale blue in the mature male, green in females ■
fresh males. Leading edges of rather yellowish
tinged wings are bright yellow, as opposed to
dark brown in A. cyanea. Superficially similar Io
Anax imperator, which differs in many details ot
markings, most notably by the all-green thorax.
Compare with other green-sided Aeshna, such I
A. affinis and A. cyanea, which have very differs ....11 idsides or over mats of Water-soldier Occurrence
habitat preferences. • • i h .1 inrise and after sunset. Seeks the shelter Range and status Holland to western Siberia.
Hand characters No black line on facial suture. I mihili herbage, reedsand coppices in open Habitat specialisation makes this species scarce and
Has a small, sharp yellow dot behind the eyes, uni ipes, often found resting low down in such under threat in much of its range.
which is not as clearly visible in side view as in . jfi.iiion. Like A. grandis, males seek roosting Habitat Marshlands, ditches and lakes with
A. cyanea, while A. affinis lacks such dots. h in.ib , io mate with at sunrise, leading to similarly sizeable masses of Water-soldier.
Behaviour Normally found close to Water-soldir ■ ■■ jui.ii mating wheels. Flight season From late June onwards, perhaps
swamps but may travel further afield to hunt, art occasionally to early October; most abundant in
may be seen swarming in meadows, clearings,/ August.

Aeshna juncea (Linnaeus, 1758) Moorland llnw
Common Hawker, Sedge H.iwk i
Identification (see for comparison) are darker and mow

General Could be considered the archetypal hawker. with a brown leading edge on wings, and ll
Large and dark, marked with yellow to bluish spots generally blue markings. In the field, A
and bands, best identified by the exclusion of other differs most notably by the narrow-storm imrf
species. It is the most widespread and numerous of mark on the frons.
a complex of similar species, which also includes A Hand characters Has a small, sharp y@llov\|i
subarctica, A. serrata and A. crenata. These species behind the eyes, where similar species ai» ^ll
163
must always be identified in careful comparison Female appendages bluntly pointed, tilWd w|
with A. juncea. to each other, together forming a 'V' in
Field characters Tot 65-80mm, Ab 50-59mm, Hw section (view from behind).
40-48mm. One of the larger Aeshna species. Most Variation Markings of thorax are very Vmirtl
large hawkers with the following characters will sometimes showing considerably broadened
belong to this species: (1) frons with thick black T yellow bands or even almost entirely yellow
mark; (2) thorax dark brown with two broad yellow sides. The yellow spots behind the eyes in.iy I
bands on each side (upper ends sometimes bluish) absent in southern mountain population-., Im
and two narrow antehumeral stripes (smaller in consistently present in the north where A /i
female); (3) leading edge of wings yellow; (4) overlaps with A. subarctica.
abdomen brown-black, with a pattern of small Behaviour Strong flier, males patrolling l.r I j
'inlaid' blue and yellow spots in mature males. tirelessly along and over water. They are .igyri
Females (like young males) have predominantly and inquisitive, chasing off other dragonlllrs ii
yellowish spots, turning greenish (rarely bluish) searching actively for females egg-laying <inii(|
with age. Males of A. crenata and A. subarctica vegetation.
Comparison of species similar to A. juncea.

Note: Dark = leading edge of wings brown, mature male abdominal spots rather evenly coloured,
Pale = leading edge of wings yellow, mature male with more distinct yellow and blue spots on ab(ku
two broad yellow bands on side of thorax
2 A. serrata 2 A. juncea
hind border of hind border of

ovipositor plate ovipositor plate
rather straight deeply incised <S A. crenata appendages (side vlw)
(view from below) (view from below) showing toothed upper appendix
Diagnostic features General Incised ovipositor Toothed Specie*

plate upper
appendages
Hw often over 53mm. Dark no yes lliiwnce

crenata
2 appendages acute. ii*. mikI status One of the commonest
...... ost northern and montane areas,
Pale spot behind each eye. Pale yes no juncea i 11it »ie local and restricted to higher
i- ilio south. Has the largest range of any
Narrow stem of T mark on Pale no yes serrata ics, stretching over much of Eurasia
frons. Membranule evenly Hi ti H i America.
pale, not two-toned. 8 upper hi u it*ly restricted to acidic heathy lakes and
appendages strongly upeurved, ..... I uropean lowlands, but regularly found
at least twice as long as lower. ill numbers in many other types of standing
.t .i. ii .is gravel pits, richly vegetated ponds or Flight season Occasionally emerges in late May
None of above. Dark yes no subarc th a 111 Water-soldier (Stratiotes aloides)-, habitat and June and may persist to November, but most
h h ns at higher altitudes and latitudes. numerous from July to September.

Aeshna subarctica Walker, 1908 Bog 11.r i
Subarc Ik ll «
Identification
General Doppelganger of A.
juncea, found exclusively within
that species' range and often
with it, occurring in similar
habitats, but largely confined
to bogs with floating mats of
165
peat moss (Sphagnum). Appears
darker and more uniform than
A. juncea, but careful study of
markings is needed for positive
identification.
Field characters Tot 70-76,
Ab 47-57mm, Hw 39-46mm.
Size and build like A. juncea.
Generally darker than the
latter, the body appearing
blacker and leading edge of
wings more brown than yellow.
Colour pattern of thorax and
abdomen more uniform, quite
evenly bluish, unlike more clearly
differentiated yellows and blues
of A. juncea. Flight identification
is unreliable.
Hand characters The two most
reliable differences with A.
juncea are on the head: (1) the
black line along the facial suture
(between frons and clypeus) is
of constant thickness or even
(often) widens at the eyes, while
in A. juncea it narrows at the
sides; (2) all black behind the
eyes, without the yellowish dot
of A. juncea. Other distinguishing ■Hiirionce
features are: (3) underside of •»•»<! status Rather localised because of its
thorax often has two drop ▲ Aeshna subarctica pair J scatter of relict populations in much
shaped yellow spots, but is i Ranges to Japan and also occurs in
usually uniformly dark in A. juncea; (4) male upper anterior to the first lateral band, and a rather I n< a, from where the species was first
appendages are wider than in A. juncea; (5) female pale marking between the two lateral band*. (| I nl"d 11 iropean populations are known as the
appendages are also wider, more symmetrical and thorax may be noticeable in flight); (7) middll h ‘‘lisabethae.
with rounder tips. They lie in a single horizontal of spots on abdominal segments almost as liri ihkiihi i> iors and bogs with floating peat moss,
plane (view from behind). terminal pairs. /vet communities appear like a thick
Variation Tends to be significantly paler in central Behaviour Males patrol above floating peal !<•( ognising them is often the best way
European lowland bogs than in boreal and alpine Females egg-laying there are often sufficiently |H ih<> I ilir species.
regions. Such pale specimens (not illustrated) and out in the open to allow identification thr ■ non Emerges from late May, but seldom
possess the following supplementary differences binoculars. tel n I Inly in most areas; most abundant in
to A. juncea: (6) thorax sides with a thin, pale line . ............ HI September.

T mark on frons
Aeshna serrata Hagen, 1856 Baltic 11.1 with narrow stem
Identification
General A large hawker, occurring only in M
around the Baltic Sea in our area. Often 11 hM
A. osiliensis, described from the Estonian idMI
Saaremaa (German name: Osel). Morpholn|fl
differences are insubstantial, while sc.illi-ii'il I
populations across northern Russia sugg«” 1 ih■
the Baltic population is connected with the « 167
largely Central Asian range, weakening Ilin
justification for a distinct species even In II 11 f >
Field characters Tot 75-81 mm, Ab 50 1
48-53mm. Larger than A. juncea, but very (III
general appearance, notably the yellow Icmcllii||M
of the wings and clear differentiation of ynlhiI
blue markings. The abdominal spots are l.imj I
deeper in colour, making the species appeal IM
Unlike A. juncea, females bear large, pale
antehumeral stripes. The most notable dill« ■.. J
from similar species is the narrow-stemmed I -I .
T mark on the frons. See table for a summitJH
the differences with similar species (p. 162)
Hand characters Membranule evenly whiti 1.1 I
pale grey, unlike the largely dark, white-basij I
membranule of related species. Lower appcmlw
just under half the length of upper appendage* •
the latter with a curved profile and cluster of I
four to seven small teeth near the tip, on the I
upperside, all visible in side view. Lower append■
of similar species is over half the length of uppm
appendages, the latter being straight and only I
toothed in A. crenata.
Variation Andromorph females are frequent mil
may outnumber the yellowish gynomorphs lo< dlH
▲ Aeshna serrata male.
Behaviour Appears heavier with a slightly slowfl
flight than A. juncea. Individuals of all sexes and I
ages are often seen patrolling open areas such .1.
fields and meadows. Unlike other large aeshnidi, ’
A. serrata stays notably low, frequently roosting |
in vegetation on the shore and even perching flat
on bare ground such as gravel roads, boardwalk*,
jetties or boats, especially in the early morning an lower appendage
during cool windy weather. under half length of
uppers
Occurrence
Range and status Locally abundant on Baltic I. 'ir ,i) steppes from the southern Ural eastwards; adjacent lagoons. In inland Sweden also inhabits
coast; discovered in Denmark in 2006. Known shallow eutrophic lakes, ponds and sluggish
J • i »und in the taiga of northern Russia, east to
from eastern Turkey and mountain steppes of th rivers dominated by reeds and bulrushes, in an
i .iiik hatka.
Transcaucasus. Not confirmed, but may be fount Habitat Brackish (i.e. coastal) water with reedbeds, agricultural landscape.
on reedy lakes and in brackish marshlands of m< hiding shallow bays of the Baltic Sea and Flight season July to September.
central and northern Turkey. Main range is in-the
Aeshna crenata Hagen, 1856 Siberian I law
169
all blue markings on

abdomen
▲ Aeshna crenata male.
Identification thorax markings and the smaller abdominal spin

General An impressive hawker, noted for its large mainly yellow (contrasting with blue spots), wlul<
size and vivid colour. When mature, males are clear in mature A. crenata all markings are blue. Mini
blue and females have large, dark brown patches females are marked yellow to green. Older fernfl
on their wings. It is an inhabitant of the Siberian often have dark patches between the node and
taiga, just reaching southern Finland and north noticeable in flight. See table for a summary ol t
east Lithuania. differences with similar species (p. 162).
Field characters Tot 71-86mm, Ab 53-67mm, Hand characters Male upper appendages with
Hw 44-60mm. Our largest Aeshna species, larger two or three rather robust teeth placed on a ridfl
even than Anax imperator. Black T mark on frons on the upperside, just before the tip. A. serrate
is very thick-stemmed. The leading edge of the also has such teeth, but about four to seven c>l lower appendage
them (A. crenata may have up to six teeth, but l| more than half length
wings are brown, unlike the yellow of A. juncea
of uppers
and A. serrata. Males of these species also have the additional ones tend to be rather small). Female
appendages are pointed, unlike those of similar
species, which are rounded. i h (urrence
Variation Antehumeral stripes are well develop) I* »IKI<* and status Ranges from the Baltic shore
and often bluish in mature andromorph femalei H it. ' .iberia to Japan. Seems to be very local
but absent or reduced to a small yellowish-greed .... nea, but may be under-recorded in its
patch in gynomorphs. Occasionally both sexes I.... . an range.
$ ovipositor
can have strikingly enlarged and washed-out iiahit.it Westermost populations are in small or
(from below)
antehumerals that may cover almost the entire i In i i-sized nutrient-poor, acidic forest lakes
pointed appendages
front of the thorax. ml.'iad by bog-moss (Sphagnum) and sedges
Behaviour Males persistently patrol over open in More of a generalist further east, e.g. in
water along the vegetation's edge, only rarely hull lakes, oxbows and even overgrown watering \ hind border of
pausing to hover. They are often very aggressive inilf lor lifestock. basal plate not
deeply incised
towards other Aeshna males, forcing them to Hluhi season Late June to mid-September, not
adjust their behaviour, such as by flying less Jlyimi well into autumn, unlike other Aeshna
conspicuously or when A. crenata males are i .; most records in the second half of July
absent. NIK I August.

Anax Leach, 1815 . h.H icters for adult Anax imperator, A. parthenope and A. ephippiger.
imperator parthenope ephippiger

Green Darmu i
mid shape Large, abdomen thick Large, abdomen thick Smaller, abdomen slender
and longer than Hw and longer than Hw and as long as Hw
Identification abdomen. In the hand, it is easily sepai.iinl
Diagnosis Among our largest dragonflies. With broadly confluent eyes. i* Bluish bar behind crest, Bluish bar behind crest, Black bar on crest and
the exception of one aberrant east Mediterranean Separation of the species With the ext fpm black pentagon at base black triangle at base at base, never with blue
species, our species have a uniformly brown A. immaculifrons, flight identification can In-1|
or green thorax, and a green, blue or brown because most characters (e.g. colour of <ibtl(i|
abdomen with a broad black mid-dorsal stripe. thorax and eyes) vary and have some oveil.i|i
The aberrant species, A. immaculifrons, has broad young individuals, for instance, the body cold
171
black thorax bands and a striking black-and-yellow- often green instead of brown or blue. In thi-1
ringed abdomen. Males, like all aeshnid females, important characters are the frons marking
Uniformly green (a shade Brown above, with
lack auricles on S2 and the anal triangles. IR3 is appendages and the presence of occipital lull
Green to blue above, darker than in imperator), a (greenish-) yellow
not forked proximal of the Pt, and R3 is abruptly in females. The table below compares the Hu
with yellow to green sometimes tinged yellow, underside, never with
arched forward near the distal end of the Pt. The most widespread species. On the Atlantic COL
underside blue and/or brown blue
Rspl curves forward strongly, its distal end pointing careful observations may produce new record
towards a point between the Pt and the wing tip. the American vagrant A. junius. thorax in Green, normally blue in Normally brown Normally brown
Separation from other genera Other aeshnids Behaviour All species are fast, powerful fliert hunt <>f Fw males
have a banded thorax and a largely dark abdomen Males of most species patrol effortlessly over ll
thorax Green, sometimes Normally brown, Normally brown, often
with a series of paired coloured spots. The males centre of larger waterbodies. Will often rest Io
brownish in older sometimes tinged grey lower sides contrastingly
of these genera possess auricles and anal triangles, among waterside vegetation, for instance dun
specimens or green green-yellow
their IR3 is usually forked, R3 gradually curves poor weather, hanging vertically. Oviposition n
Normally brown
backward and the Rspl points to the wing tip. Green, sometimes blue Normally brown
varies between the species and can help speck II
[
A. immaculifrons may suggest a Cordulegaster diagnosis.
ibr.ul ring S2 Green, only yellow when Normally yellow Normally brown,
in flight, but can be recognised by its thicker VJKalk
young sometimes yellow
iiIik saddle' S2 Not distinct because Normally distinct,

▼ Anax imperator male in flight. Note the slight downward curve of the abdomen.
S3-10 are also blue (or wrapped around
‘ S2-10 all green in most | segment and extending Normally distinct but
females and tenerals) onto base S3 sometimes difficult
to see (often absent
or inconspicuous
in females), usually
restricted to top of
segment (sides of
Ground colour Green, turning blue in all Brown, sometimes bluish Brown or straw-coloured
segment are dull yellow)
13 7 mature males and some
mature females
SB 10 Colour and markings Colour and markings Blacker than preceding

similar to preceding j similar to preceding segments, leaving only
segments, sometimes segments, sometimes clearly defined pale
brownish blacker spots at hind corners of
segments (these often
paler than brown of
S3-7)
Wings Sometimes tinted Often conspicuously Often inconspicuously

between triangle and tinted brown between tinted in central part of
node and Pt the wing
Anax Emperors Anax Emperors

r
Anax imperator Leach, 1815 Blue Hiii|hi|

uqi'ly green thorax
Emperor hi i.(.
in both sexes eyes green to blue black pentagon at
base of frons
Identification
General A common and conspicuous dragonfly
of African origin, which only recently has colonised
large parts of northern Europe. Patrolling males
are easily recognised by their size, unmarked green
thorax and blue abdomen with a black mid-dorsal
stripe.
Field characters Tot 66-84mm, Ab 50-61 mm,
Hw 45-52mm. The largest aeshnid in most of our
area. Most Anax individuals with an all-blue
(mature males and some older females) or green
(tenerals, most females) abdomen belong to A.
imperator, but a minority of A. parthenope and
A. ephippiger may appear similar. A. imperator
has: (1) eyes green to blue, at most tinged brown;
(2) the thorax and S1 green, not (largely) brown,
greyish or green-brown; (3) a thin yellow ring on
2
S2 only in fresh individuals, which are still largely
green. Moreover, males are typically blue on the
2 occiput
thorax just in front of the Fw bases. The yellow S2
ring is typical of mature A. parthenope, which are
largely brown. The frons marking differs in details
from A. ephippiger, A. parthenope and A. junius.
See the species text of the latter for a comparison,
and the table of field characters for separating
the first two (p. 171). May be confused with some smooth, with no
Aeshna species, especially those with conspicuous tubercles
blue eyes and abdomen, and a green thorax

(A. affinis, A. viridis). These are smaller and have
black thorax markings and a mosaic-like abdominal
pattern.
Hand characters Male lower appendage at least
one-quarter as long as uppers, square (about
as long as wide), only distal margin with dorsal
denticles. Male uppers shorter than S9-10, with
broadly rounded tips. Back of female occiput
smooth, without tubercles.
Variation The female's abdominal colour may
become obscured by dirt after oviposition,
thus they may resemble A. parthenope or
A. ephippiger.
Behaviour Patrolling males have a slight
downward curve in the abdomen. Our only
Anax in which females oviposit without the Habitat Standing waters, often large and well
male. This is similar to many other aeshnids, • h i urrence vegetated.
but they often choose floating vegetation and Nhihj. and status Common in large parts Flight seasorrFrom March to December in north
are therefore very exposed and more visible i ''in, ,i rlnd western Eurasia. Has expanded
Africa, burmuch shorter in the north; most
than most aeshnids. luiilliw.irds considerably in the last decades.
abundant from June to August.

Common Green I >ni |
Anax junius (Drury, 1773)
blue abdomen with

black dorsal line
reduced on S2 but
relatively broad
towards tip
A " ' the frons and how the abdomen is partly browiHfl
Anax junius male. Note the bull s-eye marking on t
Identification
uppers are long (as long as S9-10 combined) I
truncated, with a large spine on their outer cC
very short lower
appendage
long, spined upper

appendages
General An American vagrant that superficially is
Back of female occiput bears two tubercles, li1
most like A. imperator, as males are large dragonflies
A. parthenope but unlike A. imperator.
with a green thorax and blue abdomen, but is more Behaviour Oviposits in tandem, like A. parthi
like A. parthenope in details. Suspect Anax on the
but unlike A. imperator.
Atlantic coast should be scrutinised with extra care.
Field characters Tot 68-80mm, Ab 51-57mm, Hw
Occurrence
45-56mm. Similar in size and general appearance Range and status Common and widespread
to A. imperator. Distinguished from it as follows:
North and Central America. Vagrant in Europe,
(1) male's mid-dorsal black stripe more tapered,
least six individuals were recorded on the Isles I
largely absent on S2 but widened towards the end
Scilly and in Cornwall in September 1998, and
of the abdomen; (2) frons with unique 'bull's-
male was caught on the French coast, near N.i
eye' marking, and not black along eyes laterally
in September 2003. The British records coincidi
of the vertex; (3) in males the thorax in front of
with an Atlantic depression with strong westeil1
the Fw bases is often green (blue in A. imperator
males). The very blue S2, combined with the winds.
Habitat Standing, marshy waters, including
darker abdomen end, may suggest A parthenope.
temporary or slightly brackish ones.
Moreover, in A. junius the abdomen is often partly
Flight season All year in the south of its Amen
brown (especially terminally and in females) and
range, but from April to October in the north,
becomes dark purplish in cooler conditions; the
which is colonised by migrants from the south
blue S2 then stands out strongly. A. parthenope each year. These migrants are often the earliest
has a brownish (not green) thorax and S1. anisopterans seen there. Migration southwards
I
Hand characters Male lower appendage very
starts in late summer. Anax Emperors
short, less than one-fifth as long as uppers. The
Anax Emperors
Anax parthenope (Selys, 1839) Lesser 19up
Identification
General A large and rather dull aeshnid. Its
drab colouring makes the greenish eyes and
blue abdominal saddle particularly striking.
Typical individuals can be confused only with
A. ephippiger, but occasional ones with a largely
blue abdomen can closely resemble A. imperator.
Hw 44-51 mm. Slightly smaller than A. imperator.
Typical specimens are most likely to be confused
with the smaller and more slender A. ephippiger,
while those with a bluish, instead of brown,
abdomen may be confused with A. imperator wings often tinted between
(see table p. 171 and those species' texts for node and pterostigma in
mature individuals
distinguishing features). In A. imperator females
the wings are clear, or with a brownish tint from
the triangles to the tips, while the wings of older Variation In fresh specimens, the blue pdrh
A. parthenope females often are tinged brown abdomen are grass green.
only between the Pt and the node. Note that the Behaviour The male's abdomen is straight-1 abdomen mostly
pattern on the frons is different from all other flight than in A. imperator. Unlike that spr< n orown, making blue
saddle stand out
Anax species. male usually accompanies the female in laiiH
Hand characters Male lower appendage is during oviposition.
less than one-fifth the length of the uppers,
and shorter than wide (view from above), with Occurrence
numerous denticles on upperside; uppers have Range and status Common in the Medilyn
very short lower
truncated tips bearing a small spine on the outer countries; scarce further north, although lot < appendage
corner. Unlike A. ephippiger and A. imperator, abundant. Has expanded its range since lilt’
there are two tubercles behind the female occiput. 1990s and, although it is not expanding <r. g
small spine at tip of
as A. imperator, northwilt upper appendages
vagrancy is more often Qin
than in A. ephippiger. Ran|
basal ring on S2
extends to Japan and Chin typically yellow ? rather blue
into Sahara. individual
Habitat Standing, often I •

waters.
Flight season In the
dis: net blue 'saddle1
Mediterranean from Man li wrapped around
November, but northern ie»< I mature d waist
mostly from June to Augii’.l
two tubercles on
occiput
◄ Anax parthenope
mature male.

Anax ephippiger (Burmeister, 1839) Vagrant I nip
-------- 1" "T

179
x this field differs in shape from all

other Anax, with 3 irregular rows of
cells, rather than 2 regular rows
slender brown
abdomen
Identification to see in flight than in A. parthenope, when* >

General These sandy-coloured emperors are is 'wrapped around' the abdomen. S3-10 pale brown paired
strongly migratory, occurring mostly in the dry brown with a black dorsal band; this band h spots on S8-10
regions of Africa and Asia and only irregularly wider on S8-10, enclosing a pair of large p.ih
riangular lower appendage
straying beyond the Mediterranean. Their scientific brown spots on each segment. The blue sadd with numerous denticles
'saddle' less distinct
imatures and females
name refers to the characteristic blue saddle at the less intense in young males and also in fem.ili
pointed upper appendages
abdomen base on the male. Often placed in the where it is crossed by the dorsal bands. The fl
genus Hemianax. and thorax are brown, often with their lower
Field characters Tot 61-70mm, Ab 43-56mm, halves characteristically yellow-green. Neither
Hw 43-48mm. Slightly smaller than other Anax frons nor eyes show any trace of blue, wherij
species, with a broad globular head and a shorter, in A. parthenope and A. imperator there is a
more slender abdomen. Most males have a largely blue bar on the frons and the eyes are typically
dark abdomen with a blue 'saddle' on S2 (and quite uniformly green, often tinged blue. The fl
sometimes part of S3). The saddle is restricted to bold black bars on the frons of A. ephippigei a
the upper side of the abdomen, making it harder distinctive.
Hand characters The only Anax with one rid<|0
only (not two) on each side of the abdomen. I In
only Anax with a broad cubital field in Hw with
three cell rows, i.e. with several cells enclosed yellow broad, pointed
between the field's two cell rows. Male upper appendages
appendages with sharply pointed, tapered tips.

Lower at least one-quarter the length of the
Wanderers have also reached Brazil, Japan
uppers, triangular (view from above), upper surf, Occurrence
li.iiKje and status Occurs mainly in strongly and Thailand; has recently even bred on some
covered with denticles. Back of female occiput is
• .1 .• -nal parts of Africa and south-west Asia, Caribbean islands.
smooth, without tubercles. Female appendages
Habitat Shallow, warm (often temporary) pools
broad, similar to male's uppers. •I i< lering to and fro to breed after rains. Appears
Variation Blue 'saddle' may be absent in some in limed annually in the Mediterranean basin, but and lakes.
I...... nt further north only in some years, when Flight season Throughout the year around the
females.
in i .ions can even reach Iceland. Subsequent
Mediterranean. Mostly from July to September in
Behaviour Usually oviposits in tandem. Mainly
lepioduction (sometimes in great numbers) has th^noYth, but can be recorded in all months.
diurnal, but more often active at dusk than other
Anax species; sometimes attracted to light. ii" ntly occurred as far north as the Netherlands.
Anax Emperors
Anax Emperors
Anax immaculifrons Rambur, 1842 Magnificent Einp
ilinn.irked frons
Identification Hand characters Male's lower appendin'

General The largest and one of the most exotic (about half of uppers) and triangular in |.li.i|N
European dragonflies, with its bold black-and- from above).
yellow abdominal rings and the male's peculiar Variation In eastern Asia, males lack the bl
blue-washed head, thorax and abdomen base. tinge and develop a brick-red abdomen: p< >
A predominantly southern Asian species, with separate (sub-) species is involved.
its western outposts in streams flowing into the Behaviour Males patrol over long stretcIw
eastern Mediterranean Sea. streams at great speed. Uniquely for an . w h
Field characters Tot 80-86mm, Ab 55-60mm, the male guards the female during oviposili
Hw 54-60mm. Our largest dragonfly, and hovering over her.
unmistakable due to its size and black abdomen
with pale anterior halves of S2-8, creating seven Occurrence
rings. Thorax pale, with two broad black bands on Range and status Widespread across soul 11
each side. Frons without dark markings. Eyes, frons Asia to China, reaching its western limit on
and pale markings are (greenish) yellow in females Aegean coast. Found in south Turkey, Cyprui
and young males. Males become pale bluish from the Greek islands of Rhodes, Karpathos and I
frons to abdomen base, with bright blue eyes. Habitat Unlike other Anax species, avoids •.nil
Males often have strongly brown-stained wings; water, inhabiting larger (often partly shaded)
females' wings are at most faintly tinted. Overall streams.
appearance suggests a Cordulegaster, some of Flight season In Greece and Turkey, seen
which also have blue eyes. May to September.
► Anax
immaculifrons
pair mating.

Brachytron Evans, 1845 Hairy Hawk< i long thin pterostigma
Brachytron pratense (Muller, 1764) single row of

cells before
Identification and triangles; anal triangle is short and <nirtl

General A small hawker that is often confused rounded. The male lower appendage is .ilxmi
with the smaller Aeshna species. It has an earlier third the length of the upper appendages, I 183
flight season, and its hairy body and stout distinctly notched at the tip (about half lis l< i
abdomen create the impression of a more compact uppers and more pointed in Aeshna). rounded edge
to 3 hindwing
insect. Males are often seen hawking low down, Behaviour Males make low and very inquhi
closely following marshy margins, in late spring noticeably
patrols, flying in and out of clearings amomj I
mature 8 hairy body
and early summer. In the hand, numerous details of vegetation.
the venation, body shape and markings reveal that
Brachytron pratense - the only species of its genus Occurrence
- is very distinct from other aeshnids. Range and status Widespread west of the pairs of
elongated
Field characters Tot 54-63mm, Ab 37-46mm, but generally localised, although often conmiuil
alue spots on
Hw 34-37mm. Shorter and more stubby than where found. abdomen
Aeshna mixta. Thorax noticeably downy, with
unique markings: sides green, interrupted by two central dot on S'
complete black lines (not just one). Unlike Aeshna,

i ii lower
in males the abdomen is not waisted at the base,
but is cylindrical, as in the females. The abdomen
is black, with 'inlaid' pale blue spots in the male
and a diagnostic central yellow (or green) dot on
S1. The terminal paired spots on the segments are elongated
more elongated than in Aeshna. The markings yellow spots on
abdomen
are greenish yellow in females and immatures.
Compare Aeshna cyanea, and the similar-sized
A. mixta and A. affinis.
Hand characters Details of the wings make it
distinct from Aeshna: Pt are longer and thinner;
largely just a single row of cells before Rspl;
usually has only two cross-veins between base
green side to thorax
with two complete
mature (3
Flight season Late March to early August, with

llnhitat Standing or slow-flowing waters with
in I iiparian and aquatic vegetation, such as reedy the emphasis on May and June in most of its
range, well ahead of most Aeshna, which peak in
.iii.ils, marshes, oxbows and coastal grazing
Ilate summer.
in.it shes.
K-D B Dijkstra
▲ Brachytron pratense pair mating.
Brachytron Hairy Hawkers
Brachytron Hairy Hawkers
B. irene green eyes
Boyeria McLachlan, 1896 Spectre*

Spotted Darners (IMI IRj not forked
Identification Separation of the species A genus with i■.< dark wing tips
Diagnosis Coloration rather dull and blotchy, like relict populations, with two species in eastemH
military camouflage. Most males and some females North America and three in eastern Asia. Two I
have dark-tipped wings, especially the Hw. Fields species are endemic to our area.
before Mspl and Rspl with two rows of cells, median Behaviour Males make long and furtive palroll |
space (between arculus and base) of all wings with slowly flying low over the water and closely
two to four cross-veins, and vein IR3 not forked. Pt its edge. They keep to shade and carefully n r-i •• || two rows of 185
moderately long, above four to seven cells. dark corners, e.g. under tree roots, often with I cells before
cross-veins in
hovering pauses. They avoid sunlight, becomhii) 1 Mspl and Rspl
Separation from other genera In the field, habitat, median space
behaviour and colour are important, and in the hand more active towards the late afternoon, and j
mmature ¥
venation rules out any confusion. Caliaeschna has aggregate at dusk, hunting in fast, zigzagging I
similar habits, but does not co-occur and is much flight over clearings. They remain on the wiiiij tjfl
smaller, with more contrasting markings and a short nightfall and may be attracted to light then •. il iwf ■
Pt. Most Aeshna species are more strongly marked, Unlike B. irene, B. cretensis males do not appt*H camouflage
i ■ I more like markings
all lack median cross-veins and Mspl and Rspl establish and defend territories. ii'iisive
K-DBD//J
subtend three or more irregular rows. Both these
genera have IR3 forked and clear wing tips.
pointed
Boyeria irene (Fonscolombe, 1838) Western Sperl B. cretensis
green 'tail-light'
Dusk Haw
f. typica
General Known as the 'peaceful hawker' in French Range and status Endemic to the western
and the 'ghost dragonfly' and 'twilight dragonfly' Mediterranean, where common on most stuMF
in German and Dutch, this aeshnid is characterised and rivers. A highly isolated but strong populal cretensis Peters, 1991 Cretan Spectre
by its slow, inconspicuous, shade-hugging occurs at the Ortze river in northern Germany
streamside patrols. Nonetheless, at dusk it may be Habitat Streams and rivers with shaded bordl’i I- Hlilication minor characters: (1) Pt of Hw 4-5mm, rather than
seen more in the open, whizzing wildly to and fro Locally inhabits shores of large lakes, which is I "hiiPi.il Ihis endemic of Crete is very similar less than 4mm; (2) wings more densely veined
in pursuit of prey. Aside from behaviour, it can be only habitat in Switzerland. ■ il - ■■ .lem counterpart, B. irene. It appears on average; (3) profile of frons (view from side)
identified by generic characters in most of its range Flight season From the end of June to late In* .in . mcient relict: Caliaeschna microstigma more pointed; (4) dorsal ridge of male's upper
and is unlikely to be mistaken (see above). September; most abundant in July and August 1hi Boyeria on the surrounding mainland. First appendages not raised before end (view from side,
Field characters Tot 63-71 mm, Ab 44-48mm, ■l ih I in 1850, its status as distinct from B. irene not illustrated).
Hw 39-45mm. Size between Aeshna mixta and H ih .i’d only 141 years later, Variation The female form with long appendages,
A. cyanea, near A. isoceles. Greyish brown, marked tinlil th. traders Tot 69-71 mm, Ab 45-49mm, known in B. irene, has never been observed in this
with rather weakly contrasting greyish or bluish Hw -I l i /mm. On average, slightly larger than species.
pale green blotches. Pattern is characteristic, H' Mature male has green eyes, contrasting
including broadly green bases of S2-9 and all bull ii i nk, dull body. The dark markings are Occurrence
green upperside of S9-10, forming five to seven • i ii-nsive than in B. irene, leaving only small Range and status Confined to Crete (blue on
rings and a 'tail-light'. Frons is marked above with I • How (rather than green) spots. S2-8 in map opposite), where scarce and difficult to
an indistinct dark blotch. Eyes are green. ii .ire much darker basally, the species thus observe; only a fraction of the streams on the
Hand characters See genus text. ii i i lie ringed appearance of B. irene. Teneral island are permanent and thus suitable. The
Variation Extent of wing markings varies. The in n . are considerably paler, with broad, pale species, whose entire population is restricted
female has two forms: the typical form (f. typica) i ■ .2-8. Confusion is unlikely within its to 15 river systems, is seriously threatened by
has very long appendages (about 6mm, three times H hi. i. d lange, but Caliaeschna microstigma could impoundment, piping and pollution of streams.
the length of S10), while they are only about 2mm ■ ...... illy occur as a vagrant from the mainland. Habitat Rocky and partly shaded streams.
(as long as S10) in f. brachycerca. Despite its name, Il............ . sites for this species from Crete are Flight season,Most adults have been recorded in
the typical form is scarcer, constituting at most half ,i-..iii lookm north-west and 150km north-east, July and Augyst, but probably on the wing from
of the females ata site. umil • haracters Differs from B. irene in these late May'into September.
Boyeria Spectres Boyeria Spectres

short dark
pterostigma
Caliaeschna Eastern Spectrv. usually hooked

antehumeral
/ stripes
Selys, 1883
Caliaeschna microstigma (Schneider, 1845) Eastern Spin lif
◄ Ca/tofw
micro1,(hii
male.
187
____
cross-veins in
median space
antehumeral stripes
blue marking may be reduced
partially fused and dot-like
on S9-10 to
form a 'tail-light'
Identification Hand characters Fields before Mspl and Rspl l

General A small, sleek aeshnid, named for its one row of cells, like most Brachytron but uni4n
2 abdomen tip
unusually short Pt. Shares its cryptic, crepuscular Boyeria (usually two rows) and Aeshna (three (it j
habits and stream habitat with Boyeria, but is not more irregular rows). Median space (between I
known to overlap, is considerably smaller and is arculus and base) of all wings with cross-vein^ I
more contrastingly marked. a character shared only with Boyeria. Vein IR, ||
Field characters Tot 50-60mm, Ab 39-47mm, forked, as in Aeshna and Brachytron (not forked ovipositor
sheath long and
Hw 35-41 mm. The smallest aeshnid in our area. in Anax and Boyeria). The female appendages . i»» pointed
The Pt is very dark and short (at most 2mm, and very short and stubby, and the sheath enclosing
subtended by only about two cells), rather more the ovipositor is longer and straighter than in oil
like that of some libellulids than that of an aeshnid. genera, appearing as a spike reaching beyond Ml Occurrence
Mature males are brown-black, with crisp, pale Variation Eastern populations can be considd.ill Range and status Ranges to the Caucasus
blue markings, usually with '7'-shaped darker, with the antehumeral stripes reduced lo | region, Afghanistan and northern Israel. Notably
antehumeral stripes. The dorsal blue spots on S1-7 tiny dot. absent from Crete, where it is replaced by Boyeria
are narrow, but on S8-10 are broader and even Behaviour Males behave similarly to Boyeria. Ill cretensis. Common in most of its range.
(partly) fused, creating a distinct 'tail-light'. Females have a low, slow patrolling flight, closely followln Habitat Strictly in streams, which are often fast
are browner, with more yellowish markings. The the streamside. They avoid sunlight and inspei I flowing and shaded. Larvae live among submerged
frons is whitish, with a contrasting black bar on the every nook and cranny for the presence of fem.ili moss, leaf litter or roots, or under stones when
crest. Unlikely to be confused within its range. Most activity takes place in the latter part of Hip other substrates are absent.
Other small aeshnids (e.g. Aeshna mixta, day, especially late afternoon and dusk. Group', Flight season From mi( ■May to August,
Brachytron pratense) differ by habitat and hunt over streams and along trees at twilight will occasionally to Octdoej;
behaviour. fast, erratic flight. K-D B Dijkstra
Caliaeschna Eastern Spectres Caliaeschna Eastern Spectres

Gomphidae ...|...non of Gomphus and Stylurus species
ipes: Antehumeral stripe: yellow band between second and third black line counted from head
1 1 11. il stripe: fourth black line, just before metastigma
Gomphus Leach, 1815 and • .! ■ 11. il stripe: fifth black line, just behind metastigma
Stylurus Needham, 1897 Clubtai Yellow

lines on
Antehumeral
stripe/second
Diagnostic
features of
Approximate
range
Species
legs black line thorax markings

Identification combined, and all nine species may be conhi • J (indicated on
Diagnosis Medium-sized dragonflies with a yellow Stylurus is a mainly North American genus will artwork below)
to greenish body, marked with black. The almost only a few Eurasian species. Until recently Hie
irtlly Europe G. vulgatissimus
uninterrupted yellow line running from S1 to S7, or were usually placed in Gomphus, buttheir loll Usually Narrower to
even S10, is distinctive. The Hw lacks an anal loop, Ht
suspected relationship has now been confirm none equal Turkey, S Balkans G. schneiderii
thus an uninterrupted perpendicular vein connects iwlly
by genetic evidence. They also differ subtly in
the subtriangle and the hind margin. The abdomen markings, the more slender and acute postei 11 France, Iberian
Femora Narrower G. graslinii
is thickened in most species to a club shape, hamules, and the distinctly elongated larvae, \ peninsula,
None
but lacks leaf-like lateral flaps. The male's upper have reduced hooks on the legs, an adaptation Turkey G. davidi
appendages are rather short (about equal to S10) for burrowing in soft sediments. The sepanilK
Equal SW Europe,
and clearly diverge. The lower is only slightly shorter, of three species (G. schneiderii, G. lucasii, S G. simillimus
Morocco
and its branches are largely eclipsed by the uppers ubadschii) from their more widespread countl
when viewed from above. The short, splayed, (G. vulgatissimus, G. simillimus, S. flavipes) is I Algeria, Tunisia G. lucasii
eclipsing appendages are unique in our area. somewhat questionable, although the species Interpleural
Separation from other genera All our gomphids, each pair are geographically (largely) segrffli.il stripes not dead-
characterised by clearly separated eyes, are rather simple table, based on markings of both sexes ended just above
similar in general appearance and size, except ranges, is provided, but for positive identific .ill metastigmas, but W Europe G. pulchellus
uh yellow
for the large Lindenia and small Paragomphus. careful comparison is required, preferably in II1 complete from
|1ll«l
Males of both these genera bear abdominal flaps hand. The male's appendages and female's vul Femora base of Fw to
IpP'-
and have very long, parallel upper appendages. scales may then be useful, but are fairly unlffll and tibiae middle leg
Ophiogomphus and Onychogomphus have an The shape of the male's posterior hamules is Wider Metapleural Europe S. flavipes
anal loop, and incurved upper appendages that underappreciated as a character, but the hard
stripes not
do not eclipse the parallel branches of the lower are almost as easily examined with a hand lent
forked at level
appendage. Moreover, the Onychogomphus male the appendages, and may be more informative
of metastigmas;
appendages are long and pincer-like, and the Behaviour Relatively shy; the large number. i|
j antehumeral Turkey S. ubadschii
abdomen appears ringed or spotted, rather than exuviae found on riverbanks may compare pn(
stripes not limited
striped. In the field, confusion with Ophiogomphus to the occasional adult seen at the same site 1 I
(ventrally by black
is most likely, but mature adults are unmistakable emergence, adults mature in surrounding roujl
: and thus extend
because of their bright green head and thorax, as terrain, such as overgrown fields, borders and
i to middle leg
well as the yellow upper appendages. When seen fallow land, and these are often better places i
poorly, particularly in flight, females and immatures search than the waterside. Breeding males pen
of some libellulids, particularly Orthetrum on twigs or rocks at the water's edge, waiting I
cancellatum, resemble Gomphus and Stylurus. females, but at larger rivers may also fly for Ion
The eyes in these touch each other. periods in midstream (particularly 5. flavipes bn
Separation of the species Few of our genera also G. vulgatissimus), or search the edges (G
seem as uniform as Gomphus and Stylurus pulchellus): it may be useful search for individn
in the middle of a river with binoculars. Female
especially shy, dashing out to open water, often
the centre of a stream, and depositing many ig
in only one or several dips.
F Suhling and O Mill
◄ Gomphus pulchellus pair mating. Note the

black-and-yellow body typical of all Gomphus
11 pulchellus G. graslinii G. davidi G. lucasii G. simillimus
and Stylurus species.
Gomphus Clubtails
Gomphus Clubtails
Gomphus vulgatissimus (Linnaeus, 1758) Common Chili
• iivenish eyes
Club-tailed Di.upm
Identification
General The commonest and
most widespread Gomphus in
much of our area. It is darker
than all other species, with a
greener ground colour and more
extensive black markings.
Field characters Tot 45-50mm, anal triangle 4 or
■ ■ <i.iiu.n more cells (5 here)
Ab 33-37mm, Hw 28-33mm. I ... >.Ider
More robust than congeners, lulivnln.il’.
with a thicker clubbed abdomen. mature 3

Darker than other Gomphus
species, relevant characters are:
(1) legs are usually completely
black; (2) S8-10 are usually immature d
dorsally black, without a central

yellow stripe; (3) the yellow entirely black
ground colour becomes distinctly legs
green in older males, whereas

▲ Gomphus vulgatissimus male. Note th.it
other species remain (greenish) yellow; (4) eyes the yellow thorax is tinged green, as is typi< d
(blue-)green when mature. Another much-used, for older males.
but not always reliable, feature is that the pale
antehumeral stripes are narrower than both black Hand characters Male's anal triangles typli ■ il
sharply pointed
stripes bordering them; these black stripes are contain four or more cells, but usually only th
posterior hamule
often (almost) in contact. Males of G. graslinii, other Gomphus and Stylurus species. 3 secondary
G. pulchellus, G. simillimus and S. flavipes, all of Variation Hybridises with G. schneiderii in I genitalia d appendages
(side view)
which can occur with this species, have blue eyes broad contact zone in the southern Balkans, (
when mature, and possess yellow stripes on femurs making identification there impossible.
and upperside S8-10. G. vulgatissimus is most Behaviour Males perch on bankside plank, rt
similar to the generally blue-eyed G. schneiderii, rocks. Both sexes usually stay near the water,
which overlaps in range in the southern Balkans may retreat to the canopy of nearby trees, ml
(see that species for details). them hard to find.
Occurrence
Range and status The most frequent Gornpk
most of northern and central Europe, ranging I
to the the West Siberian Plain.
Habitat Middle and lower sections of river1, ami
$ vulvar scale
streams. Favours a calm flow and sandy bolloin
(e.g. lowland streams and small rivers), avoiding
small, fast-flowing, rocky-bottomed waters. I oi|
abundant in reservoirs, gravel pits and large 1.4 •
The larvae burrow in fine sand, preferably cover
with detritus.
Flight season From April to June in the south (
range, from June to August in the north. Typli t
emerges in great numbers in a short period in
spring, followed by a short flight season, e.<j in
central Europe emergence peaks in early May
Gomphus Clubtails Gomphus Clubtails

Gomphus schneiderii Selys, 1850 Turkish (Til *miphus graslirtii Rambur, 1842 Pronged Clubtail
Identification genetic isolation is forthcoming, the two mu • hiIIIk ition always also has lines on the tibiae; G. vulgatissimus
General Replaces G. vulgatissimus in Turkey considered synonymous. Ibhui .»I I n ight yellow clubtail with such typically has all-black legs).
and the southern Balkans. It is yellower and has Field characters Tot 40-48mm, Ab 30—34mi| litiiiu i illy toothed male appendages that it can Hand characters The male's upper appendages
bluer eyes, therefore appearing more like other 29-31 mm. Tends to be smaller and more slim Ii oi i d by this feature without capture. The each have a large lateral tooth, making them
Gomphus species, but both it and G. vulgatissimus than G. vulgatissimus, with eyes of mature ffifl •<' urs only in France, Spain and Portugal. appear forked. This unique character is often
are variable and may be distinguished only by blue rather than greenish. Otherwise, very Mini I di.o.icters Tot 47-50mm, Ab 33-38mm, visible through binoculars. The posterior hamule
the male appendages and female's vulvar scale, to that species. While the black lines on th* Hu imnm. Fairly weakly club-tailed; S8-9 are is also distinctive, with a prominent, but blunt,
although these too barely differ. This and the may be thinner, with the yellow antehumci.il || •In|i iiiy widened. A richly coloured Gomphus point. This point is very sharp in G. vulgatissimus
extensive hybridisation in a zone from Montenegro about as wide as the black humeral stripe-. I k I Hl i Inpilit yellow body, sharp black markings and G. simillimus, but is small and concealed in
to Thrace suggest that, if no evidence of their them, this is not a reliable character. Yellow inrtf hili|l blue eyes. Blacker than the co-occurring G. pulchellus.
in females in particular can be more exterr.ive, * -0//1/ //■. and G. pulchellus, but yellower
with yellow-streaked legs, rather like othei (m| latissimus (see these species). Note
species, e.g. G. dav/d/and 5. ubadschii, with vm I.... i H i characters: (1) yellow antehumeral
occurs in Turkey (see these species). ........... meh thinner than the black stripes
Hand characters All structures are very mi ml i in, the anterior black stripes especially
those of G. vulgatissimus. Male appendage i i... ii HI lheir dorsal ends often connecting with
shaped almost like those of G. simillimus, ini 11.irkings anterior and/or posterior of
Occurrence , Jmillimus the antehumerals and their
Range and status Ranges from the soul In m ii I, i 11 ipes are all about equally thick, and the
Balkans to Iran, Lebanon and the Caucasus, M ........ .. are dorsally unconnected); (2) S9
Fairly widespread in Turkey and southern (nm H yi lb iw posterior border, appearing like the
Habitat Probably resembles that of G. ■I i i 'blet-shaped yellow central marking
vulgatissimus and G. simillimus, breeding in ii i ,imus is usually all black dorsally, and
and streams but also in tiny runnels and Innin i hmus the posterior border of S9 is black,
lakes. i|ii Hiietimes the yellow central marking
Flight season From April to July; probably in (J) the legs are black, typically with
abundant in May and June. in I- < inly on the femora (G. simillimus

Occurrence The larvae burrow in fine sand, usually I■
Range and status Endemic to south-western leaf detritus. On the Iberian peninsul.i l*ra
France (where locally common) and the Iberian found in abundance in drying-up rlvef • »«
peninsula (widespread but rather scarce). Due to Flight season In France, from nud luiil M
its restricted range and the frequent alteration of of August; perhaps slightly earlier In Ihw IH|
river habitats there, G. graslinii is ranked as Near peninsula. All co-occurring Gomplur, qiu(|
Threatened globally. an earlier flight season (although S fh\
Habitat Larger rivers in hilly terrain, favouring later) and thus G. graslinii is rarely f.enn wl|
slow-flowing sections; also large impoundments. in summer.
Gomphus simillimus Selys, 1840 Yellow (hi 195

mature ($
Identification
General A bright yellow Gomphus emit 11 •
to north-west Africa and south-west I uu ipN,
where it overlaps with up to three coiiqpimii
and S. flavipes. Rather nondescript, .mil IlM
most easily identified by the exclusion < >1 metapleural
although the female's large vulvar scale r. Ufll stripe forked
(compare G. flavipes)
Field characters Tot 45-50mm, Ab 3 I (nitifl
Hw 29-33mm. A very average Gomphut In
shape and colour. Co-occurring Gomphir.
Stylurus species are excluded as follow*. (*.p» H
▼ Gomphus simillimus mature male. Nolo tin

central line on S8-9, the clubbed tail and Hi*
antehumeral stripe which is equal to the him'
lines each side of it. 6 secondary
(side view) genitalia
I<h details): (1) G. vulgatissimus lacks yellow reduced in hot, arid areas. The paler Moroccan
'ii It i. .md central line on S8-9, and mature populations have been considered as the
u< nnenish with green (not blue) eyes; subspecies maroccanus, but this distinction is
pi//i lu'llus is paler and duller, scarcely club- probably not very useful.
i iii-1 the black line in front of the metastigma
I di id ended but extends towards Fw base; Occurrence
ii // ><’s has a pair of pale black-encircled Range and status Rather common within a range
he front of the thorax and the black that is largely restricted to France, Spain, Portugal
• qih m il stripes are not forked; (4) G. graslinii and Morocco. Mainly a vagrant in adjacent
i 'il' d male appendages and thicker black countries, but a large isolated population occurs
>n the thorax; (5) G. lucasii may overlap on the upper Rhine. Shows a general decline and is
* or Algeria, and is almost identical classified as Near Threatened globally.
// illimus and can be distinguished with Habitat Almost all types of running water, from
>nly by hand characters (see that species). large, slow rivers and their side channels to
Hmiilih natters Male's appendages and posterior faster-flowing mountain streams, where the larvae
i 'iiinli in* almost identical to those of G. inhabit sections with a reduced current (margins,
.n onus, but female's vulvar scale is unique deeper reaches). The larvae burrow in fine sand,
K ilin i i hr genus, being longer (about half of S9)

i 111. .) less acute apical notch,
huvlour Males usually perch on twigs and
often at sites with detritus.
Flight season From early May to late July in
France, but earlier in the south, e.g. emergence
11 mi , less often on rocks. starts in early April in Morocco. The Rhine
VHihtlon As in all gomphids, black markings are population, in contrast, emerges as late as July.

Gomphus lucasii Selys, 1849 Algerian Cliihl ulll/dius davidi Selys, 1887 Levant Clubtail
yellow margin to
vertex also present
in pale Moroccan
G. simillimus
197
uppers less diverging and

more tapering than in 8 secondary
G. simillimus, thus eclipsing genitalia
lower appendage less
perfectly
Identification
General Replaces G. simillimus
in Tunisia and most of Algeria,
where it is the only species of its
genus. bUiililK ation Field characters Tot 46-55mm, Ab 35-40mm,
Field characters Tot 44-48mm, hhihm.iI Another ordinary-looking Gomphus, Hw 31-35mm. Slightly larger than the co-occurring
Ab 31-40mm, Hw 28-37mm. 1 ii n".('mbles G. simillimus but occurs far G. schneiderii. Yellower than that species: at least
Strongly resembles G. simillimus ftw><* IImi species on the eastern Mediterranean all femora have much yellow and S8-9 have a
but may be even paler than ■i” mu I A rather indistinct species, but can be broad and almost uninterrupted yellow central
individuals of that species from ..... I"d instantly by inspecting the male's 'round- stripe, which often leaves the posterior border of S9
Morocco. S8-9 often distinctly I posterior hamule. largely yellow. S. ubadschii, which also occurs in the
brighter yellow than basal half of same area, also has a rather yellow S8-9, but the
abdomen and thorax, giving the segments (including S7) are wider and the thorax is
impression of a yellow 'tail-light'. marked very differently (see under S. flavipes).
Black lines on the thorax are ▲ Gomphus lucasii Hand characters The shape of the male
especially thin; the yellow antehumeral stripes are appendages and female vulvar scale may be useful
bordered by two much finer black lines, of which vulvar scale is shorter. Unlike G. simillimus, bad* characters, although they are rather average for
the anterior one is usually not connected to the female's vertex is raised and produced over oc«*l the genus. The male's posterior hamule is unique,
black flanking the mid-dorsal crest. There are with a swollen rounded head.
mid-dorsal yellow dots on S8 and S9, which may Occurrence
just reach the posterior segment margins. Legs Range and status Restricted to waters flowing Occurrence
are black, with yellow lines along the segments. the Atlas to the Mediterranean Sea in Tunisia <11 Range and status Endemic to the Near East,
Because both species are variable, identification Algeria. Not reported with certainty from Mom from around Adana in southern Turkey (where it is
must be based on hand characters. where only G. simillimus occurs. The two may I1 common) to the Jordan Valley.
Hand characters Male's upper appendages are in the border region with Algeria (see map p. I Habitat Slow-flowing rivers and associated waters;
less diverging and with more tapering tips than Habitat Low-lying rivers and streams. also nearly stagnant ditches.
G. simillimus, and they eclipse the lower appendage Flight season Emerges at least from late Man I Flight season Recorded in Turkey in May and
less perfectly (view from above). The female's May; on the wing until the end of June. June, and as early as March elsewhere.

HI. ol slow-flowing and standing Flight season Rather short and early: emerges
Gomphus pulchellus Selys, 1840 Western ( I Hong currents. Most common from early April or even late March in southern
I livers and their stagnant side Iberian peninsula, but at the northern end of its
■idual floodplain poolsand range normally from May. Here, individuals may be
. In the north, usually in gravel seen as late as August, but most active in late May
!<•< leational lakes, oxbow lakes, and June.
i < .mals, but also sluggish rivers.
• ipy seindy patches, which may be
i..use detritus.
tyflii' IiG Jlavipes (Charpentier, 1825) River Clubtail 199
Yellow-legged Clubtail
mature o
posterior hamule mplelely yellow collar and middorsal crest

lines on thorax
appears to lack . 'ii< losed by black to form a distinct T yellow antehumeral
black lines on front
distinct point stripe wider than
3 secomlmy of thorax enclose
adjoining black lines
legs noticeably two yellow ovals
and extends to legs
S8-9 not
interpleural strongly
stripe complete club-shaped
and wavy
3 appcncImjM metapleural
(side view) stripe not forked
G. simillimus
(for comparison)
Identification feature: the interpleural stripes form comply
mature 3
General A sleek, rather faded clubtail that usually curvy black lines between the Fw base, .11 id
inhabits calmer (frequently even still) waters than midlegs. G. graslinii, G. simillimus, G. vnh/.ti
black at base of
its congeners. or 5. flavipes may occur with G. pulchellus,
short vulvar legs interrupts
Field characters Tot 47-50mm, Ab 34-38mm, brighter in colour, with thicker thorax m.nH yellow antehumeral metapleural
stripe forked
Hw 27-31 mm. Not as club-tailed as other and a more club-shaped abdomen. The mi. >
Gomphus species; S8-9 scarcely expanded. Ground stripes always stop just above the metaslKjitlj
colour pale yellow, more sallow than other species, thin thorax lines resemble Ophiogomphlis i *♦!
and may be tinged greenish. The eyes are rather which has a bright green thorax.
pale blue. The black thorax lines are thinner than in Hand characters Male's upper appendage
co-occurring Gomphus species and have a unique somewhat angled laterally (view from abovrl | t vulvar scale
overlapping gomphid species, the point < »l llil
short, pointed
male's posterior hamule is small and bent li posterior
3 appendages hamule (5 secondary
and therefore not conspicuous from the ’.uh
(side view) genitalia
Behaviour Males search along the shorellM
for mates, flying in a wave-like flight; coir.l.m
varying their height but staying just a few "ill. Hion the reverse. Most easily identified by the unique
centimetres above the water. ■litii d t'lers very large rivers and may easily configuration of the thorax markings, from front
iv1 i i .’(I. Populations can best be found by to back: (1) the mid-dorsal crest is not marked
Occurrence h< •..... lot exuviae on riverbanks. Replaced in with black, but forms a completely yellow line that
Range and status Near endemic to south wi I' ilie very similar S. ubadschii, which is is connected anteriorly to the transverse yellow
Europe and generally quite common. Expatid« I as a subspecies of S. flavipes.
m 'collar', together forming a yellow T; (2)(tFiK
north and east of the Rhine, approximately In Ibid i h H icters Tot 50-55mm, Ab 37-42mm, flanking black lines lie close to the next se\of black
Elbe, during the 20th century, probably in |<mi min. Slightly larger than most Gomphus lines and typically connect with these ventrally and
to the creation of artificial habitats. A south | iili more slender abdomen and strongly dorsally, thus enclosing two long yellow ovals and
eastern outpost was recently discovered in I .i ■11...... 1 9. Legs are relatively yellow, often appearing like a pair of eyes (view from above); (3)
Skadar in Montenegro and Albania. ■bi., ii" i yiHow with black lines rather than the antehumeral stripes (the next pair of yellow

nn|ly being discovered in smaller Flight season Late and protracted compared with
i n<-Idore its distribution is probably other gomphid species: from early June to early
HI "mi 1 suggested by the map. October, with maximum emergence in June and
11. >wing lower sections of large rivers July.
inly I.. .I. I arvae burrow shallowly in fine
11 ■!. 1 lively high concentrations of
|m«iii*i
llbadschii (Schmidt, 1953) Syrian Clubtail
thorax markings and

secondary genitalia differ
from Gomphus in the
same way as S. flavipes
mature <5
stripes) are very broad, wider than the black lines in eastern Europe. Deemed extinct in most ofl
short, pointed
behind them, and continue uninterrupted to the western and central Europe, but staged .1 •.! | posterior
middle legs; (4) the black metapleural stripes are comeback in the 1990s. The reasons are Ian pi, | hamule
<3 secondary
not forked ventrally, just behind the metastigmas. unknown; changes in water quality and c In ■ i.ii* genitalia
G. simillimus is similar in shape and yellowness, but are favoured explanations. Now abundant In rM
overlaps in range only locally in France and south such as the Rhine, Rhone, Elbe and Danube mill
western Germany; while males have blue eyes, the down to their estuaries. Whether this incrtflH
female's eyes are greenish. marks an expansion from the east or the roinvffl ation Hand characters The male's upper appendages
Hand characters The male's upper appendages of (overlooked) relict populations is uncertain III WmiHinl (-places S. flavipes in Turkey, the differ from those of 5. flavipes by having smooth,
have relatively slender tapering tips, although they 1 1 region and Central Asia. Often unangled outer borders.
are slightly angled laterally (view from above). The 1 subspecies of S. flavipes, but has a Variation The extent of the abdominal yellow
female's vulvar scale is shorter than in congeners, ■ larger and more yellow abdominal varies. Central Asian populations are darker than
about one-quarter of S9. The male's posterior M appendages and larvae also differ in Near Eastern ones.
hamule is small, tapering and acute in comparison. mi .I. nacters. Formerly known as Gomphus
Behaviour Adults are most easily found among 1 . but that name was originally used for Occurrence
bushes and over rough meadows near rivers or at ■ • m . >hus lineatus and was therefore replaced, Range and status Occurs south of S. flavipes,
emergence on the riverbanks. Mature males are fluid • I.nacters Tot 44-51 mm, Ab 31-40mm, Hw from Georgia, Turkey and Syria to Central Asia.
seldom found at the water's edge but patrol in the 11 n ii11. Identical to S. flavipes, except smaller The westernmost reports from Thrace and the
middle of the river, very low over the water. It may i ii an even more strongly clubbed tail. S7, Aegean island of Lemnos are unconfirmed. The-
be useful to scan for them with binoculars. nil i .ii to S8-9, is also distinctly widened, to two taxa may meet in north-western Turkey
i r. wide as S9, whereas it is clearly narrower (see blue on map p. 200).
Occurrence 1 //>es. Moreover, S9-10 are largely yellow, Habitat Found in large rivers with sandy beds,
Range and status A north Asian species, with I extensively black. Occurs with G. davidi as is S. flavipes.
western outposts in large rivers such as the Rhine, umh .< hneiderii, but differs from these by Flight season From May to early August.
Loire and Po. Common in large lowland rivers ilui. .of the thorax markings (see 5. flavipes).

r eyes green,
Ophiogomphus Selys, 1854 Snaketaih like frons and

thorax
Ophiogomphus cecilia (Fourcroy, 1785) Green Snake

Green (In
Identification developed in tenerals and these are best ideullft

General The only Ophiogomphus species in our by hand characters. distinctive three-
area. It has a similar appearance to Gomphus Hand characters Hw has an anal loop, usually coloured pattern
in both sexes
and Stylurus species, but is heavier and is three cells; therefore there is not a perpendii ii
anal loop (here 2-celled)
characteristically three-coloured, with an apple vein running directly to the wing's hind mauiiii interrupting course of
green head and thorax, and a black-and-yellow perpendicular vein between

the subtriangle, as in Gomphus and Stylurio triangular yellow subtriangle and wing border
abdomen. It is the typical summer gomphid of male's modest appendages are very unlike III central markings on
abdomen
many sandy lowland rivers. Gomphus, Onychogomphus and Stylurus, Im
Field characters Tot 50-60mm, Ab 37-42mm, distinctly short (as long as S10), straight and p.u mature 3
$ immature
Hw 30-36mm. Larger and more robust than The female has two unique features: the ocdp
Gomphus and Stylurus species; our largest gomphid crowned with two irregularly toothed crests, I
besides Lindenia tetraphylla. The male is clearly the vulvar scale is drawn out into two very flni
green thorax with
club-tailed, with S8-9 thickened. The head, eyes, diverging points. Ophiogomphus is a mainly N
thin black markings
thorax and S1-2 are distinctly pale green, with thin American genus but several species occur in short, pale
'appendages
black markings (excepting the green-eyed greenish Central Asia, of which only 0. cecilia reaches u
G. vulgatissimus, Gomphus and Stylurus species have Variation The thorax lines are always thin, bill
a yellowish head and thorax with contrasting blue may be even more reduced. Southern individui
eyes when mature). The thorax pattern resembles are possibly smaller.
Gomphus pulchellus and especially G. simillimus. S3- Behaviour Males perch by smaller waters w.nli vulvar scale with
fine points
10 have pale yellow dorsal markings. These are less for females, but at larger rivers (20m wide or
linear and more triangular than those in Gomphus they often fly in the middle of the watercourse i .-••vTtrrr
and Stylurus species, but not as short and broad search of passing females.
as in co-occurring Onychogomphus species. Unlike
3 appendages
Gomphus and Stylurus, the upper appendages are Occurrence < >< ciput with two $ vulvar scale
(side view)
crests
yellow, not black. The legs are yellow, with only Range and status Widespread over most of
thin black stripes. The green colour will not have eastern Europe up to Germany, but found only I
isolated populations in France and Italy; records f t )/./>/< igomphus cecilia male, showing the characteristic green colour of the head and thorax.
from the Iberian peninsula remain unconfirmed
The species has a history of decline in many aie
but in the last decades populations in central
Europe have recovered so well that it is now
regionally common.
Habitat Small highland rivers to large lowland
rivers; most abundant in lower sections of large
rivers with a sandy bottom. The larvae prefer to
burrow in gravel and sand, avoiding muddy areal)
Flight season Emergence varies locally, usually
starting at the end of May, but can be in early M<f
in large rivers in warm regions, and not before Jul
in very cold, shady streams. Most abundant in July
and August, but may fly until October.
F Suhling and O Mullvi
Ophiogomphus Snaketails
V Ophiogomphus Snaketails
i .pecies, four of which are found only in is not possible. Male appendages and the presence
Onychogomphus Selys, 1854 Pincertail I < >ne of which is endemic to Morocco,

i• |iiite easily be recognised by the pattern
of ear-like tubercles behind the eyes in females are
important characters in the hand.
Hoiihuii
I
|NI lllKHl.dt unen and thorax, although separation Behaviour Males often perch on gravel banks or
I 11 1 ween O. forcipatus and O. uncatus boulders lying near or in the water, raising their
■ 1111 west) is difficult, and between O. abdomen and accentuating their appendages.
•< I the various subspecies of O. forcipatus V J Kalkman and K-D B Dijkstra
n of Onychogomphus species (recently added O. cazuma not included)

J
S3-6 8 Unique features of 3 lower 2 Species
upper/ appendage postocular
lower tubercles 205
apps
j
Brown Longer ; Smooth, branches diverge, not parallel costae
Absent
!
With subbasal knobs only uncatus
■ i With subbasal and subterminal knobs Strong forcipatus

Equal
One Lacks knobs, but has weak hump boudoti
black roughly halfway Weak
ring
Almost smoothly crescent-shaped lefebvrii
| Straight, slightly thickened at assimilis
: midlength
▲ Onychogomphus assimilis male on a streamside rock in typical posture with its abdomen raised, Imhy Longer L. , . Absent
Two | Slender and wavy flexuosus
Identification black
• Large triangular teeth at midlength macrodon
Diagnosis Best known for the male's large rings
I . .
appendages: the upper and lower appendages
are both distinctly longer than S10 and are curved
strongly towards one point, like pincers. With the ii- ■ iges of male Onychogomphus (side view)
exception of the faintly marked brown O. costae,
all species have a yellow abdomen ringed with
black, and a yellow thorax with black stripes. The
Hw has a small anal loop of one to three cells, thus
there is not a straight perpendicular vein running
directly to the wing's hind margin from the last
thick lengthwise vein in the wing base.
Separation from other genera The males < ostae O. uncatus O. forcipatus 0. lefebvrii
can hardly be misidentified because of their
appendages, but females may be mistaken for
Gomphus, Ophiogomphus, Paragomphus and
Stylurus. Only Ophiogomphus has an anal loop,
but in this genus the thorax is largely green and
the female has two crests on top of the occiput.
Paragomphus species are smaller; the male has assimilis 0. flexuosus 0. macrodon 0. boudoti
broad flaps on S8-9 and the female has a row of
small black denticles on the rear of the occiput. • -i... - ilar tubercles of female Onychogomphus (view from above)
Gomphus and Stylurus are marked differently, the
abdomen appearing blacker and longitudinally
striped, rather than ringed.
Separation of the species In a large part of
Europe the only species of this genus that occurs is
O. forcipatus. In the Mediterranean there are seven ▲ Onychogomphus flexuosus pair mating. O. uncatus O. forcipatus O. lefebvrii
Onychogomphus Pincertails Onychogomphus Pincertails

Habitat Streams, less often rivers. Prefers faster-
Onychogomphus uncatus ip .1.iius Fairly common in Morocco, but flowing, more shaded and smaller waters than
(Charpentier, 1840) Blue-eyed 11 ip in northern Africa. Fairly common in 0. forcipatus.
yellow 'collar' pi n I rance and parts of Italy, but rare Flight season From May to September.
yellow stripes interrupted
connected in middle by ii 1 i i.mge.
dorsally
I//./. ogomphusforcipatus Small Pincertail

Green-eyed Hooktail
.... .. iis, 1758)
1207
? occiput
<5 appendages
extensive confluent black (view from above)
lines on side of thorax
anal triangle
narrow.
normally
4-celled
o appendages
(side view)
Identification between the yellow of frons and occiput (allI»•

General An impressive black-and-yellow this is sometimes also unclear in 0. forcipatus, normally 3-celled
anal triangle
gomphid, found within the south-western range (2) the 'collar' (the transverse yellow area on II
of 0. forcipatus. Must be examined closely while anterior ridge of the thorax) is severed by thl h
perched, to distinguish it from its compatriot. area along the mid-dorsal keel; (3) the yellow
ssp. forcipatus ssp. unguiculatus
Field characters Tot 50-53mm, Ab 34-42mm, antehumeral stripe dorsally connects with th® (dark individual)
Hw 29-33mm. General appearance is close broader yellow stripe before it, thus the black
to O. forcipatus, but slightly larger and the separating them is not connected with the blaci
yellow abdominal markings are more extensive along the mid-dorsal keel; (4) the black on the a
on average, although this varies greatly in of the thorax is more extensive, and the stripe* |
O. forcipatus. Best distinguished as follows: (1) the not broken but often partly confluent (especially
vertex is all black, and there is no extra yellow bar southern O. forcipatus-i.e. where it overlaps w
0. uncatus - these stripes are reduced). Occur,
with the similar O. boudoti in a tiny area in the
Middle Atlas of Morocco (see that species). 1
Hand characters Male anal triangle is
normally four-celled, but is three-celled in most
O. forcipatus. The male appendages are like
those of O. forcipatus, including subbasal knobs $ two tubercles
of the lower, but lack the subterminal knobs of behind eyes
$ vulvar scale ssp. forcipatus
that appendage in 0. forcipatus. Uppers curved
towards each other (view from above), without |li«
thumb-like dorsal lobe in the bend; the tips meet, hl< i iification Field characters Tot 46-50mm, Ab 31-37mm,
but do not overlap. Female lacks tubercles behind i mi.< i al The most common and widespread Hw 25-30mm. A medium-sized anisopteran
the eyes. The vulvar scale is reduced to a pair of •/in hogomphus species and the only one that is about as large as Orthetrum brunneum.
finger-like processes pointing towards each other. hi < mung in large parts of Europe. Males perched The only Onychogomphus that can have dark
In O. forcipatus, the vulvar scale appears as two mi.i .ireamside rock, with their claspers raised, are (not yellow) upper appendages and green eyes
closely apposed, roundly triangular lobes. i lypu al sight in summer, especially in the south. (without a hint of blue). Unfortunately, the species

is variable and these characters usually do not apply on the thorax and upper appendages) and I
in Mediterranean countries where O. forcipatus are more blue-green than green. It is nacvlW
hii/i hogomphus lefebvrii (Rambur, 1842) Pale Pincertail
overlaps with its congeners. Here, it is best examine the appendages of several main w
identified by exclusion. In Turkey, 0. flexuosus and population to identify the subspecies to wliii
pale pterostigma
O. macrodon are much paler, with a 'double-ringed' belong (see table).
abdomen and pale Pt, while O. assimilis has a
clearly different thorax pattern. O. lefebvrii can best Occurrence
be separated in the hand, but hardly overlaps. In Range and status Common in the south, l>
south-west Europe and north-west Africa, O. costae rather local in the north, extending to not III
is almost devoid of black, while O. uncatus differs eastern Kazakhstan.
mainly in details of the thorax (see that species); Habitat Largely unshaded (usually rocky) 11 • |
0. boudoti is clearly darker than the regional and streams. Occasionally occurs at large l.il n
O. forcipatus unguiculatus and differs in markings Flight season Typical gomphid of sumnu-i, li
and male appendages (see those species). May to September. black markings on thorax
Hand characters Upper and lower appendages of reduced
£ paler than 0. forcipatus, but
similar length. Lower has two small dorsal tooth-like adjoining populations of that species
also relatively pale
knobs at the base, as well as a dorsal knob near
the tip. The subbasal knobs are shared only with
O. uncatus. The subterminal knobs are unique, their
shape defining the subspecies. The uppers typically
overlap at their tips and each bears a thumb-like
dorsal lobe, lying just past the appendage's bending
no knobs on
point (visible from above or behind). The female has lower appendage
a small but distinct yellow(-tipped) tubercle behind $ two blunt
tubercles behind eyes
each eye. Other than the less developed tubercles in
<3 appendages
O. lefebvrii, these are unique.
(side view)
Variation The three subspecies were long separated
by coloration, but this is unreliable. Compared with
ssp. forcipatus, the southern ssp. unguiculatus and
albotibialis have less black (e.g. usually more yellow
I. nhiication Occurrence
HiiHtM.il Replaces O. forcipatus in the arid regions Range and status Ranges from Adana to
(3 appendages
dorsal lobe (side view) see table below I "Hih western and Central Asia. Has been Afghanistan, Israel and possibly Egypt. Common
-■ Hlrird a subspecies of O. forcipatus, which in south-east Turkey, where O. forcipatus is largely
hies closely. Must be identified in absent; both species show little overlap.
HU hand. Habitat Rocky and largely unshaded streams and
subterminal • IhIiI (haracters Tot 45-52mm, Ab 31-40mm, rivers.
knob
II ’I■ 10mm. Similar in shape and pattern Flight season From mid-May to early August.
ssp. orcipatus subbasal knob ssp. unguiculatus ssp. albotibialis »■■/./< ipatus, although palerand perhaps
• • I. i i in average. Indications in the field are the
|«i.i> i r (yellow-brown, not blackish brown) and
Subspecies of O. forcipatus .• yes, but these cannot be relied on for
HlmililK . Hion. May occur with O. flexuosus and
Subterminal knobs of lower appendage
Hu. /(>don, with which it shares a three-coloured
(view from side)
m i •• h ii ice: the pale yellow thorax contrasts with
Length/ Angle between it and rest of the •I., i ">y abdomen base and bright orange-yellow
Range Subspecir-.
width appendage (median and range) lull Hu>se species have two separate black rings
• i < " 11 of S3-6, rather than just one.
S France, N two-thirds of Italy,
1-2.5x 90° (25-120°) unguicul.iln IIihkI (haracters Male appendages are like those
beria, NW Africa
•Im r ucipatus, but the lower is completely devoid
Remainder of Europe 1-2.5x >140° (120-160°) forcipatus 111 i"i is or teeth near the base or tips. Careful
p.iiison is needed for female identification:
Cyprus, Turkey and adjacent
0.5-1 x 90° (25-120°) albotibialis •» yi'lh >w tubercle is present behind each eye, but
Greek islands
•!•■ • ue less prominent than in O. forcipatus.

Onychogomphus boudoti Boudot’s Pint ri im i 'ni/t hogomphus cazuma Cazuma Pincertail
Ferreira, 2014 uni un,i, Cardo & Diaz, 2020
• 'hi //< xjomphus cazuma male. <5 appendages

(view from above)
hlHtililication subbasal ridge with a peak that is directed straight

tiMiiKi.il This book was almost in print when news upward, which thus does not project outwards
Identification triangles of Hw in males usually contains four Uh i»11 il trough that in 2017 citizen scientists in when viewed from above. The upper appendages
General This species was discovered only in 2011 or five cells (as in O. uncatus), while most ol i tn11lul found a new species to science. This are not lobed dorsally like O. forcipatus, but have
and is still known from just two small populations O. forcipatus have only three. Females have Iwii ] tin I, i from Europe in two decades, and the a spoon-shaped tip similar to O. uncatus. Anal
in the Middle Atlas of Morocco. At first sight small tubercles behind the eyes, as in O. fo/< a Io J south-western Europe since the 19th triangles of Hw in males usually contain 3 cells (as
appears identical to the two other medium-sized but not O. uncatus. The lobes of the vulvar suilfl iimv1 While it appears like a mix of the coin 0. forcipatus), while most O. uncatus have 4
black-and-yellow Onychogomphus species found are rounded (as in 0. forcipatus) instead ol Ih | «t 11ii i H ii i O. forcipatus and 0. uncatus, the male or 5. Females lack the two small tubercles behind
there, but is easily separated by the distinctive male narrow and finger-like (as in 0. uncatus), but lllfl •i'i" m Inges and female vulvar scale are unique. the eyes of O. forcipatus (thus like 0. uncatus).
appendages and female vulvar scale. cleft separating them is less than half as deep .n • ■" 11 illy the species is closest to O. boudoti from However, the lobes of the vulvar scale are not
Field characters Tot 49-50mm, Ab 39-40mm, the vulvar scale is long, rather than dividing Ihl I Man •<<<), discovered only six years earlier. As both narrow and finger-like as in 0. uncatus, but broad
Hw 31-33mm. Due to its extensively black thorax, lobes almost completely. wi hi I mihly localized due to their specific habitat (more like O. forcipatus), although more pointed
clearly appears darker than co-occuring 0. forcipatus Behaviour Males, females and mating wheel . • 1.1.11< es, more new species may yet be found. and the cleft separating them is about half as deep
and at least slightly darker than 0. uncatus. perch mainly on stems, sticks or plants, but i i i. • . HhI.I < haracters Tot 43-47 mm, Ab 29-35 mm, as the vulvar scale is long, rather than dividing
Markings combine features of both these species: settle on the bare ground under cloudy skies. Iltilj I "■ JO mm. Appears paler and smaller than the lobes almost completely (thus most like O.
like O. uncatus has (1) confluent black lines on the sexes appear not to wander far from the small uih iius, with the lower male appendage never boudoti).
thorax sides and (2) yellow 'collar' anteriorly on the streams where they mate and breed. Iim iH111, ii ker than the uppers. May thus also be Behaviour Similar to other Onychogomphus.
thorax interrupted by black; but like O. forcipatus klUnlnr O. forcipatus, but with a confusing
has (3) yellow antehumeral stripe not connected Occurrence mu nl Ii •< itures recalling both species, such as (1) Occurrence
dorsally to the broader yellow stripe before it, and Range and status Extremely local Moroccan 1 "■ ■ mtehumeral stripes connected dorsally Range and status So far found on well-preserved
(4) yellow patch on the vertex, rather than a wholly endemic, confined to just a few streams in Khfl i Hu i loader yellow stripes before them like 0. tributaries of two river systems in Valencia province
black vertex. Especially when seen from the side province. Due to tiny population size, limited " i/i , (2) yellow 'collar' anteriorly on the thorax of eastern Spain. As these habitats have very low
or above, the male appendages appear bulkier in genetic diversity, and unregulated land use, it l| iml im very narrowly) interrupted by black like O. flow and are vulnerable to development, pollution
0. boudoti: the robust lower appendage has neither classed as Critically Endangered. •i i/mH/s; and (3) yellow patch on the vertex that and drought, the species may well be threatened
subbasal nor subterminal knobs, but does have a Habitat Diffuse shallow trickles that form tiny po» ........ II ind circular, but typically a wider bar in O. under IUCN Red List criteria.
(variably prominent) tubercle at about mid-length. with aquatic and emergent vegetation on caloiipu " ip iius and absent in O. uncatus. Habitat Springs, streams and upper courses of
This unique character is often visible with binoculars gravel and cobbles. These are part of grassy sw.im ihmil < haracters Identification requires close small rivers in low mountains. These are calcareous
or the naked eye, so O. boudoti males may picked that may almost dry up in summer. The water ruin ......iiion of male and female sexual characters, with very clear, nutrient-poor water. Males perch at
out by jizz with some experience. 0. assimilis is through pasture and agricultural land to a river ii" li.ipe of the male appendages is somewhat more vegetated and slower-flowing sections (often
similarly dark, with a rather blunt lower male nearby with O. forcipatus and O. uncatus. I" i men O. uncatus and 0. boudoti. The lower alternating between shallow parts and small pools)
appendage, but is excluded by range. Flight season Emergence occurs in late June am •i i.... I.ige not only lacks the subterminal knobs of than those of O. uncatus.
Hand characters The shape of the appendages early July, but the species is likely to be on the wl II 6 »/< ipatus, but also the subbasal knobs found Flight season So far observed from early June to
is the most reliable character in males. Anal until August. ii Hi ii .pedes and O. uncatus. Instead, there is a early September.

Onychogomphus assimilis (Schneider, 1845)Dark Pincci !<////(hogomphus costae Selys, 1885 Faded Pincertail
black stripe1. Iiinittl
pale central area 213

on S2 smaller
than on S3
single broad him k ffl
uppers longer
r'
lower sltfl lower appendage with

$ vulvar scale thicki'ii splayed branches partly
(side view) midlei concealed by longer uppers
Identification otherwise often seen resting on bare ground.

Identification black stripe and the black stripe before it are l>m>u|i Iwirral Small, odd-looking western Occurrence
General The largest, blackest and most contrasting and partly confluent; (3) the largely pale sides #iri I i lediiriranean Onychogomphus, whose body Range and status Endemic to arid parts of the
Onychogomphus species in our area, where it is interrupted only by a single broad black stripe | r. i hllerent shades of ivory, ochre and rust but is Iberian peninsula and north-west Africa. Rare in
confined to mountain streams along the Turkish In females, the yellow dorsal marking on S2 is fl iimo i devoid of black. Easily overlooked owing to most of its range, but not uncommon locally in
Mediterranean and the Black Sea coasts. smaller than that on S3; in O. forcipatus it is liboiit i .m.ill size and camouflaging coloration. Morocco and the Spanish Guadalquivir and Ebro
Field characters Tot 50-55mm, Ab 35-42mm, Hw as broad as that on S3. Coloration may recall the Held characters Tot 43-46mm, Ab 30-34mm, Hw valleys.
31-34mm. Somewhat larger than 0. forcipatus. co-occurring Gomphus schneiderii, but that s|xhIM 1 /mm. Smallest and palest Onychogomphus. Habitat In Spain, strongly connected to large
The black abdominal pattern is largely similar, albeit has a yellow-striped (rather than ringed) abdcxixn i r.ily told from congeners by size, pallid but lowland rivers with pebbly stretches. Regionally
usually more extensive, to that of O. forcipatus, Hand characters Male upper appendages slencii» urn brown ground colour and the absence also in stagnant pools of intermittent streams
which also occurs in Turkey. Instantly identified by and much longer than the lower appendage. • •I l.mje, distinct black markings. It is the only (oueds, wadis). In Morocco, also found at higher
pattern on the head and thorax: (1) the vertex is Lower appendage has a straight underside and i »/iy( hogomphus within its range with a beige altitudes in arid uplands.
all black and there is no extra yellow bar between blunt dorsal thickening at mid-length, but lacks I i ill ii'i than dark brown to black Pt. Resembles Flight season From May to August.
the yellow of frons and occiput; (2) the humeral the subbasal knobs of 0. forcipatus. rn.u/omphus genei in size, posture, pale Pt and
Variation The abdomen may vary from bright mill'.imet markings, but latter has a green face and
yellow to almost white. Hu ii. ix, more abdominal black and broad flaps on
Behaviour Males regularly perch on boulders al m 1 in the male (appendages also differ).
in the water, but unlike congeners also often rest Hand characters Male appendages are slender
on branches a few metres above the water. ,ii ii I very distinct from other Onychogomphus.
Ilir lower appendage is much shorter than the
Occurrence 11| >i h rs, is elongate and lacks knobs or teeth. It is
Range and status Occurs from Turkmenistan i Ii■<-ply incised (view from below), the two branches
to Turkey, where it is not uncommon along the i vi< ii ly diverging. In other Onychogomphus the
southern coast. Recent records near the Black Sea i I ii. inches are close and parallel; in O. forcipatus and
suggest the species has been overlooked in north- i' imeatus they bear subbasal knobs. Males have
western Turkey. l< H i whitish hairs at the base of the underside of
Habitat Partly shaded and often cold rivers, and .ii which are three to four times as long as those
the foot of mountainous areas. 011S6.
Flight season From late May to the end of Behaviour Males wait for females near the water;
August. m.iiing wheels usually perch on bushes and trees,

Onychogomphus flexuosus Waved Pino. i >i| . hnichogomphus macrodon Selys, 1887 Levant Pincertail
Identification appearing as a yellow 'tail-light'; (3) Pt brown- l

General An attractive, sleek Onychogomphus yellow, bordered by thick black veins; (4) thor#iM ■
species with a bright straw-yellow appearance. with thin, straight black lines, anterior to the
Uncommon in southern Turkey and unlikely to be metastigma often complete from the leg to wmij iilenlification but apparently not on rocks in the water, bushes or
found elsewhere in our area. base. 0. macrodon, 0. lefebvrii and the regional 0 • iHiiri.il A largely orange to brown-yellow twigs; both sexes may hunt among shrubs on river
Field characters Tot 41-46mm, Ab 30-35mm, forcipatus albotibialis have a similar three-coli>iii. ■» In >gomphus species with limited black banks, where they are perfectly camouflaged.
Hw 25-30mm. Somewhat smaller and more appearance, with yellow thorax, pale abdomen id i k)s, confined to the Near East. Superficially
slender than O. forcipatus. Note the following base and bright club, but only O. macrodon slidlH I ih > .l unilar to O. flexuosus. Occurrence
characters: (1) black on S3-6 separated into one the double-ringed abdomen. It must be sepai.ilml livid < haracters Tot 50-52mm, Ab 35-37mm, Range and status Ranges only from northern
black ring at apex and one near base, giving the in the hand (see species text). Paragomphus i 28mm. Larger and more robust than Israel to the region of Adana and Antakya in
abdomen a double-ringed impression, subbasal lineatus is superficially similar, but does not have • ih -uosus, thus nearer O. forcipatus. With Turkey. Uncommon within its restricted range;
ring thinnest, sometimes reduced to spots; (2) doubled black abdominal rings. I Hir option of the former, distinguished from vulnerable as a result of habitat destruction.
S7-10 orange-yellow with dark patches of variable Hand characters Male has slender upper ilhri lurkish congeners by its reduced black Habitat Large, mainly lowland rivers with gravel
size, distinctly brighter than the whitish basal appendages, longer than lower; the tips meet bill n id mgs, which on S3-6 form a double set of banks.
half of the abdomen and pale yellow thorax, and do not overlap. Latter is not thickened or toothfi hl.ii I lings. Distinguished from O. flexuosus by Flight season From late May to mid-July.
but gently wavy, like a shallow 'W' in side view, I h . i mtrasting black thorax pattern, with the two
Variation The extent of the black markings on |ln hl.ii I stripes next to the mid-dorsal keel on front
thorax and abdomen varies. il lb thorax (one pair on each side) usually rather
Behaviour Wanders widely. Mainly found perc.hu •• I ill ii i (I and not connected across the keel (usually
in dry scrubland away from water; copulates veil developed and connected with the keel in
mainly in the afternoon in open landscape at soini II Ihxuosus). Beware confusion with Paragomphus
distance from the river. Likes to perch on sand oi iw.itiis (see O. flexuosus text).
pebbles, where it is perfectly camouflaged; difficult Ilrtii I characters Male has slender upper
to follow when flying swiftly low over the ground i|i|» ndages, longer than lower. The latter bears
111. hi of large triangular dorsal teeth at about
Occurrence I mid length. The underside of female S9, behind
Range and status Distributed from Afghanistan ili<' vulvar scale, bears strong longitudinal and
to Turkey, where it is scarce. li.ni'.verse ridges, which are short and hardly
Habitat Large, unshaded sandy rivers with gravel i developed in O. flexuosus.
banks. Ilphaviour Males frequently perch on gravel banks
Flight season From mid-May to the end of July. I in ihe riverbed some distance from the water's edge,

Paragomphus Cowley, 1934 Hookt.nli | tii
i
in iq in two teeth. The lower is only half
I is curved upwards, almost touching
Occurrence
Range and status Scarce to fairly common in north
i i O. cosfae has the lower appendage west Africa. Rare on Corsica and Sicily; commoner
Identification broad flaps and have different appencI.hi>*-. I
i ill as long as the uppers. Male P. genei and increasing in south-western Iberian peninsula
Diagnosis Small gomphids. Males have broad a small anal loop in the Hw: there is a -.I i .u« H
jomphid with an anvil-shaped posterior and on Sardinia, benefitting from construction of
flaps on S8-9 and diagnostic appendages: uppers perpendicular vein running directly to thn \ IM
• .i< h males have a semicircular area on the reservoirs and ponds. Not uncommon in the Levant
are long, parallel and down-curved, like hooks or hind margin from the last thick lengthwill hi
i i ii i >f S9, surrounding the vulvar scale. This and therefore likely to be found in southern Turkey.
walking canes, lower is at most half their length. the wing base.
• in led by a low ridge of even thickness, Numerous in tropical Africa.
Separation from other genera Lindenia Separation of the species Numerous spot li |
illation I xtent of the dark markings, especially Habitat Still or slow-flowing, often seasonal,
tetraphylla is the only other species with broad occur in tropical Africa and Asia, but only two t
ilu ibdomen, varies greatly. waters, such as pools in dry streambeds.
flaps, but these are on S7-8 and the species is reach the Mediterranean. These differ in (oluiM
Ê0 70-80mm long. Small and pale Onychogomphus
species differ in details of markings, and males lack
Behaviour Often perches with abdomen i.iciJI
obelisk position. VJKalh"t
Flight season Mainly from April to October, but
throughout the year in Saharan oases.
Paragomphus genei (Selys, 1841) I'm mgomphus lineatus (Selys, 1850) Lined Hooktail
Green Hooklnl
> darkish pterostigma
with pale cent'e
sandy coloured
thorax with
distinct linear
markings
perpendicular vein
anvil-shaped
not interruped by
posterior "
$ vulvar scale an anal loop
hamule <S secondary
genitalia
abdomen marked
thicker upper
with mottled
long, slender down-curved
brown and black
upper appendages
T
semicircular ridge
on underside of S9
(side view)
Identification distinguished by its blotched abdomen, and girii.

General The only Paragomphus species in face and thorax.
Identification appearing most similar and best separated by
the western Mediterranean. It is quite easily Field characters Tot 37-50mm, Ab 30-36mm, I
(wneral A southern Asian species that reaches its sexual characters.
Hw 21-26mm. Smaller than Onychogomphus i
i mm limits in south-east Turkey. There it may Hand characters The male's upper appendages
forcipatus. Not yet found overlapping with its
...... with P. genei, although the latter has not are thicker and blunter, and the lower shorter, than
congener P. lineatus, but size, shape and coloraimi
,rl I men recorded from here. It is a small, pale those of P. genei. Unlike that species, the male's
are similar to its compatriot 0. costae. Unlike both
(lomphid, with a distinct pattern of black lines. posterior hamule is long, ending in a small hook. In
P. genei has: (1) pale green face and thorax with
I In Id characters Tot 45-50mm, Ab 32-35mm, Hw females, the semicircular area surrounding the vulvar
indistinct dark markings; (2) sandy- to straw-
1 i 28mm. Similar in size to P. genei, with which it scale is bordered on each side by a distinct swelling.
coloured abdomen, mottled with brown and blac(
r. most likely to be confused. Has a sandy-coloured
giving a somewhat indistinct pattern. Both 0.
,il >i It >men, thorax and face, with well-defined Occurrence
costae and P. lineatus lack the greenish coloration:
IiLk k markings: fine lines on the thorax and Range and status Not uncommon near Adana
0. costae is a rather warm, sandy brown overall,
il ii< ker bars on the abdomen. P. genei has a green and Antakya in Turkey, from where its range
with virtually no black, and males lack the flaps or
I, h o and thorax with fainter markings, and the extends to northern India and Nepal. Not mapped.
S8-9. P. lineatus is quite uniformly straw-coloured,
II. nk abdominal pattern is less well defined. The Habitat Poorly known; includes open and sluggish,
marked less extensively but more sharply with
II.ips on S8-10 are largely yellow, but brown and often seasonal, streams.
black. See P. lineatus for a fuller comparison.
bl.ick-bordered in P. genei. Colour and build may Flight season Recorded from May to September,
Hand characters Male's upper appendages are
i< i .ill some Onychogomphus species, 0. flexuosus but probably active from April to October.
long and slender, strongly curved downwards and
Paragomphus Hooktails Paragomphus Hooktails

Lindenia de Haan, 1826 Bladet.nl •
Lindenia tetraphylla (Vander Linden, 1825) Bind
Identification Hand characters Triangles in the wing-, .in

Diagnosis This gomphid's combination of great divided by cross-veins into three to foul < ■ II
length (about 70-80mm), large leaf-like flaps are single-celled in our other gomphids I In
on S7-8 and triangles in wings crossed by veins upper appendages are finger-like and alniml
is unique in our area. Only a single species of straight, about twice as long as S10, dw.nllil
this genus is known worldwide. This slender lower. Paragomphus and Onychogomphus hi
dragonfly exhibits remarkable colour variation, strongly (down- and/or in-) curved upper
from largely sandy to almost evenly black appendages.
individuals. Variation The thorax and abdomen may lx i
Field characters Tot 69-80mm, Ab 49-57mm, Hw dark, with obscured pale areas. Although
36-40mm. Our largest gomphid, being 10-20mm darkening could progress with age, there art
longer than Onychogomphus forcipatus. The records of largely black tenerals, suggesting llm
abdomen is long and slender, appearing abruptly darkness is determined by climatic condition*. (
thickened near the end. Its length and the flaps individuals develop some bluish pruinosity on I
on S7 rule out all other species. Paragomphus and thorax. Dark, pruinose individuals have a lol.illy1
Onychogomphus have flaps on S8-9 instead of different appearance to the pallid fresh one1. Hi
S7-8, but only in Paragomphus are they similarly the darkening and the pruinosity are unusual in
large. Both these genera are not longer than gomphids.
60mm. The body is typically pale yellow, marked Behaviour Often perches on the ground, will,
with dark brown or black, but the markings vary the abdomen slightly raised above horizontal. I1
considerably (see below). The male has numerous migratory tendencies, which is very unusual loi
dark microscopic spines on the abdomen, gomphid.
especially from the middle of S3 to S7, giving it a
darker appearance. The yellow to pale brown Pt Occurrence
is relatively large and long. At a glance, may be Range and status Patchily distributed from
mistaken for the long-bodied skimmers Orthetrum Central Asia, through the Middle East into the
sabina and O. trinacriae, but these lack wide flaps
and separated eyes. ▼ Lindenia tetraphylla mature male.
i Ituliierranean basin. In our area, only a handful

..I |>< iinanent populations are known, mostly in
iiim ■ e, Montenegro and Turkey, although some of
Hi. < are very large. Occurrence is very sporadic in

IIir western Mediterranean.
Habitat Lakes and slow-flowing rivers, both often
l,m i< • Frequently associated with extensive beds
. .1 < . >mmon Reed (Phragmites australis), but also
h mi id at sparsely vegetated lakes; can colonise
new barrage lakes within a few years.
I light season Most records from May to August,
••mriging in Turkey from the end of May.
V J Kalkman
Lindenia Bladetails
Lindenia Bladetails
Cordulegastridae mi
• i
.itive table of Cordulegaster species groups
223 and 229 for illustrations)
Cordulegaster Leach, 1815 Goldenriiun o lio marking on side of S1 Upper appendages Group
(view from above)
Spikrl.ilK 11• ||
n-i h -wer hind margin, normally Diverging, with curved outer borders and boltonii
◄ Cordulegash'i /«<|| i|h i is reversed 'C, but sometimes close (almost touching) at base
female, laying <’(ju I di im 11 to a rectangle in the lower half
rhythmically picn m|
soil at the bottom ul i n spot or broad triangle near Parallel, with straight outer borders and bidentata
shallow stream, l< < )f segment; if descending separated at base
. lower hind margin, then linear
mil >i continuing along the lower
idUr of the segment, thus not forming a
luvrised 'C'
iwoejraphic key to the species of the boltonii group
i i. H ■ <an High and Middle Atlas princeps
ll.ily and Sicily trinacriae *
n ii W Turkey, islands in N and E Aegean Sea, SE Balkans picta
W .mb S Balkans heros **
i nli parts of Europe or NW Africa boltonii
( uinacriae and C. boltonii overlap and hybridise in Lazio and Marche regions of central Italy
Identification and central Europe), the former inhabits genei.illy ’ ( heros and C. boltonii overlap in eastern Austria and potentially western Ukraine
Diagnosis Easily recognised by the very large size larger brooks than the latter. As a result, C. bolhmii
(70-100mm), the black-and-yellow body pattern is more a lowland species, whereas the range (t<u.graphic key to the species of the bidentata group
and the eyes just meeting in a point on top of the of C. bidentata reflects the presence of lower
•. <. i‘ece (including Peloponnese, Euboea and Cyclades) helladica
head. Males have an anal triangle in the Hw and mountain ranges. This partial segregation of the Iwt
auricles on the sides of S2. Females have a unique species groups is less clear in the Balkans and Turk! Im I ey, islands in N and E Aegean Sea (including Ikaria), SE Balkans insignis***
vulvar scale that serves as an ovipositor, projecting After assigning an individual to a species group
i )lher parts of Europe bidentata
well beyond the tip of the abdomen. It is used (see the first table below), the locality is often llm
to deposit the eggs into the bottom substrate of easiest way to identify the species (second and I
springs and small brooks, where goldenrings are
. insignis and C. bidentata overlap from eastern Serbia to Bulgaria and Greek Macedonia
third tables). Identification on the basis of the
often the only species of dragonfly present. markings on the various body parts is hampered h ili.ii lemales are larger than males, with larger slowly, in search of a female. Not easily disturbed,
Separation from other genera Aeshnids are the fact that it is still unclear which characters art abdominal markings. The measurements for sexes patrolling males can be observed at close
often large and have a similar appearance and reliable. Moreover, individuals within a population ,nr lherefore provided separately. quarters: if you stand astride a small brook and
venation, but the eyes are broadly confluent. may vary in a number of characters, e.g. the size Within various species a number of subspecies remain motionless, a male may fly through your
Many gomphids also have a black-and-yellow of the black marking on the frons, the extension >nr i ('cognised, with narrow or wide geographical legs! Females visit the water only for copulation
coloration, but are smaller and the eyes are widely of black on other parts of the head, the shape and /mu's in which intermediate specimens occur. and oviposition. The oviposition mode is highly
separated above. The local Macromia splendens in size of the yellow marking on the thorax between j .me subspecies have been described on the characteristic, with the female hovering over
southern France and Iberian peninsula, and Anax the two large lateral bands, the shape and size Ii .r, of such intermediate specimens, resulting shallow water in a vertical position, repeatedly
immaculifrons in southern Turkey, are similar in of the yellow marking on S1 and the presence in i.ixonomical confusion. Others were described pushing her ovipositor into the substrate. An
appearance but differ in various markings. of apical spots on S2-8. These characteristics are mi material of unknown or doubtful origin, ovipositing female may do this more than 500
Separation of the species The genus consists of thus unsuitable for identification purposes, unless .....iplicating the determination of the exact times, remaining at a particular site for 15 minutes,
two species groups. Each is a complex of similar stated otherwise in the species descriptions. In dr.iribution of the subspecies. and therefore can be easily observed. Females tend
species, the distributions of which hardly overlap. members of the Cordulegaster boltonii group, and Behaviour All species breed in permanent to avoid males during oviposition, and often hide
If two Cordulegaster species co-occur, these mostly especially in C. heros and C. picta, a small spot ma' .H id intermittently flowing springs and smaller under overhanging vegetation.
belong to different species groups. In areas where be present near the upper lateral corner of the •,11earns, where the larvae live for three to seven G J van Pelt
both C. boltonii and C. bidentata occur (western antehumeral stripe, and it may vary in size. Note years. Males patrol over the water surface, often
Cordulegaster Goldenrings Cordulegaster Goldenrings

Cordulegaster boltonii Common Goldoi I d ssp. boltonii
(Donovan, 1807) Golden-ringed Di.hi- ■ • ■
foreside of costa
yellow
Identification
General The only Cordulegaster species in a
large part of western and northern Europe, e.g.
8 ssp. algirica
the British Isles, Fennoscandia around the North ulifrons
and Baltic seas, lower France and south of the

Pyrenees. In higher parts of western and central
Europe, found together with C. bidentata, from
which it can be distinguished by the more yellow
appearance, the largely yellow costa, the wholly longer marking
' on S3
yellow occipital triangle, and the characters listed
yellow occipital
in the first table on p. 221. triangle
$ ssp. boltonii
Field characters Male: Tot 74-80mm, Ab
52- 64mm, Hw 40-47mm; female: Tot 80-85mm,
Ab 57-69mm, Hw 45-51 mm. Approximately
longer
as large as Anax imperator. In most of range / marking
typical individuals occur (ssp. boltonii) with small
abdominal markings that run down and reach
pairs of spots on
onto the underside of S4-8, but are interrupted apical margins
above on all segments except S2(—3). Pairs of of S2-8
spots are present on the apical margin of S2-7(8),

especially in females; S9-10 are (largely) black.
upper appendages lower appendage
The foreside of the occipital triangle and the costa broad, parallel
diverging and almost
are yellow. A small black bar is present across the touching at base ' sided and at most
shallowly notched
frons. In south-west Europe and north-west Africa,
C. boltonii is much yellower (see Variation). The
species overlaps broadly with C. bidentata, overlaps additional yellow
markings on S8-10
less so with C. heros in eastern Austria, hybridises
with C. trinacriae in central Italy, and almost meets
spike-like vulvar well-developed stripe between
C. princeps in the Moroccan Atlas. See these scale diagnostic of ,/ the broad yellow stripes
species for their separation. genus
Hand characters Upper appendages relatively

short; as long as S10.
Variation Exceptionally has blue eyes, mostly in
d ssp. boltonii
Spain. In a small part of north-west Italy individuals reversed 'C' on
side of S1
occur with a (partly) black occipital triangle. The
following subspecies lack the black marking on
the frons, and have larger dorsally confluent
abdominal markings than ssp. boltonii, with
additional marking on S9-10. In north-west Italy,
southern France and in Spain, ssp. immaculifrons ilir I ind margin of those on S3-4 and S7 show Occurrence
is found, with a broad zone (especially in central i W' shape. Ssp. algirica, from southern Spain Range and status Locally common. Reaches the
Spain) in which intermediates with ssp. boltonii iiid north-west Africa, is similar, also with the Arctic Circle in Finland and adjacent Russia; extends
occur. The marking on S3 is sometimes longer than I < >n S5 sometimes longer than wide, and the to southern Urals.
broad (view from above), and the hind margin of liiml margin of those on S3-7 show a 'W' shape. Habitat Streams and sometimes small rivers, often
53- 4 may show a 'W' shape. In south-east Spain, All ibspecies are weakly defined and, except for in forests but also in open moors and heaths.
ssp. iberica has the hind margin of S2 indented Ilii- Alrican populations of C. b. algirica, none are Flight season Beginning of May to late
by black, the rings on S3-4 longer than wide, and i Itsnly separated genetically. September, especially July.

Cordulegaster princeps Morton, 1916 Atlas Goldoni i 1 ordulegaster trinacriae Italian Goldenring
" iilei slon, 1976
Identification
General Replaces C. boltoniiin most of llit|
Moroccan Atlas. It is identifiable by its l.min ||
Unlihcation
■•hhh.iI Replaces C. boltonii in Italy roughly south
9
the shape of the abdominal markings, thl Ifl
, where they overlap in the Lazio region
black S9-10, and the largely pale area brlilml
1 in 1 tost separated in the hand by the shape of
the eyes. reduced
m i|i|n-iidages.
Field characters Male: Tot 75-86mm, Al i
HhIiI (h.iracters Male: Tot 73-79mm, Ab
markings end in 56-65mm, Hw45-49mm; female: Tot 7') ll/i
1. ii 1 mi, Hw 45-49mm; female: Tot 83-93mm, 225
a point on side of
Ab 60-66mm, Hw 47-53mm. The abdominal
abdomen li ii I /2mm, Hw 51-53mm. Resembles C. b.
markings on S3-6 do not descend onto I hr
'in but with smaller abdominal markings that
underside of the segments, as in C. boltonii, I
H .H lly dorsally connected on S2-4(5), and
end in a point halfway down. They are broad
in ■ • in S4-7 do not completely descend to the
connected dorsally on S2-8, and on S3-H .up
l< 1 h1. S2-6 have apical spots, and S9 small
indented at the hind and often the fore in.mi
il 111. irkings. Occipital triangle is yellow, and
(view from above). S9 has a basal yellow !|x)||
H Ii of the frons is yellow with sometimes a
and S10 is usually all black, unlike C. b. <)/(////• .1
1 1 black in males and always with a small
Foreside of frons and occipital triangle are yrllt
1.1 I ii in females (never extending onto the
as C. b. algirica, but the back of the head (l>rh
il /vhereas C. b. boltonii has a small but
the eyes) is largely yellow.
Himiih bar in both sexes.
i
Hand characters Upper appendages as C. /»«
"•nd 1 haracters Upper appendages are relatively
as long as S10, outer margins relatively stf|n<jhl
hi I -.lender and sinuous, somewhat separated at
iirii I * r.e and slightly longer than S10 (view from

Occurrence
iii Hind margin of lower appendage is deeply
Range and status Endemic to the High and
<3 appendages
■ii In 11, unlike any other species.
Middle Atlas. Not known to overlap with C. />
Vmlniion A broad hybrid zone with C. boltonii
algirica, but the two may meet on Jbel Tazzrk.1 m
Iriiil', from central Marche to southern Lazio,
the north of the Middle Atlas range.
hr in.tie appendages of hybrids are smaller
Habitat Streams (but not yet found in very -.ni.tlll
iinl more like those of C. boltonii, with the hind
ones, as is C. b. algirica), roughly between 1,0
in in i of the lower appendage less deeply
and 2,500m.
-li I ii (I. Genetic studies suggest that these
Flight season Late May to mid-September.
lillcn nces limit bo/ton/7-like males to only mating
-. .fully with C. trinacriae females, which
I mli I allow C. trinacriae to intrude into the range
II boltonii, extending the hybridisation zone
Im Ilin northwards.
Occurrence
Mange and status Endemic to southern Italy and
î< lly
Habitat As C. boltonii.
Might season June to August.

Cordulegaster heros Theischinger, 1979 Balkan Goldoni m i ut (//ilegaster picta Selys, 1854 Turkish Goldenring
Identification hlwnliHcation
General In the Balkans replaces C. boltonii, li.mfl
• tHiiri.il Replaces C. heros in the south-eastern
which it is distinguished by its larger size <iml Hitfl di in md Turkey; any overlap with the distribution
abdominal markings. • Hi" i iiier has not yet been established. As
Field characters Male: Tot 77-84mm, Ab r. highly variable, a positive identification
56-64mm, Hw45-50mm; female: Tot 88 'iniimfl I Hih I hi* made based on the male appendages.
Ab 68-76mm, Hw 53-58mm. The largest Multi < haracters Male: Tot 72-80mm, Ab
Cordulegaster species, and one of our largi’M • .. ..... n, Hw 43-46mm; female: Tot 80-89mm,
dragonflies. Differs from C. b. boltonii as follow! li i. I • >8mm, Hw 48-53mm. A rather large
(1) occipital triangle black, not yellow, but iiuiy I
lahihgaster, but smaller on average than
have two small yellow spots as in C. picta, t /ir/. . Differences include: (1) occipital triangle
especially in females; (2) the narrow yellow *<IiI|nH
11 ill black but with two yellow patches; (2) the
abdominal rings between the two broad lateral thorax band'. Ii.m hum yellow stripe between the two broad lateral
connected above the hind margin usually bent at the middle, -.u J
Him.i- bands has a rather straight hind margin; (3)
its lower half is placed before the upper hall, ( 0 1
llm hl. i< k bar across the frons is variable, may be
median abdominal yellow rings larger (usually I . ni or even extending onto peaks in males, and
dorsally connected on S2-7 and reaching well miH li- >vers peaks fully in females as in C. heros-,
apical spots on the underside of S3-8), but apical spots reduc i' imill e C. heros, females often have the yellow
S5-8 absent or
absent on S7-8 and often on S5-6, especially h mil i hi S2 extended centrally towards the base
reduced
in males (see artwork of rather similar C. pk t.i) 1
\ horn above). Abdominal markings similar to
Another popular character, the angular upper i <•>, median rings typically connected dorsally
outer corners of the antehumeral stripes, is mil I hi i>(7) and running onto underside of S3-9,
deemed reliable. See C. picta for differences with hill m.iy also be connected even on S8 or only on
that species. Black bar on face of frons is alway. ■ i Apical spots usually on S2-7, but may be
very extensive in females. This, the black occipital ■■uh'.l lo S2-3. Overlaps widely with C. insignis,
triangle, and its similar appearance may cause ( il in i large part of its range that species is
S appendages
confusion with the co-occurring C. bidentata, ii'ii' eyed and has a yellow occipital triangle (not
which is smaller and differs by b/dentata-group in iioiihern Anatolia), aside from species-group
characters (see first table on p. 221). Mli'H i ices (see first table on p. 221).
Hand characters Upper appendages somewhB • iind characters Upper appendages long, slender
longer, but similar in shape, compared to uh 11 liverging; longer than S10.
C. boltonii. Vml.iiion Abdomen pattern is highly variable and
Variation Two subspecies are recognised, differing ■ li.il ih identification is possible only by the male
only by the size of the black bar on the frons in I
i|i|ii'ii<lages. Very yellow populations are known
males, which is at most vaguely indicated in ssp, 1 In jii11 he eastern Rhodopes, western and southern
heros from Austria, Slovenia, Hungary and Serbia, li ill* cy, and some eastern Aegean islands like Samos
but is a distinct rectangular bar in ssp. pelionenm ""I I usbos; these individuals may be strikingly
from Greece, Albania and Bulgaria. As in the olhll mill.ii to C. heros, C. insignis or C. helladica. By
species, these taxa may have little standing. mili.ist, populations from the western Rhodopes
mil ihHthern Turkey (including the European part)
Occurrence in darker, resembling C. bidentata.
Range and status Endemic to central and south
east Europe. Overlaps and locally coexists with (kcurrence
C. boltonii in eastern Austria; both species occui Hiinge and status The zone separating C. picta
and may overlap on the north-western slopes ol ii h I • heros probably runs from Kaikhidikhi to the
the Ukrainian Carpathians. i' iimbe Delta, but is imperfectly known. Ranges to
Habitat As C. boltonii. Hu' ii.inscaucasus and north-western Iran.
Flight season June to August. Habitat As C. boltonii and C. heros.
Might season Late May to mid-August.

Cordulegaster bidentata Selys, 1843 Sombre Goldrm m
Two-toothed Gohl* ••
black occipital
triangle
ib i nninal rings
ipin n triangular
lhe side
basal tooth rather

clearly visible, although
present in all species
<3 appendages
▲ Cordulegaster bidentata male. Note the dark occipital triangle and pointed ends to the markings uni
the side of the abdomen.
■i 11 S5-8 that descend more towards the
Identification peaks of frons. Note that characters 1-4 are nol ith lei .ide, and yellow markings on S9-10 present.
General The smallest and darkest Cordulegaster group specific, e.g. they do not separate C. bidmii diates with ssp. bidentata have been found
species outside Turkey. from C. heros, nor can they be used to distingur.il n ( .il ibria, but as there is no genetic support,
Field characters Male: Tot 69-78mm, Ab C. insignis and C. picta. See C. insignis for diffei <»H| in iIklity of these subspecies is questionable.
52-60mm, Hw 41-46mm; female: Tot 74-83mm, with it and C. helladica. • illy in Albania and southern Greece, but
Ab 55-63mm, Hw45-50mm. Smaller on average Hand characters Male appendages differ from Illi il.<* I nlher north in Slovenia, there are individuals
than C. boltonii. Overlaps widely with the usually of most other Cordulegaster species by: (1) each 1 illi I nger abdominal markings and sometimes a
more common and more widespread C. b. boltonii. upper appendage bears two teeth, which are aboil ,rlli i loreside of the occipital triangle.
Separation from it is possible by species-group as close to each other as to S10 (view from side) -
characters (see first table on p. 221), of which the these give the species its scientific name, but note < >< < urrence
lateral S1 marking is easiest, as well as: (1) markings that both are present in other Cordulegaster spec II Monge and status Endemic to Europe. Generally
small, median rings do not reach abdomen underside too, although the basal tooth lies closer to S10 anti local than overlapping species of the boltonii-
and appear rather triangular from side, apical spots often (partly) concealed; (2) lower appendage tapt iimi| <, but may be regionally common.
present on S2-3(4) only, absent on S5-8; (2) costa towards rather narrow hind margin, not broad and I lol >it at Generally smaller streams than C. boltonii,
predominantly black, not yellow (view from front); parallel-sided (view from below). m< hiding dripping rockfaces, near-vertical gulleys
(3) occipital triangle black; (4) black bar on foreside Variation On Sicily the more yellow ssp. sicincm null ulcareous springs.
of frons very extensive, normally extending onto occurs, having almost confluent abdominal Night season Mid-May until the end of August.

/pical insignis. Ongoing molecular work Occurrence
Cordulegaster insignis Blue-eyed Golden . il that certain forms are, in fact, species, Range and status The zone separating C.
Schneider, 1845 < > I hers are genetically indistinguishable bidentata and C. insignis probably runs from
blue eyes characteristic, but h 1 mcognisable even as subspecies. A large, Kalkhidikhi to the Danube Delta. It is the only
not present in all populations
Identification
{■■/(‘d Cordulegaster from the Greek island of Cordulegaster species in much of central and
General The only Cordulegaster spec ic. with
.mi xmerly considered nearest C. insignis, may southern Turkey.
bluish eyes, although in parts of Turkey .m< 11|
. . 1 .1 id between that species and C. helladica Habitat Smaller streams than C. picta, but
Greek island of Ikaria green-eyed forms tx (m
hiHi 11 Cyclades (see that species). occasionally in larger and deeper waters.
triangle Field characters (Ssp. insignis only) Mali- i I
Flight season Late May to mid-August.
71-78mm, Ab 52-58mm, Hw40-46min, Inn1
Tot 71-83mm, Ab 51-63mm, Hw41-49mm
Similar in size to C. bidentata but generally mi
paler. Differs by: (1) eyes blue; (2) frons .iiiii-m 1 ordulegaster helladica Greek Goldenring
completely yellow, but may sometimes bear .i
H.iihinann, 1993)
small black marking; (3) occipital triangle is yi«
not black, and its backside is swollen, not (lai • h’nlification
abdominal markings are more extensive mi'i| Hhiu’mI Endemic to southern Greece. Resembles
rings typically connected above on S2-8, flpu. 1 m,/<//»s, but is always green-eyed and is
spots present on S2-6 (occasionally also on |1 i. ii. 11. -d from it by the Aegean Sea and a large
only on S2) and S9 with a small basal marking ■ 11 >1 northern Greece, where C. bidentata occurs.
Regional forms with green eyes and often 1 till ...... . information on locality, single individuals
occipital triangle exist that can only be sep.imln n,iy l><- impossble to separate from C. insignis.
from C. helladica and C. bidentata by range .im| Il»*ld < haracters Male: Tot 68-78mm, Ab
appendages. Only C. picta overlaps widely, I ml n l.ilium, Hw 41-46mm; female: Tot78-83mm,
(J ssp. mzymtae
it has green eyes and bo/ton//-group charac lari | a|. '/i 63mm, Hw46-49mm. Differs from
<5 ssp. charpentieri (see first table on p. 221), with long, diverging /•/< A 'ntata in much the same way as C. insignis
appendages. . r Hi.it species): large abdominal markings
d appendages Hand characters Male upper appendages mi'di.in rings dorsally connected on S2—6(7)
resemble those of C. bidentata (parallel and wiili in. I .ipical spots on S2-5), predominantly yellow
lower
separated at base), but the basal tooth is cIom-i i. .I.",ide of costa, and the black bar across frons is
appendage
not tapering to S10 (view from side). The lower appendage llj • ii,ill or absent. Like C. bidentata, it has green eyes
wider and more rectangular, not tapering pistil! uid ii< >r mally a black occipital triangle.
(as in C. bidentata and C. helladica). Hand characters Upper appendages as in
Variation In the south-east Balkans and weslrm • iiv.ignis; lower appendage not quadrate but
and southern Turkey, the blue-eyed typical ssp i qii-mig towards hind margin.
insignis occurs (see above). From south-east Vrtrl.ition On the Peloponnese, Euboea (Evia) and
basal tooth Romania ssp. montandoni has been described, rin-.r. between these, the ssp. helladica occurs,
near S10
but its only discriminating character is not useful ilh the foreside of the occipital triangle normally
as a small black marking on the frons may also I tn I Around Mt Parnassos (and perhaps a small
be present in typical ssp. insignis. In central i- ni of north-eastern Peloponnese), ssp. kastalia
Turkey (south of the mountains along the Black h.r. i he stripe between the two large lateral bands
Sea), ssp. charpentieri is similar but rather small hi Ihe thorax very large and almost rectangular
(male: Tot 64-67mm), with very large abdominal uioimally it is restricted to a small, often triangular, species and ssp. buchholzi. Individuals there are
markings, those on S9-10 often connected to nppci spot). The foreside of the occipital triangle is large (male: Tot 75-83mm) and have a black
form '7'-shaped markings. Other, more local, foil i ii. Uy yellow and the yellow abdominal markings stripe across the frons, the foreside of the occipital
are green-eyed: in north-east Turkey, possibly as in- more extensive. Both forms may coexist, triangle is black, the backside is flat, and abdominal
far west as Samsun, the rather small (male: Tot iIiIh >ugh ongoing molecular work suggests that markings are moderately extensive.
64-67mm) ssp. mzymtae has very small abdomlni Il!<• iwo subspecies cannot be distinguished. In the
markings and a flat-backed black occipital triangle ■ y< I. ides (Andros, Tenos, Naxos), ssp. buchholzi Occurrence
In north-west Turkey, roughly between Bursa anil ii. r. .mailer abdominal markings and a black or Range and status This Greek endemic meets
Samsun, a similar form occurs with larger, but slill yellow occipital triangle. Formerly considered a C. bidentata near Mt Parnassos (see blue on map,
rather small, abdominal markings. Individuals froi i ii . ible subspecies of C. insignis (see that species), p. 230).
the mountains north of Adana have a mixed set Hu- green-eyed population on the nearby island Habitat As C. insignis.
of characters, e.g. green eyes and larger marking i J Ikaria may consist of hybrids between that Flight season Mid-May to mid-August.
Cordulegaster Golden rings Cordulegaster Goldenrings

Family affiliation uncertain
Oxygastra Orange-spotted Emerald*
Selys, 1870
Oxygastra curtisii (Dale, 1834) Orange-spotted Enioi n

Identification hairs (densely covered with long hairs in ( m m
233
General A dark, slender emerald easily identified Wing bases with rather extensive areas ol -..illm
arculus and base of
by the combination of the brilliant green eyes and in females, this extends along the leadincj p<Iq|| all-white triangle in hindwing
the deep yellow streaks on the upperside of the the wings. Abdomen is dark metallic green, will chain of yellow distinctly not aligned
spots along
dark, slender, clubbed abdomen. Males patrol chain of orange-yellow spots on the uppeiMiM j
upperside of mature <3 dorsal crest
short stretches of calm, tree-lined rivers. The only S1-7 and S10. C. aenea males have an unnidili( abdomen
species of its genus worldwide, with venation and abdomen, with a thicker, less distal club (SZ N I
appendages that are unique among European widest). Somatochlora species are usually not ill
abdomen widest
dragonflies. tailed, and at most have paired yellow spot-, mi at S8
Field characters Tot 47-54mm, Ab 33-39mm, abdomen sides.
Hw 33-36mm. Darker (the bright green eyes stand Hand characters Male S10 bears a yellowi.li yellowish crest
onS10 R side view
out more) and more slender than Cordulia aenea membranous crest on the upperside. Male'1. ii|i|
and Somatochlora metallica; the abdominal club <3 S10and appendages
appendages are blunt and somewhat divergnnl u 2
lies nearer the tip (S8 widest). Face all dark and from above), each with an elongate ventral -.|hii
metallic (marked yellow in Somatochlora species). near the base (view from side). Lower append^ 9 appendages
entirely and vulvar scale
Thorax is metallic green, loosely covered with short with a broad notched tip (view from below).
11, irk inconspicuous
side of abdomen
unmarked
▼ Oxygastra curtisii male. Note the slender abdomen with the club-shaped tip and the pale ridge on ■
appendages are short; vulvar scale tiny, Habitat Slow-flowing tree-lined rivers and streams,
..... i ivisible. Venation differs from corduliids: rarely lake shores.
11 ai 111 loop consists of two long arched rows of Flight season From late May to the end of
ii d foot-shaped; (2) all triangles without August; most abundant in July, maybe a month or
i -ms; (3) Hw triangle is distinctly separated more earlier in the south.
....... ulus and shifted towards the wing tip; (4) H Wildermuth
iiinl i mule is all whitish, not dark-tipped; (5) anal
im|h- I male Hw is rounded, less angular.
v.wl.ition Intensity and extent of saffron tint on
in<) |> ise varies, being more distinct in immatures.
|nli.iviour Males leisurely patrol short stretches
r i Om long) in sun or shade, in a straight or
i m Hight, up to 1m from the bank and rather
>ve the water. Eggs are deposited near the
• h me, often under overhanging trees and in
" i but also on roots, soaked logs, mossy
hu I .mil floating mats of algae.
I h mrrence
tl'iiii, and status Endemic to south-western
i ni"|N- and Morocco. Locally common; occurrence
mull" >| France is sporadic. Extinct in Great Britain.
Oxygastra Orange-spotted Emeralds Oxygastra Orange-spotted Emeralds

Macromiidae
distinctive facial
markings
yellow crescent in
Macromia Rambur, 1842 Cruism front of wings
River Crur.'i IN
Macromia splendens (Pictet, 1843) Splendid ( j in

Identification spike-like ovipositor, and differently conlujinij
General An enigmatic large dragonfly that cruises yellow markings and venation. The gentM
rapidly along the banks of calm river sections and co-occur, but Cordulegaster makes slowi'i 4
reservoirs. Endemic to south-western Europe, but more concealed patrols and more frequently
only rarely encountered. Its nearest relatives occur perches near water.
in North America and Asia. Unique in appearance, Hand characters Rather unique in venaihm venation unique
(see p. 30)
although its large size and yellow-marked black appendages: 12-15 antenodal cross-veiir. mi
body is not unlike Cordulegaster at first sight. usually three cross-veins between triangle flflfl
Field characters Tot 70-75mm, Ab 48-55mm, Hw base; triangles without cross-veins; Hw ln.m
42-49mm. Similar in size to Cordulegaster but the far distal of arculus; anal loop almost circuit
abdomen is more slender and less clubbed. Large Appendages only about as long as S10: iiinli'S
eyes are bright green. Face is dark with broad uppers shorter than the triangular lower, t-.n h
yellow markings, dorsally strongly inflated with a a large external tooth. Female's vulvar scall
wide central furrow flanked by two large yellow broad, with a rather round border.
large yellow
spots. Thorax is dark metallic green, engirdled by a Variation Yellow abdominal spots vary grp.i
spot on S7
yellow band running between the wing pairs and size; sometimes (almost) absent on S5-6.
through the metastigma, anteriorly with a pair of Behaviour A strong, seemingly tireless f hoi
yellow streaks and a yellow semicircle in front of seldom seen perched, hanging vertically from
the Fw. Legs are long and spidery; hindlegs reach twigs. Forages along forest edges, near trees 4
S5 when stretched. Abdomen black, upperside over fallow land. Seen mainly over the wab'i iq
with yellow bar on S2, yellow spots S3-4(-6), the late morning and afternoon, preferring mi
becoming smaller rearwards, conspicuously larger and calm weather. Males patrol sections several
spot on S7 and (in male only) a small one on S8. hundred metres long, 1 m or more from the baf
large yellow
May be confused with Cordulegaster species in and about 0.5m above the surface. May also III band on thorax
sides
flight. Latter has eyes barely touching each other, seen flying over paths or between trees ne<n metallic green
no green lustre, shorter legs and protruding a few metres above ground. Ovipositing femil lustre on thorax
skim over the water, tapping the abdomen tip

the surface three to ten times at different sites
close to each other.
Occurrence lower appendage

longer than uppers
Range and status Found only in southern Fr.i
and in the Iberian peninsula but very local and
always in small numbers.
Habitat Warm watercourses with calm sections
dammed rivers in deep valleys, margins often
rocky and overhanging trees and bushes. May .1
colonise reservoirs with strongly oscillating w<ihi
levels and no bankside vegetation.
Flight season From the end of May to mid
August; mainly mid-June to mid-July, perhaps
earlier in the southern Iberian peninsula.
H WilderfAt
Macromia Cruisers Macromia Cruisers

Corduliidae
Cordulia Leach, 1815 Downy Emerald*.
Cordulia aenea (Linnaeus, 1758) Downy Hi.... . i
Identification more evenly thickened at S5-7), and with I.ikjI J

General Males of this compact, medium-sized, yellow (also whitish in female) markings
dark species restlessly patrol the edges of ponds especially near the base, but none on uppoiMlH !
and small lakes, with their clubbed abdomen In Somatochlora, the abdominal markings .uw
slightly raised. Their flight is fast and close to the more fragmented and dispersed, e.g. spots intty M
water's surface, interrupted by bouts of hovering, visible from above on S2-3. Oxygastra has .i iMiti
when their brilliant green eyes flash up. A small frons and clubbed abdomen, but the abdonmn I
genus; two virtually identical species occur in North bears a dorsal chain of yellow spots and Iho 4H||I
America and eastern Asia. loop is not foot-shaped.
Field characters Tot 47-55mm, Ab 30-39mm, Hw Hand characters Hw with only one cross vein 1
29-35mm. Somewhat smaller than Somatochlora between triangle and base, versus usually Iwn Hi J
metallica and similar in appearance, with a wholly Somatochlora. Male appendages are unmisi.ii i| I
dark metallic body of variable tone, but often less the upper ones cylindrical and blunt, the lownt g
brilliant green and more bronzy. The thorax appears deeply forked, both branches split into two slitil|
more fuzzy (more densely coated with long pale hooks. Vulvar scale of female is short, flat lnitl
hairs) than Somatochlora species, and the wings deeply notched.
tend to be tinged saffron at the base, especially Behaviour Territorial males closely patrol the <'|
in Hw. However, C. aenea is best separated edge, preferring small coves and avoiding dt»np
by: (1) frons all dark, lacking yellow spots; (2) shade and areas of dense vegetation. They scltlta
male abdomen clubbed, clearly thickest at S7-8 rest at the water, often feeding in nearby WOOM
(except for the local 5. borisi of the south-eastern areas. Relatively cold-tolerant, on the wing edily I large pale spots on underside vulvar scale not
\
two hooks
of abdomen protruding
Balkans, Somatochlora males have the abdomen in the year, often earlier and later in the day t)i.tn
<3 appendages
i ill id dragonflies; also frequently active in cloudy

v<'.ii her. Females are secretive, ovipositing alone.
Occurrence
Kange and status Common and locally abundant
in n< irthern Eurasia. Strong populations mainly
... ducted to lowland, but in the south local and
nio .lly restricted to mountain lakes.
◄ Cordulia ] Il.ibitat Standing waters, such as large ponds and
aenea male •.m.ill lakes in woodlands, bogs and heaths, but
patrolling. N<il*« • oxbows, gravel pits, fish ponds, sluggish rivers
the clubbed |
.iikI canals.
abdomen,
I light season Earlier than other emeralds: from
bronzy tone*,
Idle April to late August, mainly in May and June
hairy body and
absence of p.iln Imi not before mid-June in the far north.
H Wildermuth
markings. '
Cordulia Downy Emeralds
Cordulia Downy Emeralds
Somatochlora ■mnatochlora metallica Brilliant Emerald
Striped Emerald
i\ under Linden, 1825)
Selys, 1871
Identification male has a conspicuously clubbed abdomen i V
Diagnosis Rather elusive medium-sized and/or S8 widest) and a deeply notched loww
dragonflies, with largely dark bodies that have appendage, and the female has an inconspli •••
a metallic green lustre. Eyes reddish brown at vulvar scale. Moreover, Cordulia has only one •
emergence, becoming brilliant green. Frons dark vein between the Hw triangle and base (not lv
metallic green with yellow spots on both sides. and Oxygastra has deep yellow streaks down I
With the exception of the 'Cordu//a-shaped' middle of the abdomen.
5. borisi, abdomens of males have the diagnostic Separation of the species This is a large <i< i
'Somatochlora shape': S1-2 bulbous, S3 waisted, especially in North America (from where Ihr
S4-10 gradually widened up to about halfway misleading name 'striped emeralds' origin<il<-.i
(S6-7), and then gradually narrowed; not clubbed our only corduliid genus with more than a ’.inij
near tip. Abdomen is dark green to almost black, species. Our seven species may be most easily
with restricted yellowish markings on the sides. determined in the hand by the shape of the ||ml
Male appendages are rather long, often with appendages in males and by the vulvar scale In
up-curled tips and several irregular ventral teeth. females. The patterns of yellow spots on tlx* l.u
Lower appendage is triangular, with a narrow, up- thorax and abdomen are also distinctive fealuiM
curved tip. Appendages of females are very long, Behaviour Male patrols are swift and often
their vulvar scale large, visible when viewed from stealthy or erratic. Females are especially shy,
the side, often shaped like a spout or trough, and but may be detected by the rustling of winq*.
distinctly projecting in most species. while ovipositing alone under the cover of d@ns«
Separation from other genera Both Cordulia vegetation. Both sexes rarely perch near the
and Oxygastra have a uniformly dark frons, the waterside, but rather up in trees.
HWildeiiW
Cordulia aenea S. metallica S. arctica S. borisi
Simple key to (pairs of similar) species. If the statement agrees, compare the given species.
If it disagrees, then go to the next line.
1 Yellow spots (almost) connected on centre of frons. Abdomen strongly

metallica
metallic green, never glossy black. 9 vulvar scale is a long, perpendicularly
projecting spike. meridionalis
Identification than other Somatochlora species, being most
2 Most abdominal segments, as well as thorax, with lateral yellow spots.
General The largest and greenest Somatochlora notable for the shiny emerald abdomen, although
flavomaculatd
I»<•< les, along with its south-eastern counterpart S. this is not always reliable. Both also differ from
niaiidionalis. The commonest Somatochlora species other species on account of the female's impressive
3 Yellow spots on frons continue onto postclypeus. S abdomen club-shaped
in much of Europe. Often flies in deep shade over vulvar scale (see below) and the yellow facial bar, in
borisi
(S7-8 widest). South-east Balkans only.
lowland waters, but in full sunshine at mountain which the yellow sides of the frons are connected.
4 8 appendages incurved, like an earwig's claspers seen from above. $ S3
arctica
takes. This connecting bar is sometimes narrowly severed
dorsally with two round yellow spots. Hold characters Tot 50-55mm, Ab 37-44mm, down its middle. The abdomen in both sexes
llw 34-38mm. The largest emerald dragonfly has yellow spots at the base, smaller in males
5 8 appendages incurved at base and then up-curved and slightly outcurved. alpestris Somatochlora, Cordulia), together with the very than in females. 5. metallica and S. meridionalis
9 S3 dorsally black. sahlbergi
,imilar 5. meridionalis. Both are more brilliant green hardly differ, the presence of yellow spots on the
Somatochlora Striped Emeralds Somatochlora Striped Emeralds

thorax sides best separating S. meridionalis (see from the abdomen, like a pick.
that species for more details). Often occurs with Variation The extent and intensity ol llu Somatochlora meridionalis Nielsen, 1935 Balkan Emerald
Cordulia aenea, which is also entirely metallic abdominal spotting and amber at the I Iw li
green, but Cordulia males are clearly club-tailed varies, as does the colour of the Pt and lli*»
and their colour is less pure green, more bronze. of the teeth on the male's upper append, h-
However, both features may be hard to judge in The labrum has a vertical yellow bar in bmie
flight. individuals. Considering local variation, •■uh pi
Hand characters Male's upper appendages based on Pt and Hw colour (e.g. the Slbeii.m
appear lean and jagged from above, divergent at abocanica, with a clear Hw base and bku I I'll
base, allowing a clear view of the triangular lower doubtful, as is their occurrence in Europe
appendage, then converging. Underside with Behaviour Males secretively patrol over w.ilt ■
two teeth. S. alpestris appendages are similar, but close to the edge, and, in contrast to C,
straighter and more parallel at base, while more often fly under overhanging trees. Female m
bent towards their tips. Female's vulvar scale is very alone by tapping the vulvar scale into w.ilet I
large and spout-like, jutting out perpendicularly moss or other moist and soft substrates, pirh
shady banks above the waterline.
Occurrence
Range and status Common over a largi• | mil 1
Europe, especially throughout Fennoscandu <
to central Siberia. Restricted to mountain InkH
the south.
Habitat Various standing and slow-flowint j
waters such as ponds, oxbows, rocky lake ‘.I mu
moorland lakes, canals and sluggish rivers, I ml
also in open tundra. Often favours some shading
by trees and steep banks that suit oviposilion,
conditions often found in woodland.
huneral Replaces the very similar 5. metallica in Range and status Rather common in some parts
Flight season From late May to late Septembi'i
1 ml 11 eastern Europe, where it is found mainly at of its range. Extends north to Austria, the Czech
most abundant from June to August. From tlb
Mdi' i brooks. Can be distinguished only by close Republic, Slovakia and south-western Ukraine.
of June in the far north.
h pc< non of perched individuals or, better still, S. metallica tends to inhabit higher altitudes in areas
h Hi. - hand. The species' status is much debated, where the two species overlap. Endemic to our area.
Io 1 jir.e differences are very slight and individuals Habitat Unlike S. metallica, almost exclusively
ill 1 mixed features occur. breeds in running water, usually heavily shaded
fluid ‘ haracters Tot 50-55mm, Ab 35-44mm, lowland streams and rivers, but also sunny
1 I 38mm. Similar to S. metallica in size and stretches at greater altitudes.
ip|>1 nance. The presence of one, rarely two, Flight season Mainly from June to August.
,. II. > v spots on the thorax sides is really the
iinly usable field character. The Pt are a darker
bl at I, rather than orange-brown, although
I. 1ji I Pt are also frequent in some S. metallica
populations. The pale markings on S2-3 tend
In h<- larger.
II. ind characters Male's upper appendages
in imewhat longer and thicker than in S.
◄ Somatoi hi m< i.illica, with the ventral teeth slightly stronger,
metallica mail
Imi 1 inferences are often subtle, even in direct
hovering wlill
imiparison. Vulvar scale is identical.
patrolling
ttnhaviour Males patrol long stretches of streams,
its territory.
Compare (<>l I. ill< 1 wing precisely its course at low height, often
and shape w in di cp shade, avoiding sunny spots and clearings.
Cordulia aem I hr 1.1st flight is interspersed with hovering stops.
on p. 236. May also be active in overcast weather.
Somatochlora flavomaculata Yellow-spotted Ernri<
(Vander Linden, 1825)
◄ Somdh
flavom.H nhM
pair mating
$ 243
lateral abdominal
spots distinctive, but
may be indistinct in
older males
upper appendages
straight and smooth
sided
<3 appendages
yellow spots on
side of thorax and
abdomen
vulvar scale
Identification above), slightly convergent towards the up-cmI shorter - $ abdomen tip
than S9
General Readily recognised by the string of yellow tips, with a rather fine but prominent ventral
spots on each side of the abdomen. Often found tooth near the base (view from side). Vulvar st nl
patrolling woodland edges far from water. of female is shorter than S9, a perpendicularly
Field characters Tot 45-54mm, Ab 34-43mm, Hw projecting trough with a rounded, notched map Declining in much of its range, with only a very
32-39mm. Medium-sized Somatochlora species; Variation Abdominal spots darken, and may few highly isolated populations in the south. Range
smaller than 5. metallica, and nearer Cordulia become almost invisible, in mature individuals. extends to north-eastern Kazakhstan. First recorded
aenea. Easily separated from other metallic green Behaviour Males often defend their territories in Great Britain in 2018.
dragonflies by yellow spotting of the thorax and over dry vegetation or paths near bushes and I rm Habitat Unlike most other Somatochlora species,
abdomen: thorax with two long spots on each or in glades in reedbeds, but also patrol over sum has a relatively southern range, being rather
side, S2-3 with large lateral spots, and S4-8 waterbodies, especially towards the end of the typical of temperate valleys and lowlands. Inhabits
each with a pair of triangular paired spots at the breeding season. Mating wheels may circle low marshes, wet meadows, mire lakes, bog edges and
segment bases. The spots are larger in females and over reedbeds for minutes at a time. reedbeds (sometimes sluggish rivers or lake shores),
brighter in young individuals. Oxygastra curtisii has where there are small, richly vegetated waters,
dorsal yellow streaks on the abdomen but has no Occurrence such as ponds and ditches.
yellow spots on both sides of the frons. Range and status Rather rare, but locally Flight season From the end of May to mid
Hand characters Upper appendages of male are common in extensive marshy areas and mires in August; most abundant in June and July (not
straight, smooth and almost parallel (view from southern Fennoscandia and north-eastern Europ before July in the north).

Somatochlora arctica (Zetterstedt, 1840) Northern Kniei d
◄ Somata hh >/.i
arctica male NhIh
the sharp <on11.itf
between the
eyes and Hit*
black body. Nub'
also the dlslim live
pincer-like <ip|ir>iii|
and narrow-Wdh1
IE3 abdomen. relatively narrow
waist
upper appendages
shaped like callipers
<3 appendages
Identification a distinct pair of orange-yellow spots at the flfl

General A rather small, dark, elusive Somatochlora S3, preceded by a yellow ring.
of bogs. Often occurs with the similar S. alpestris Hand characters In contrast to 5. alpestris, h.r. I
in boreal and alpine areas, but additionally survives only one cross-vein between the Fw triangle .mil
in lowland bogs inbetween. It seems less critical base. The upper appendages of the male are
of climate but more of habitat, the reverse of 5. calliper-shaped (view from above): parallel al lliw
alpestris, having a larger but more fragmented base, then arched and converging apically, recall • h i urrence
range. Indeed, it is seldom common and is often an earwig's 'claspers'. No teeth are visible from Mhikjc and status Usually rather local, mostly in
under threat where it occurs. above, but it is irregularly toothed beneath. I lie mil i ii iinbers and declining in many areas; more
Field characters Tot 45-51 mm, Ab 30-37mm, vulvar scale of the female is a large trough willi u hi and regionally common in Fennoscandia
Hw 28-35mm. One of the smaller corduliids. obtusely pointed margin, hardly projecting from ""I ii"i ih-eastern European regions with large
Slightly more slender than S. alpestris, the male's the abdomen and often extending beyond S9 i mges to Japan.
'waist' (S3) is narrower, and lacks that species' Behaviour Forages between trees, often at Ilnhliat Breeds in tiny wet depressions, which can
conspicuous white rings at the base of the treetop height. Males fly low over boggy or Imiilly be classified as waterbodies, in raised bogs
abdomen (see S. alpestris for more comparative marshy vegetation with concealed puddles, olif <ih I iiii -.otrophic lowland moors. Habitats are often
features). 5. arctica can be separated from it and zigzagging or dashing to and fro. They also p.ilr hi...... led by coniferous forests, but may also be
other Somatochlora species by the male's unique small peat pools. Unlike S. alpestris, they avoid lii.il• ■< I in open tundra.
appendages and, in the female, by the vulvar scale more open water, such as large ponds and lake Night ■.eason From mid-June to mid-September;
and markings: abdomen all dark from above, with shores. Inilii h ily to mid-August in the far north.

Somatochlora alpestris (Selys, 1840) Alpine Enu'i hi 'mmatochlora sahlbergi Trybom, 1889 Treeline Emerald
2 cross-veins usually one cross-vein
pale ring
between S2 pterostigmas
and S3 rather pale
pale ring
between
dorsally
unmarked S2
and S3
2
lilon I if ication Occurrence

hnneral This species Range and status In Europe very local in the far
nr. Hie northernmost north of Fennoscandia and Russia, being a climate
Identification S2 and S3 is whiter. Being brighter and set in .1 • l| • Ir.lnbution of any dragonfly, found only in remote specialist restricted to the driest and coldest but
General A rather small, robust, seemingly black background, this ring is more conspicuous Hull H Un his north of the Arctic Circle. Appears robust sunniest parts of the subarctic. World range largely
Somatochlora with brilliant green eyes, seen over other Somatochlora species, except the very mi mil -mil black, very similar to the more common 5. coincides with so-called paisa mires, characterised
small waterbodies in central European mountains 5. sahlbergi. Both species should be identified by «//•< ' /r/s, and should be identified by the male's by raised peat hummocks with a frozen core,
and in the far north. Recognised when perched the male's appendages and female's vulvar m -iln .11 klerated' appendage shape. which develop only under these distinct climatic
by the bright ring near the abdomen base and the Hand characters In contrast to other cordullldi, Hold characters Tot 48-50mm, Ab 32-35mm, Hw conditions in Alaska, Canada and Eurasia.
male's appendages. usually has two, rather than one, cross-veins 111 imm. Same size, with the same rather stout Habitat Rather deep (50cm or more) ponds and
Field characters Tot 45-50mm, Ab 31-36mm, between the Fw triangle and base. The male's upp 111 uh I. ind relatively hairy abdomen, as S. alpestris. lakes with boggy margins of sedges (Carex),
Hw 30-34mm. Similar in size to S. arctica. In appendages have a strongly double-angled oulwr 11.1. 1 similarly dark, unmarked abdomen with a cottongrasses (Eriophorum) or peatmoss
comparison with that species, the eyes tend to border, convergent tips and two ventral teeth in I liilish or yellowish ring between S2 and S3. The (.Sphagnum) in the transition zone between taiga
be blue-green rather than olive green, the thorax the basal half. The female's vulvar scale is large .11 11 lends to be paler brown. See 5. alpestris for and tundra, and further north in open tundra with
is more hairy and male's S3 is constricted but less triangular, reaching about halfway along S9 and I'lhiiation of other northern corduliids. low woody vegetation.
strongly so. The abdomen appears all dark from projecting at a right angle to the abdomen's axis I kind characters Only one cross-vein between Flight season July and August; most adults
above (also in females) but the pale ring between Behaviour Males hover or erratically zigzag low Hie I w triangle and base, while 5. alpestris mostly recorded in the last ten days of July.
over pools for a few seconds or minutes, chasing (hr. 1 wo. The upper appendages of the male are
conspecifics. i.iiliei massive and hairy, running almost parallel
imm the base, then abruptly bent inwards and
Occurrence downwards, with a sharply upcurled tip. The outer
Range and status Not rare in most suitable <ihm are smooth when viewed from above. The
but usually encountered as single individuals. I III 4 nF ii scale of the female is shorter and less
classic boreo-alpine range: found almost exclusivity I uni uding than in other northern Somatochlora
above 1,200m in central Europe, and above 60"! I |h es, its margin being notched rather than
in the north, east to Japan. These thresholds m.iy 1 minded or pointed.
shift with climate change. Itnhaviour Males are strong fliers, patrolling
Habitat Various stagnant waters (puddles, l( 1 1 -0m sections of lake edges or flying criss-cross
pools, tarns and small vegetated lakes) in bogs, | nvi'i the water 0.5-1 m from the shore. Active
moorlands, subalpine pastures, taiga and tundra, • inly with sunshine and 20°C or more, suddenly
Flight season From mid-June to August or with overcast weather. Unusually for a
September, depending on altitude and latitude, eq 1 imluliid, may perch flat on the ground in cold
from the end of June to mid-August in the far noilli, I viiid rather like a gomphid.

Somatochlora borisi Marinov, 2001 Bulgarian Enin .1
◄ SomiiiM /
borisi nviln
the yellow
on the .1I11I
the iiiiin.iih‘i|
yellow patches
thorax Mil* on sides of
and the yulli frons extend to
sides Io Hu' but do not meet
at middle
postdypi'io yellow sides
of postclypeus
diagnostic
thorax sides
unmarked
abdomen
thickest at S7-8
\ yellow spots on
underside bordered
.with black ventrally
lower
appendage
-with broad,
notched tip
$ abdomen tip
(dorsal view)
Identification black postclypeus, which is all dark in C. aem i ii 11h a broader and slightly notched tip less than half as long as S9, semicircular, with a
General First discovered in 1999, and so far found and other Somatochlora species. The abdomen null locked as in C. aenea). Genital lobe with a very narrow slit from the apex almost to the base
only in a very restricted area of the south-east unmarked except for conspicuous yellow spoi*. |iii)|<'< ling point, unlike any other Somatochlora (view from below).
Balkans, where it flies mostly in June on shaded, the base: the male has three on each side of S2 . ...... . (not illustrated). Vulvar scale of female is Variation Abdominal spots may vary in shape and
calm rivers. An aberrant Somatochlora, recalling and two large basal spots on S3, and the fem.ih size.
Cordulia in some respects, from which it can be has four spots on the upperside of S2-3 and a Behaviour Males seem to defend territories over
separated by the large yellow spots on the head and chain of large spots on the underside of S2-4 water.
abdomen base. Although the genus Corduliochlora and sometimes S5. Uniquely, the ventral spots on
was created for this species, that name has not S3-5 are bordered with black below. In contr.isl Occurrence
been generally accepted because more in-depth with this extensive spotting, the thorax is entirely Range and status Endemic to Thrace, the south
analysis of related genera is still wanting. metallic green, lacking spots on the sides (unlike eastern corner of the Balkans between the Aegean
Field characters Tot 45-50mm, Ab 34-37mm, S. meridionalis). and Black seas, where Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey
Hw 31-34mm. Somewhat smaller than the co Hand characters Unlike C. aenea and like typiinl meet. Found only in small numbers.
occurring 5. meridionalis. Similar in size and shape Somatochlora, it has two cross-veins between Habitat Shaded sections of slow and often
to Cordulia aenea. Unlike other Somatochlora the Hw triangle and base. The male's upper intermittently flowing rivers and streams, in
species, the male abdomen has a thick clubtail, appendages are unique: bent inwards and then wooded areas below 300m altitude with a hot and
widest at S7-8. The frons is metallic green, with outwards (view from above), with thick and blunt moist climate.
large yellow spots on the sides extending towards down-curved tips (view from side) and two small Flight season Early, like C. aenea but unlike other
each other, but not touching as in 5. meridionalis. ventral teeth near the base. The lower append^ Somatochlora; emerges from early May onwards
The yellow extends onto the sides of the shining is rather like that of other Somatochlora species and is mainly seen until the beginning of July.

Epitheca Burmeister, 1839 Baskettail’.
Epitheca bimaculata Eurasian Basis’ll n
(Charpentier, 1825) Two-spotted DraqoHli,
Identification rather than vivid green. Face is yellow, with .1

General Baskettails are large, strong fliers, most contrasting black labrum and upper frons. I hot J
often seen cruising over open water, rarely is brown-yellow, with bold black bands. Wln^l •»»
perched. The single European species (more occur lightly smoky, with a large dark brown area on H|| black patches on
in Japan and especially North America) is a shy Hw base. Abdomen is awl-shaped in the m.ilv, 1 hindwing bases
brownish corduliid, with boldly marked wings and broad-based but terminally very slender; blac I wO
without metallic green colours. Although its a yellowish base, S3-8 (also S9 and sometime* MO mature 8
sustained flight, vertical resting posture, lobed in female) largely black with yellow to oranqc* immature $
eye-margin, long legs, and male's anal triangle and brown lateral spots. Appearance recalls Libollul.t 1
tibial keels make it a typical corduliid, confusion quadrimaculata and (unpruinose) L. fulva, bul I•>.h.
tapering abdomen
with Libellula species is more likely. With its larger of these are distinctly smaller and stay more Io lh|i
size and habit of roving about over water far from water's edge, fly low and frequently perch (in .1 !■
the edge, the 'twinspot' can best be observed with penduline position). L. quadrimaculata has bhx I
binoculars. spots on nodes, L. fulva often has black on the
Field characters Tot 55-65mm, Ab 37-43mm, Hw wing tips.
36-44mm. Larger than any co-occurring corduliid Hand characters Venation similar to Cordullii .mil V-shaped appendages
or libellulid. Unlike other corduliids, the body is Somatochlora. Triangle usually three-celled in Iv\
brown, black and yellow, without a metallic lustre, and two-celled in Hw, rather than two- (somtlniiH
and when mature the eyes are greyish blue-green three-) and one- to two-celled, respectively. Lein
much longer than in Libellula, the hind pair reaching and elusive behaviour. More easily recorded by
▼ Epitheca bimaculata female. Note the long legs and the smoky tint on the wings of this freshly ■J. when stretched. Male's upper appendages searching for its large, spidery, spiny exuviae in
emerged individual. ne iong and divergent, like a 'V' or fishtail when May. Occurs east to Japan.
viewed from above. Note that L. quadrimaculata Habitat Small and rather deep lakes, meso- to
nhi) has splayed appendages. Lower appendage eutrophic, with much submerged and floating
wiih a broad, deeply notched tip. Hamules massive, vegetation, containing fish, and partly or
enveloped in huge, sheath-like genital lobes (view completely surrounded by trees or bushes, e.g.
Ikiin side). Female's equally unique vulvar scale oxbows, forest lakes, gravel pits and fish ponds.
r. huge and V-shaped (view from below), its two Flight season From mid-May to the end of June.
lubes almost reaching S1O's end (not illustrated). Mid-June to August in the north.
Variation The intensity of the yellowish tint on the H Wildermuth
wings varies with age and sex.

Behaviour Territorial males fly over open water
,i<.idily and persistently, fast and rectilinear, seldom
(loser than 3m to the shore, 30-50cm above the
water. Co-occurring corduliids also have sustained
patrols but stay closer to the water's edge and
•.ui face. Females carry an egg mass under their up-
• uived abdomen tip while searching for a suitable
oviposition site. The ball of eggs unravels into a
gelatinous strand when it is deposited in flight on
Boating plants.
Occurrence
R.mge and status Generally very local, but may
be abundant in regions with many suitable sites.
()lten overlooked because of its short flight season
Epitheca Baskettails Epitheca Baskettails

Libellulidae i ibtllula quadrimaculata Four-spotted Chaser
Four-spotted Skimmer (NA)
I lnn.ieus, 1758
Libellula Linnaeus, 1758 Chasen
◄ ///'•
pontii .1 •
Nole llir
bitlno ini'll
Fompi )/mH4
palmln hum
the I).im» nf M
right L^
black base on 1
\|
hindwings only )|
mature 8
abdomen
tapered, sides
f. praenubila
narrowly yellow
...-------:■
Identification smaller, sleeker and darker. Orthetrum specie*. i All

Diagnosis Bulky, medium-sized dragonflies, be similarly robust and pruinose, but never hlivw Identification Occurrence
(toneral Common by still waters in most of Range and status Widespread and abundant in
with diagnostic large triangular blackish patches more than a slight yellow colouring at the winq
much of range, across temperate Eurasia and North
at the Hw base, normally crossed by pale veins. base. I im-pe. Easily recognised by its large size, brown
l ii N ly and the black wing spots for which it is
America. In the past was known to have massive
With 12-20 antenodal cross-veins, and the only Separation of the species Identification is
libellulid genus in our area with always more than straightforward: by abdomen shape, wing pallafl .......... one at the node of each wing. migrations in Eurasia.
Habitat Most still waters, preferably with well-
one cross-vein in each so-called bridge space (long and body colours. The three widespread specie*, I |»l(I characters Tot 40-48mm, Ab 27-32mm, Hw
triangular space below the subnode). i' 10mm. As long as L. depressa, but more slender developed vegetation, and can be very numerous
also have rather different habitat preferences. «
Separation from other genera Leucorrhinia Behaviour The aggressive males chase off rival! mil appearing smaller. Body largely and uniformly on acidic lakes.
Flight season From late April to mid-September,
is the only genus with dark Hw patches whose with fast, defensive flights undertaken from ii in lucent brown in both sexes. Abdomen
distributions overlap widely, but in these the mpried, terminal three-fifths (S6-10) black, sides but most abundant in early summer.
prominent perches, such as stakes. Egg-laying
patches are smaller and not pale-veined. The females are usually guarded by the male hoverin<i J narrowly yellow. Male abdomen does not
species are also much smaller, have seven to eight overhead, although L. fulva and L. pontica males I...... .. bluish-grey pruinose like L. depressa and
antenodal cross-veins and bright white snouts. more frequently leave the female after some time / Inlva. All wings deeply amber at base, with
Mature males of Diplacodes lefebvrii and Trithemis to oviposit by herself. iiiih |i le black spot at node. Hw base with large
festiva have dark Hw patches but are much K-D B DijkitiA IJ i I ish triangles but, unlike other Libellula species,
I w r. amber at base rather than black.
Simple key to (pairs of similar) species. I land characters Upper appendages rather long in
If the statement agrees, compare the given species. If it disagrees, then go to the next line. In *ih sexes and splayed in male.
Variation Extent of wing markings is variable,
1 All wings with blackish spots at node (on leading edge, midway between quadrimaculata
■ (‘dally at the node. Dark specimens with large
base and tip). Fw base amber but without blackish streaks or patch.
m H lai spots as well as brown bands behind the Pt
Abdomen never pruinose.
.... known as f. praenubila.
2 Fw and Hw with equally large, dark basal dark patches, covering median depressa Behaviour Males have a powerful, aggressive
spaces and Hw triangle. Abdomen very broad, often with yellow sides. lli< iht and frequently perch on stakes overlooking
H H water, unlike the similarly coloured Epitheca
3 Forewing at most with small basal dark streaks; median spaces and Hw fulva
himaculata, for which it may be mistaken at a
triangle clear. Abdomen not so broad, never with yellow sides. pontica
dr.lance.
Libellula Chasers
Libellula Chasers
Libellula depressa Linnaeus, 1758 Broad-bodied Clin i broad antehumeral
' stripes -
◄ ///>.
'..I IIM
NolP Him pjj
anld ii iiiihi*
stripp\ will
m<n I- ii ii it 1...1
very ImimiI
abdoinwi
255
mature d
mature $
mature
Identification Occurrence two spines in front of

secondary genitalia
General A large, pale blue male of this species, Range and status Among the commonest '■p»( w
aggressively defending a garden pond or small in much of Europe, extending to Central Asia A|
natural pool, is a familiar sight in much of our area. strong flier that is often the first species to clinn
immature
The abdomen shape and four large black areas at newly created or cleared habitats.
the wing bases instantly distinguish this species. Habitat A wide range of mostly stagnant walpi
Field characters Tot 39-48mm, Ab 22-31 mm, especially favouring those that are small, shallow,
Hw 32-38mm. Appearing very robust because sunny and bare, such as cattle-drinking pools Of (
of its remarkably broad, flattened abdomen. Fw quarry lakes.
with black bars at base; Hw base with triangular Flight season From late April to mid-Septemhi'i
black patches. Markings reach about equally far in most abundant in May and June.
Fw and Hw, to the outer corner of the triangles.
Female and immature male are quite evenly
yellowish brown, the front of the thorax with two
broad whitish antehumeral stripes and the sides of
S3-8 narrowly yellow. Both the latter markings can
disappear with age, especially in the male, where
S3-9 become blue-grey pruinose. The wing bases
are more extensively marked and the abdomen is
broader than Orthetrum or other Libellula species.
Hand characters The underside of S1 in the male
(anterior to secondary genitalia) bears two robust
spines, a structure not found in any other European
dragonfly.
Behaviour Males make fast, direct dashes from a
conspicuous perch, often controlling an entire pool
by fiercely chasing off competition.
Libellula Chasers Libellula Chasers

blue-grey eyes
Libellula fulva Muller, 1764 Blue (Ji.i • • and black face
Scan*- < l«. dark streak
Ahbrlh .
fulva itMimlgtl
Noir tin*
or.iiid. .. .1 mi
and Cl-id dark hindwing bases
tips.
blue
immature <S
pruinose mature <3
abdomen
▼ Libtiluli
fulva iruili S8-10 black
The hml <if

orange mi
the abdiinilfl
and prlllmv
pruinosliv'
scraping in
following
mating)
indicate* II l|
immalum
Identification
General A local species
throughout our area that prefers
slow-moving waters, bordered
with tall emergent vegetation.
The appearance of the male
changes dramatically with
maturation: vivid orange tenerals
turn into black and grey-blue
territorial males. Nonetheless,
both extremes are easily
recognised by the coloration iiiIIk led by the female's legs during copulation are
of the body and wings. • pr. i,illy clear in L. fulva. Pruinosity extends onto
Field characters Tot 42-45mm, 'i in lurkish males.
Ab 25-29mm, Hw 32-38mm. lii'li.iviour Males frequently perch on waterside
Shorter-bodied but more bulky pl.ii 11., making darting flights between perches.
than Orthetrum cancellatum.
Both sexes are entirely bright tawny orange when and grey-blue pruinose S3-7. The mature male"! Occurrence
immature, with a black stripe down the length of larger black abdomen tip and glassy grey eyes M.mqe and status Widespread but habitat-
the abdomen. Combined with the dark wing bases separate it from other Libellula species, the bl.u k Iilie, therefore only locally common. Range
(including dark streaks at the Fw base), dark wing wing markings from Orthetrum, and the black - ii mis to Caspian Sea. and streams, abandoned canals, reedy lakes and
tips (especially in females) and the glaring yellow snout from both. Ilnbitat Appears to require a certain combination ditches, oxbows and fish ponds.
central veins of the wings, this renders immatures Hand characters Not important. ill .Her quality and habitat structure, the latter Flight season From late April to early August, but
unmistakable. Females darken to a dull brown, Variation Although a feature seen in all-pruinm. ii .ii.illy borders of reeds or other rich riparian activity is concentrated in May and June in most
males blacken entirely and develop greyish eyes male libellulids, the dark scraping marks on S5 I du > ih. Habitats include slow-flowing rivers of range.
Libellula Chasers Libellula Chasers

Libellula pontica Selys, 1887 Red Cli.i Orthetrum Newman, 1833 Skimmers
black pterostigma
Iilnntification
Diagnosis Almost every blue
* • i in 7 pruinose dragonfly with
h .ii wings will be an Orthetrum
H.ilr rhe combination of a clear
ii b.ise (at most yellow-tinted)
uni 11)-14 Fw antenodal cross
in . (thus last one is complete)
huh |ue for a libellulid.
Iupa ration from other
U"n<‘ra Libellula species are
white
mature <3
<5 secondary mil. ii in venation, stature
membranule
genitalia
mil piuinosity, but have large
i'i.ii ( patches at the Hw base.
i‘i i m u >se Leucorrhinia species
red abdomen with
narrow black dorsal m d irk, with a contrasting ▲ Orthetrum brunneum pair mating. The female and back of
stripe
Ini' lace and also dark Hw the male's head show the contrasting markings of the Sardinian
P id lips. The rather plain brown subspecies cycnos.
ii hi,ill's and young males of
mi i i Orthetrum species are often mistaken for This is especially true for males, whose markings
Identification Occurrence \\mpetrum and Crocothemis. The species in both have become obscured by pruinosity, thus
General Small counterpart of L. fulva, which it Range and status Local in our area; range ilir .i genera normally have the last antenodal appearing very unlike females and younger males.
replaces to the south-east, although these twin to the Transcaucasus, Iraq, Iran and northern hi H iv. vein incomplete; Sympetrum has only six For convenience, the species can be divided into
species overlap widely in Turkey. Both are very Habitat Mainly slow-flowing waters with (leu • In seven complete Fw antenodal cross-veins, three groups (see key below). In most of Europe,
similar at emergence, but L. pontica males become bankside vegetation, such as reedy streams, mil (iocothemis has large yellow patches at the separating 0. albistylum from O. cancellatum
brick red on the face and abdomen when mature, channels and ditches; also outflows of well Hv Lise. Especially fresh yellow O. cancellatum (group 1), and O. brunneum from 0. coerulescens
not pruinose. The first impression of the species is vegetated gravel pits and ponds. mil Hie club-tailed black-and-pale 0. sabina (group 3), will cause the greatest difficulty. In the
thus more of a Sympetrum or Crocothemis than a Flight season From early May to mid-July. upei Iicially resemble gomphids, but their eyes Mediterranean, two diagnostic species in group
Libellula. Iinii Ii each other. 2 and four additional species in group 3 occur.
Field characters Tot 39-42mm, Ab 22-26mm, Hw ’.iip.iration of the species Some 60 Orthetrum Because up to five species of group 3 may occur
29-32mm. Noticeably smaller and somewhat more pi’i k's occur in Australia, Eurasia and particularly together in the Iberian peninsula, North Africa
slender than L. fulva. Immature males and females Alm .i. The species are often difficult to identify. or Turkey, and identification is difficult, the table
differ from L. fulva in their size, narrower black
abdominal stripe, the absence of dark wing tips and e key to similar species. If the statement agrees, compare the given
dark streaks at the Fw base, and the presence of a s. If it disagrees, then go to the next statement. Table applies to both sexes.
whitish membranule. The latter is grey in L. fulva
Pt blackish, not yellow to brown. When not pruinose, abdomen with two albistylum
and this does not stand out, while it contrasts with
1 thick longitudinal lines. When abdomen pruinose, terminal third is black. cancellatum
the dark Hw base and brown to red abdomen in
L. pontica. Mature males with a brown thorax and Abdomen thin and at least as long as Hw, with S1-3 swollen and three times
red face and abdomen (retaining black stripe over as thick as other segments. When not pruinose, abdomen black with pale trinacria
its length). Similar to other red libellulids, especially streaks or rings. When pruinose, abdomen very dark blue-grey. Total length sabina
the broad-bodied Crocothemis erythraea. Diagnostic never under 43mm.
features are the black Pt, dark triangular patches at
brunneum
Hw base, unmarked brown thorax and the black
chrysostigma
line along the full length of the abdomen. Abdomen thick and at most as long as Hw; not strongly swollen at base.
coerulescens
Hand characters Structurally, essentially identical
3 When not pruinose, abdomen brown with black lines. When pruinose,
nitidinerve
to L. fulva. abdomen pale blue to grey. Total length never over 52mm.
s ransonnetii
taeniolatum
Libellula Chasers Orthetrum Skimmers

black pterostigma
below summarises the main characters of these ground or stones. Male guards the femah- ilmii
species. Examination of the male's secondary oviposition, usually by hovering above h»r and
genitalia with a hand lens will be most decisive. chasing off rival males.
Behaviour Active species, often perching on the VJK.Mmw
Main characters of group 3 Orthetrum species. See species texts for details.
Explanation of characters:
(1) Only two species are widespread (Ws), the other three are confined to the south (S), with oiin uiiH
in western (SW) and eastern Mediterranean (SE) respectively.
yellow
(2) Middle size has Hw and total length around 30mm and 40mm. Small and large are usually .ii
abdomen
least 2mm above or below that. with
(3) Middle-sized Pt is around 3mm, and just over a tenth of Hw length, but Pt can range from / '-mil longitudinal 261
black bands
and 7-13%.
mature 6
(4) Rspl (check all wings) subtends 1 or 2 rows of cells (seldom more than three or less than loin i ••Ih
doubled respectively).
black markings
(5) Membranule pale (whitish) to dark brown. and eventually
yellow sides
Range Diagnostic characters Size Pt Rspl Memb Specie disappear under
bluish pruinosity
(D (2) (3) (4) (5)
in older males
Ws Face never pale blue middle large 1 interm. COOflllt'U*

pointed anterior
lamina rounded hamule
Ws None large small 2 pale brunnci black tip is
immature <3 secondary
retained even
Thorax side with one pale, in very pruinose genitalia
middle
S dark-bordered stripe. Abdomen middle 1 (2) dark males
-large
waisted, not parallel-sided
Radius between base and node

contrastingly yellow, not dark.
SW large large 2 pale nitidim'irf
Lower border S8 of $ straight,
not curved
Black subcostal cross-veins between

SW large small 1 pale ransoniifltl
wing basis and node
Thorax side with two pale,

SE dark-bordered stripes. Upperside small small 1 (2) interm. taenlohilnm
of eyes deep brown, not grey.
tin 111 h ii ided head, the anterior lamina consists of

H l mi p points (view from behind).
Whi In lion The abdomen of older females becomes
Orthetrum cancellatum Black-tailed Ski mi
Itt" ii .ind often thinly pruinose.
(Linnaeus, 1758) •b luiviour Male makes fast, skimming patrols and
.......... .is on open patches on the bank.
Identification (S(6—)8—10) in males is O. albistylurrr, on Sdrdlifl
General Known as 'blue arrows', the males of this and Corsica, females and immature male. < 4 liMtnrence
active species, sheering fast and low above water O. brunneum may look similar (see these .| >«1 f " mu« ind status Found throughout our area,
or perching on open ground beside it, are one of 0. cancellatum is altogether darker and mon< ih ib' exception of northern Fennoscandia,
the most familiar dragonfly sights in our area. uniform, without pale bands or appendage \ •'nd iij to northern China and Mongolia. One of
Field characters Tot 44-50mm, Ab 29-35mm, Hw their yellow bodies marked with a black Lilli- • In 111<1.1 common species.
35-41 mm. Slightly longer than Libellula depressa tenerals are often mistaken for Gomphus ipM IlHbllHt I arger standing or slow-flowing waters,
and L. quadrimaculata. The only other libellulid These, however, are much less robust and II ir ih i. illy open and often with unvegetated
that combines clear wings, black Pt, and an abdominal black stripes are much thickei lli.m ti i in - , such as lakes, sandpits, rivers and canals; Flight season From the end of April to the
abdomen with two thick lengthwise black stripes yellow stripe in between, instead of vice vniM • ini. ii id and adjacent region, mainly in bays of beginning of September; most abundant from June
that becomes grey-blue pruinose with a black tip Hand characters Male's hamule has a vriy I • »• Halin Sea. to August.
Orthetrum Skimmers Orthetrum Skimmers

black pterostigma
Orthetrum albistylum (Selys, 1848) White-tailed Ski mm
Identification disappear under pruinosity as the male cigt*’.,
General Very similar to O. cancellatum, with which S(6—)8—10 becoming black. It can be difficult I"
it is found especially in the south-east, and as far distinguish it in flight, but 0. albistylum h.r. Ihl
west as France. However, it is sleeker, paler and following: (1) whitish appendages in both
more contrasting. Named for the contrasting white a character that can be indiscernible in the mult' I
appendages of both sexes, but beware occasional while the female's S10 is also white; (2) two
males with black appendages! contrasting milky bands on the sides of the llmimi
Field characters Tot 45-50mm, Ab 30-37mm, and a pale stripe running dorsally over the llun.ii
Hw 33-38mm. As large as O. cancellatum but between the wings; (3) ground colour of abd.....
less robust, with a narrower abdomen. As with paler and the black lines on each segment slightly
0. cancellatum, has black Pt and two distinct more curved; (4) mature male's pruinosity p.iln,
lengthwise black stripes on the abdomen that almost white; (5) relatively larger Pt.
mature <3
I. i .i jitudinal
Iundson
abdomen
abdomen
in liceably
narrower than
< urved
0. cancellatum
black tip to
and pruinosity
abdomen
whiter
S10 and
appendages
white white
appendages
relatively pointed
<3 secondary hamule
genitalia
whitish bands on
sides of thorax
◄ Orthetrum
albistylum
female. Noll
the white
appendage1.,
curved
bands on Un
abdomen
and black
pterostigmai
Hand characters Secondary genitalia much like

those of O. cancellatum, but hamule more pointer
and anterior lamina less deeply bifid.
Behaviour Like O. cancellatum, male often sits or
open ground near the water, making very fast, lov
flights over the water.
Occurrence
Range and status Distribution is patchy, but the
► Orthetrum
species is generally not uncommon, stretching to
albistylum male,
China and Japan. May be expanding gradually, e.c
■.howing the
first found in Belgium in 2016.
< < mtrasting white
Habitat Open ponds and lakes. .ippendages and the
Flight season From the end of May to p.ile bands on the
mid-September. Ihorax.

pale brown face large yellow pterostigma
Orthetrum coerulescens (Fabricius, 1798) Keeled Skimni antehumeral

stripes
◄ Orihi ......
coeriilr'M
femah Null
the linn i It hi•!
line with • m-|
bars' .iml Ihn
largo ynllnw
pteroslhim •
thorax and abdomen may be

all-pruinose in south of range
immature
(notably dark
individual)
Identification with Sympetrum (see description of 0. brunneum

General The common small Orthetrum of flowing for a full comparison, and descriptions of
water throughout much of our area. Often 0. chrysostigma, O. nitidinerve, O. ransonnetll
found with the similar O. brunneum and several and 0. taeniolatum for their distinctive chai.u mm
other lookalikes in the far south. Differences are 0. coerulescens is characterised by its rather *.inull
summarised in the table on p. 260. size, fairly slender, tapering abdomen and l.inr
Field characters Tot 36-45mm, Ab 23-38mm, Pt (around 4mm long). Unlike similar species. anterior lamina
Hw 28-33mm. About the size of Sympetrum the mature male develops little pruinosity on I In1 with rounded -
lip
striolatum. In most areas, the mature male is thorax, and has a brown face. It thus appears I'
separated from all libellulids, except 0. brunneum, coloured rather than all blue (but see Variation)
by the all-pruinose abdomen and yellow Pt, but Usually, two pale stripes on the front of the the>1
young males and females are often confused are visible, but the sides are a uniform colour.
Hand characters Almost invariably has Rspl anterior lamina
triangular
subtending a single row of cells. At most, five
cells are doubled, whereas similar species often •
always have more doublings. Anterior lamina <>l
male dwarfs hamule by comparison with simil.u
species (but see Variation). mi. nor lamina, which is directed more backwards. north Africa, Asia (to northern India), Sardinia
Variation Wing bases are often suffused with • mlliem males (thus including ssp. anceps) tend to and the southern Balkans. Intermediate forms
amber. Two subspecies are recognised. The In- more densely and extensively pruinose and may predominate in the Iberian peninsula, Sicily and
southern ssp. anceps has been considered a mm totally blue. large parts of south-eastern Europe. Elsewhere,
species, formerly often called 0. ramburii, but Ih'h.iviour Normally sits on vegetation, seldom on typical ssp. coerulescens is found.
this is unjustified as intermediate individuals llir *pound. Habitat Running waters, such as streams and
occur in large areas. Seen from the side, typic.il ditches. In north of range, mainly runnels in boggy
ssp. coerulescens males have the anterior lamina o<< urrence areas.
standing nearly perpendicular to the abdomin.il Mrtiige and status Common around the Flight season From April to November; most
axis. Its apex is inflated and rounded. Typical I Imlilerranean, but generally local in central and abundant from June to August.
ssp. anceps has a more pointed and triangular in >ilhern Europe. Typical ssp. anceps is found in

imi dd be used as an indication of the identity of in males this pattern disappears under pruinosity
Orthetrum brunneum Southern Skimi ■ I- Inals (4 and 5 especially are not fully reliable), with maturity. However, both sexes of all ages show
(Fonscolombe, 1837) ii id lentification in the hand is recommended. See bold black and white bars behind the eyes, unlike
relatively small brown
pterostigma 1 itlinerve, O. chrysostigma and O. taeniolatum the yellowish and brown pattern in ssp. brunneus.
1 'i 11 ■ *ir separation. Behaviour Often perches on the ground or on
Hund characters Additional distinguishing stakes beside running water.
I- limes are: (6) between IR3 and Rspl, four to
...... i.irely less) cells are doubled; there are no Occurrence
• in I / one to five) doublings in O. coerulescens; Range and status Common around the
i is relatively short (2.5-3mm); (8) the male's Mediterranean; range extends to eastern China.
Hinile has a very large hook, and unlike in other Has expanded northwards since the 1990s.
• 'i lh< 'hum species it juts out well beyond the Habitat Mostly small streams, running ditches and
inimor lamina. seepages, preferring scantily vegetated sites more
Vml.ition On Sardinia and Corsica, ssp. cycnos has than O. coerulescens. Favours bare runnels in the
h inHI brown lengthwise stripes on the abdomen, north, e.g. in chalk or marl quarries.
mature 3 i iiibling 0. cancellatum or dark O. coerulescens; Flight season From April to September.
3 seconds v
(h l hetrum nitidinerve Yellow-veined Skimmer

all-blue
abdomen and
comparatively
low anterior
ISelys, 1841)
large yellow
thorax lamina
pterostigma
$ abdomen tip
costa yellow
from node to
pterostigma
\
S8 expanded ventrally
Identification Field characters Tot 41-49mm, Ab 25-32mrn

General A rather plain, medium-sized skimmer Hw 33-37mm. Size and shape between 0.
that is common on running waters in the south. cancellatum and O. coerulescens. Distinguished
mature 3
Males become totally blue, females are brown from the former (and O. albistylum) by its redfin
overall. Being somewhat featureless, it is most brown Pt and almost unmarked body, which '
easily separated from similar species around the becomes largely blue in mature males. Most Dki 9 abdomen tip
Mediterranean by exclusion. to be confused with O. coerulescens in most of

its range, but visual distinguishing features arc, I
(1) somewhat larger and heavier, with a broadfi
3OQ> X
S8 not expanded ventrally,
abdomen; (2) adult male has a whitish face willi 4 its sides as straight as S7
blue hue, rather than a dirty pale brown; (3) tli<n<|
is plain brown, becoming entirely blue pruinose I
in mature male (in O. coerulescens the thorax I Identification other longitudinal veins), and the costa between
seldom becomes densely pruinose and two palm ni’iu ral Fairly large Orthetrum with large golden Pt, the node and Pt is similarly bright, standing out
antehumeral stripes are often visible); (4) when n • iH l> 'iiiic to the western Mediterranean. Named for, more than in other Orthetrum species; (2) the
pruinose, the abdomen is uniformly brown with J ii H11H ">t identified by, its thick, bright yellow veins. yellow Pt are notably large (about 4-5mm) (those
thin lengthwise black line down the centre (extdj I laid characters Tot 46-50mm, Ab 28-33mm, of O. brunneum are clearly smaller and darker in
for Sardinia and Corsica; see Variation), which II | I 38mm. Similar in size, shape and general the field); (3) body becomes wholly whitish-blue
flanked by two spots near the end of each segrnj •i-I . H. mce to O. brunneum. Distinguished from pruinose in males, a shade paler than other species.
(these spots are usually fused to a cross-bar in i Hi ii pedes, O. coerulescens and O. chrysostigma Females and young males are very plain, typically
O. coerulescens, but seldom so in O. brunneumn In H tadius (third longitudinal vein counted from without obvious pale or dark markings, other than
(5) when mature, the Pt is reddish brown, rather ii h in H i edge of wing) is yellow from base to node a thin black central line on the abdomen.
than yellow as in O. coerulescens. These characM ....... her species this is brown to black, as are the Hand characters Unlike the similar species, S8 is

not expanded in the female, its lower border being are less white. In the even smaller O. taeniolatum,
straight rather than convex. there are three stripes on each side, and these are
Behaviour Females oviposit while perched on a accentuated by a black line on only one side. Both
stone, dipping their abdomen into the water and smaller species are unwaisted and have grey-brown
attaching gelatinous strands of white eggs to the membranules.
stone, with the guarding male perching nearby. Hand characters Hamule has a broad hook that
This behaviour is exceptional among Libellulidae. dwarfs a small, but separate, lobe beside it.
Behaviour In Turkey, said to perch rarely in the
Occurrence obelisk position, in contrast to O. taeniolatum.
Range and status Endemic to our area. Most
common in north-west Africa, more local in Iberian Occurrence
peninsula, Sardinia, Sicily and near Naples. Range and status Ubiquitous outside forests
Habitat Mainly small running waters (springs, throughout Africa. Not uncommon in the south
streamlets, seepages) with marshy vegetation in western Iberian peninsula, the Canaries, coastal
rather arid areas, but sometimes larger waterbodies, Turkey and adjacent Greek islands.
like pools of intermittent streams and rivers. Habitat Larger streams and shallow still waters in
Flight season From April to October. 11 h • I lw base is generally clear. The larger, broader- open landscapes.
b< ulii'd and unwaisted O. brunneum, O. nitidinerve Flight season In Turkey, recorded from April
.uni o. ransonnetii lack pale stripes on the thorax, to the end of August. In north-west Africa, up
Orthetrum chrysostigma Epaulet Skinn Il u I have whitish membranules. In the smaller until November and suspected to be on the wing
i’m >erulescens, the stripes lie more anteriorly and throughout the year.
(Burmeister, 1839)
Identification with a largely pruinose body in the mature iihilu

Orthetrum taeniolatum (Schneider, 1845) Small Skimmer
General One of tropical Africa's commonest and a yellowish Pt. Diagnostic features are: (I)
dragonflies, extending to Rhodes and the Iberian abdomen rather slender and waisted near l).nn,
peninsula. Usually easily distinguished by its and constricted between S3 and S4 when wt’ii
(wneral A diminutive Orthetrum, with a pretty Hw 25-28mm. The smallest Orthetrum species.
'epaulette': broad white badges bordered with from above; (2) thorax with a conspicuous whllM
I' liMn of milky stripes on the thorax that, like the This is another species with yellowish Pt and wholly
black on each 'shoulder'. stripe beneath each Fw base, accentuated by I>l.i4
/Ik >l<* body, becomes pale blue pruinose in old blue mature males, but distinct by: (1) total length
Field characters Tot 39-48mm, Ab 26-33mm, Hw lines on both sides (note that this is obscured in —
in.ih".. Inhabits the dry lands of Asia, just reaching normally less than 40mm (0. coerulescens is at
27-32mm. Size near O. brunneum and especially old males); (3) membranules are sooty and
Hw Aegean. least 5mm longer on average); (2) the thorax has
0. coerulescens. One of several similar species bordered by a small yellow patch. In other spw( n
dark membranule <? secondoiv <5 secondary

with small yellow genitalia
patch in adjacent
hindwing
waisted '
abdomen
broad hook on
hamule lobe enveloped
mature 6 distinctive white 'epaulet' by base of broad
bordered with black hook

Rspl usually small rufous pterostigma
only about 2-2.5mm long; (6) the up|....... .1
eyes are brown in mature males, conli.r.iimj «i
the blue pruinosity. Females and young iiiaIr |
easily identified by their striking pallet n, I ml In
markings become totally obscured by | h • ill hi ".
in older males. Mature males of othei *.pw IR f
larger, with broader or waisted abdomen* .»m.| I
(green-) bluish eyes.
Hand characters Hamule has a broad I.... I •»*
base of which envelops a small lobe.
Behaviour Prefers to perch on rocks or ’.dinly I
ground. Unlike other Orthetrum species, <»Hhh m whitish membranule
and entirely clear
in the obelisk position. hindwing base
<3 secondary
immature $ mature $ mature 3
Occurrence genitalia
Range and status Widespread Asian spin Ip*

two pale stripes on the front and two on each (Middle East to India) that extends along Il ir darker abdominal
rings in females and
side, and the lateral stripes are accentuated by a Mediterranean shore in southern Turkey and mtiu
young males
black line on their anterior side; (3) the abdomen Greek islands, where it is not uncommon,
anterior lamina and hook
is slender, straight-sided and gradually tapering; Habitat Standing or slow-flowing water., otluii of hamule pointed
(4) the sandy-yellow abdomen has a relatively thick sparsely vegetated, such as in rocky stream bed
black central line, accentuated by paler areas along Flight season From early April to the begun in t>i
it; (5) the Pt is short, even relative to its small size, of October.
i il .welling; the anterior lamina is also pointed. Fuerteventura in 2018 represents the first record
Vmi.ition The abdominal rings are especially clear for the Canary Islands and Europe. This was near
tn. I iiiangular in females but may narrow, fade and a ravine with an intermittent stream and stagnant
Orthetrum ransonnetii (Brauer, 1865) Desert Skinm • /on vanish with age. Older females can develop pools. As such barrancos are typical of the islands,
p ih* pruinosity on the underside of the body. more records may be expected.
Identification abdomen waist and Hw yellow base, as well || IN ji Iwhaviour Perches on rocks and bare ground, Habitat Contrary to most desert species that breed
General One of world's few true desert the shorter Pt and brownish hue of the eyes it gularly sheltering from the sun on vertical at ephemeral sites and wander widely, this is a
dragonflies, this scarce species was recently Field characters Tot 45-59mm, Ab 28—34miti ii11.11 es or under overhanging rocks. resident of permanent pools fed by intermittent
discovered on the northern edge of the Sahara Hw 27-32mm. Larger on average than 0. and perennial streams and springs. These are
in Morocco and on Fuerteventura in the Canary chrysostigma. While males become entirely Occurrence usually rocky, can be brackish and artificial,
Islands. May first be noted by the female's rather pruinose with age, the pale brown females and Range and status Highly localised from Morocco and often persist in the deep wadis of desert
broad tan abdomen with dark rings. Males are young males are distinctive by: (1) darker cheitni I hi id Mauritania to Iran and Afghanistan, but mountains, such as guelta.
similar initially but become completely pruinose, apical rings of the abdominal segments; (2) mil uncommon where found, especially in the Flight season Recorded mainly between March
and may be noted among the generally smaller discontinuous or even absent thin black dorsal Inih mountains of the central Sahara, for example and October, but most abundant in spring at lower
and more common O. chrysostigma by lacking the on the abdomen; (3) absence of dark-bordered in •.outhern Algeria and Libya just outside the elevations: may fly throughout the year in the
whitish stripes on the plain thorax. Wholly prunm • m.ipped region. An old record from eastern Turkey central Sahara.
males differ from O. chrysostigma by: (4) almoit 1 iiiH onfirmed. A young male photographed on
parallel-sided abdomen without a constriction
('waist') between S3 and S4 when viewed from I
above; (5) entirely clear Hw bases and whitish Orthetrum trinacria (Selys, 1841) Long Skimmer
membranules; (6) notably small (about 2.5mm) I
rufous Pt. Uniquely among Orthetrum species in I
Identification S1-2 (more than three times as thick as remaining
the Sahara, (7) all cross-veins and most longitudinal segments), olive-yellow ground colour, rather black
General Large, elongate and powerful species that
veins (except parts of the costa) are black and abdomen and large, pale Pt. Unique for: (1) total
m.iy recall an aeshnid in flight. Its thin cylindrical
ultimately become pruinose in males; at least the length always more than 50mm (O. cancellatum
«il»< l< >men with a bulbous base, crisply marked
subcostal cross-veins (the second row between the about 10mm shorter, on average); (2) uniformly
Imi, lies and young males, and slate-coloured
node and wing base) are yellowish in other spec lf| slender S3-10; (3) black abdomen with pale
hi.iiiire males should render it unmistakable.
Hand characters Usually no (rarely one to two)
Held characters Tot 51-67mm, Ab 38-44mm, streaks at least up to S7, rather than rings up to
cells are doubled between IR3and Rspl. The hool S6, and the longest part of the pale spots on S4-6
I Iw 34-38mm. Our longest and most slender
of the male's hamule has a broad triangular base |
()n hetrum. Nearest to 0. sabina by the swollen lies against the dorsal keel, not along the lateral
and pointed, out-turned tip, while the lobe is just 4

Orthetrum sabina (Drury, 1773) Slender Skimmer
distinctive
black-and-
white marked markedness of
abdomen, never mature <5
characteristic pale
pruinose stripes depends on
darkness of thorax
diagnostic club-
shaped abdomen
(S7-10)
conspicuous
from side
bulbous base
Identification Behaviour Active, and often very wary, perching

Goneral A swift, nervous species, lacking on the ground or twigs for just a few seconds
pm nosity, with strongly contrasting markings and before speeding off again.
keels as in O. sabina; (4) males and old females of the Iberian peninsula. Fairly common in Sic lly
darkening, with relatively thin bluish pruinosity, .1 peculiar wasp-waisted, clubbed abdomen. Often
and Sardinia; has recently colonised the CanailPW
I. il i n for a gomphid rather than an Orthetrum at Occurrence
appearing darker than other pruinose Orthetrum (Fuerteventura) and Malta, but still very rare <nnl
In J sight. One of the commonest tropical Asian Range and status Ubiquitous species in southern
males, and the abdomen may appear largely black. local in Greece and Turkey.
ih.itjonflies extending into our area along the Asia, reaching Australia. Common on the Turkish
The abdomen shape may recall the much smaller Habitat Standing waters, these often large, SU(
Mediterranean coast. Mediterranean coast and some Greek islands.
O. chrysostigma, which is marked differently. as reedy lakes.
I l<‘ld characters Tot 43-50mm, Ab 31-36mm, Hw Less common in Tunisia and Algeria. Recently
O. sabina is smaller and never pruinose, has Flight season From April to October.
33mm. Size is similar to O. cancellatum, but discovered in Morocco; may be found on the Greek
different markings and never has grey-blue eyes.
dupe is totally different. Unmistakable, with these mainland in future.
Hand characters Appendages are longer than in
unique characters: (1) abdomen club-shaped, S1-2 Habitat All kinds of standing or slow-flowing
other species, almost three times S10 in female,
swollen (more than three times thicker than the waters.
and upper appendages almost twice as long as
v<-iv slender S4-6) and S7-10 expanded (view from Flight season From April to October.
lower in males. Hamule has a down-turned hook
mi In); (2) abdomen predominantly black and never
between two ridges, unlike any other species
except O. sabina. plumose, wih a diagnostic pattern of three whitish
lings on thin 'waist' (S4-6) and conspicuous (partly)
Behaviour Aggressive; frequently takes other
dragonflies as prey. white appendages; (3) thorax is pale greenish
yellow with numerous bold black stripes, becoming
Occurrence ■ 1.111 with age and with a single bold whitish
Range and status Common in tropical Africa II. ii id on each side; (4) eyes never grey-bluish, as
and parts of south-west Asia. Widespread but ...... males of other species, but greenish or
not common in north-west Africa. First recorded I nownish. Confusion is most likely with females and
in Spain and Portugal in 1980 and 1991, now v< ung males of the similarly shaped 0. trinacria, but
regionally common in the south and south-west Hui species is larger and lacks a clubbed tail-end.
Hand characters Unlike any other Orthetrum,
H iierior lamina bears a conspicuous tuft of dark
iH.inge bristly hairs.
V. n iation Colour of thorax and extent of
abdominal black varies considerably.
Leucorrhinia Brittinger, 1850 Whiteface. / I'ucorrhinia dubia (Vander Linden, 1825) Small Whiteface
White-faced (‘••i
Identification
Diagnosis Easily distinguished, pterostigma usually
even from afar, by the bright blackish
white face, contrasting with a patches

largely black body. This feature semicircular .
with rounded
is combined with unique wings outher edge
that have dark spots at the Hw
bases, only seven to eight (rarely
immature <3 mature 8
nine) Fw antenodal cross-veins,
relatively
and notably short, rectangular Pt. small spots
up to S7
The abdomen is predominantly
distinctive white
black, with a single series of pale ▲ Leucorrhinia caudalli IT! face of the genus
dorsal spots that turn deep red
in mature males in three species. In two others separated into two groups. Two species have wlHl (5 secondary
they disappear and the abdomen becomes grey appendages and males that become dark, willi genitalia $ vulvar scale
pruinose at its base. pruinosity at the abdomen base. Three other. Im i
Separation from other genera Other libellulids dark appendages and develop deep red marking!
have coloured faces, although this may be poorly but no pruinosity. Note that the species in thtll |
developed in young individuals, and in most of groups often occur together. The white appjfflJdyH
angle to abdomen processes
those genera pale colours predominate on the are easily seen from a distance, making separ.illim I
abdomen. Males developing pruinosity (e.g. possible without capture. To identify species, young males may be mistaken for L. albifrons and
especially the red-spotted ones, examination in Ilia I Identification
Orthetrum. Libellula) tend to have this on more L. caudalis, but these species both lack the large
General The dominant whiteface in many areas,
than half the abdomen, but the distinction may hand is preferable; the male's hamule and feni.ilw spot on S7 and have whitish appendages.
ollen the only one at the edge of its range, but
be difficult in old and worn pruinose Leucorrhinia vulvar scale rule out all confusion. Young indlvKlii.ih Hand characters In red-spotted species in
.il-.o widely overlapping with the closely similar
males. The only largely black libellulid occurring of all species are black with yellowish spots, ami particular, the blackish basal spots in the Hw are
/ lubicunda. The two are difficult to distinguish
widely with Leucorrhinia species is Sympetrum can be separated safely only by close examiniiliun also present in the Fw. This is most extensive in
wilh certainty without capture, although relative
danae. The smallest species, L. dubia, in particular and by also referring to the pattern of spots, L. dubia, broadly covering the Fw's hind corner.
dillerences in size, shape, and abdominal and wing
may be confused with it when viewed from a Behaviour All species have an erratic flight, Male's hamule has a straighter hook than other
■I >ots aid recognition in the field.
distance; 5. danae has a yellow to black face, and especially the smaller red-marked species, whk h Leucorrhinia species, pointing perpendicularly away
at most a yellow Hw base. Finally, the white-faced can often be seen 'dancing' over bogs and fens from the abdomen. Female's vulvar scale has two
I Iw 23-28mm. The smallest Leucorrhinia; almost
North American vagrant Pachydiplax longipennis The larger, pruinose species fly more slowly, triangular processes.
.r. -mall as Sympetrum danae. Easily confused with
may recall a Leucorrhinia species, but it is only likely often over open water or even among the tree, Variation Andromorph females occur regularly.
/ lubicunda, unless caught or closely examined
to appear on the Atlantic seaboard. surrounding a breeding site. Females of all spec If.
c.ee that species for comparison). Both are black
Separation of the species Five species occur in our may oviposit alone, or are guarded by the male
wilh (yellowish-) brown spots on the thorax and
area. All increase in abundance towards the north flying or perching nearby. In hot weather all spot hi
may perch with abdomen raised in obelisk posfloffl ■. ’ 7. The spots are smaller and darker in males,
east, ranging deeply into Siberia. Another seven
G SahA f.pecially mature ones, turning orange and
inhabit North America. Our species can easily be
eventually deep red between the wings and on
llir abdomen. In L. dubia, all spots are usually
Simple key to (pairs of similar) species. If the statement agrees, compare the given species. .mailer than in other red-spotted species; those on
If it disagrees then go to the next line. '.■1 -6 are usually darker than that on S7 and may
even disappear with age. Patches at Hw bases are
1 Appendages white, not black. Abdomen grey-blue pruinose at base; if albifrons
almost semicircular, with a rounded outer edge
j not so, S7 at most with minute spot, never with red markings on thorax
I
cauda Iis
lh.it is blunt where it meets the wing border; in
and abdomen.
/ rubicunda these are more triangular with rather
2 Spot on S7 yellower than the spots on S4-6, which are reddish brown in j pectoralis .1 might and sharply angled edge. Sympetrum
males and yellow-brown in females. danae has similar range, habitat and stature. It is
,il .o sleek and black, but the face and markings are
3 Spot on S7 at most more reddish or orange than those on S4-6. dubia, rubicund.)
.ii most yellowish, not white and red. Females and
Leucorrhinia Whitefaces Leucorrhinia Whitefaces

Behaviour Like L. rubicunda, often displays a Great Britain and the higher Alps and I’yinmi ()< • urrence
rather erratic flight across the water and the Habitat Bogs, ponds, tarns and lakes, usiirtlly « M.mge and status May be abundant in good
surrounding area. Frequently perches on the acidic and often in forests. The larvae are ’.miMlh ii ii ni.it, but is the least widespread Leucorrhinia
ground, among dense vegetation. to fish predation, and so the species doc. Inti* • hi ilie warm temperate parts of Europe. The
where fish are not present, such as small ...... I ll| i H i ilations on the south-western edge of its
Occurrence raised bogs. i ii i<)e, such as along the northern Alps, are
Range and status Often abundant, but like other Flight season From mid-April to early Seph ihIhH i i tiled and vulnerable.
Leucorrhinia species its occurrence is relictual in In temperate lowlands, most abundant from tall Il.ihitat Like L. dubia prefers acidic, oligotrophic
the south-west of its range. Here it is relatively May to mid-July. i.il tarns and bogs, often in forest. Also
frequent, being the only Leucorrhinia species in in i . isionally breeds in more nutrient-rich, richly
<ta
i > |i ‘lated habitats (similar to those of L. pectoralis).
Hi ii(>r adapted to coexist with higher fish densities
Leucorrhinia rubicunda (Linnaeus, 1758) Ruby Whitel'ni il i. H i L. dubia.

I light season Probably the earliest whiteface; from
Northern White-faced !>..»»• mu I April to early August. In temperate lowlands,
mi r.t abundant from mid-May to mid-June.
entire costa yellow
I rucorrhinia pectoralis Yellow-spotted Whiteface

I< liarpentier, 1825) Large White-faced Darter
red-brown
patches
triangular
with rather
straight outer
edge
dark
pterostigma
relatively large
spots up to S7
$ vulvar scale
Identification rounded and blunt in L. dubia); (4) costa (leading long plume on
'triangular
General Often occurs with the smaller, sleeker and vein) of Fw yellow from base to Pt (view from tip of anterior
processes
lamina
smaller-spotted L. dubia. May be easily confused front) (in L. dubia it is dark brown to black basally
without close examination, but with binoculars (almost) to node); (5) may be picked out by the mil
the shape of Hw patch and entirely yellow leading brown rather than blackish Pt, but this character Identification the spot on S7 is bright lemon yellow, becoming
edge of Fw can be made out. is not consistent as some L. dubia have reddish PI General The largest whiteface and the prevailing darker and duller with age. The Pt is darker than
Field characters Tot 31-38mm, Ab 23-28mm, Hw Features 1-4 recall L. pectoralis, but that generally one in many lowland and more eutrophic areas, that of L. rubicunda, a feature that may aid field
27-31mm. Medium-sized Leucorrhinia', near the has the S7 spot yellower than those on S2-6. .illhough almost always very local. The conspicuous identification. May easily be confused with L. dubia
average Sympetrum. See L. dubia for similarities. Hand characters Basal dark spot in Fw usually yellow spot on S7 allows males and most females and L. rubicunda, especially very old and very
Differentiating field marks are: (1) somewhat larger smaller than in L. dubia, barely covering the wlnu'* lo be identified through binoculars. young individuals that lack bright colours. However,
and more robust; (2) abdominal spots (red in males, hind corner. Male's hamule appears like a towirm Field characters Tot 32-39mm, Ab 23-27mm, these species never have the spot on S7 lemon
yellow in immatures and females) usually larger, hook: a relatively small, curved hook with a large I Iw 30-33mm. Largest Leucorrhinia species, yellow; if its colour differs from S1-6 (brighter, less
approaching those of L. pectoralis, especially in round lobe. Female's vulvar scale lacks double imewhat larger and plumper than Sympetrum brown), the tone is redder rather than yellower. If
females, and the large dorsal spots on S3-4 extend triangles of L. dubia and L. pectoralis. ••pedes. Nearest is L. rubicunda in all features, but all spots are yellowish, identification must be made
downwards (normally strictly dorsal and separated Variation Very old individuals can be very dull ami I pectoralis is even larger, with a thicker abdomen by hand characters.
from some lateral spots in L. dubia)', (3) patches at dark, with only the S7 spot distinct. Andromorph mid larger spots. The markings on S1-6 are fairly Hand characters Male's hamule is like that of L.
Hw bases triangular with rather straight outer edge females occur regularly. i h ill brown, yellower when fresh and with a rubicunda but the hook is much larger. Although
meeting the wing border at a sharp angle (more Behaviour Similar to L. dubia. itong orange or red tinge in males. In contrast, all Leucorrhinia males have very hairy secondary

genitalia, those of L. pectoralis have an especially L. rubicunda, preferring marshy borders of I x ««r.
conspicuous plume of long hairs on the tip of the forest lakes, fenlands, marshy ditches, oxbow., I eucorrhinia albifrons (Burmeister, 1839) Dark Whiteface
anterior lamina. Female's vulvar scale with two and even sluggish rivers or canals. Vegetation Eastern White-faced Darter
triangular processes, like those of L. dubia. These is typically lush and varied, with both emergonl d secondary
processes are absent in L. rubicunda, this being and submerged species. The water is frequently genitalia
___ ____ I
the only reliable character to distinguish the similar mesotrophic and often coloured brown due tC» i
females of these species. Flight season From early May to early Auguil, pterostigma
Variation Old males are duller; the contrast of the with most records in late May and June. dark
S7 spot may be less apparent. parallel to abdomen
Behaviour Males often patrol among tall emergent

plants, seldom perching on low, flat surfaces.
Occurrence
abdomen mature <5
Range and status Fairly common and widespread base
$ vulvar scale white patches
in the Baltic region and southern Sweden, but pruinose,
especially on labium
generally uncommon elsewhere; populations are S3-4
usually local and small but may disperse in good
numbers. First recorded in Great Britain in 2012. \ '
virtually indiscernible
The most thermophilous Leucorrhinia, with a
processes
relatively southern range. The only Leucorrhinia
Identification
species in Turkey and much of the Balkans, where
General The darkest and dullest of the
it is very local.
I < ucorrhinia species, males appearing rather grey.
Habitat Generally occurs in habitats that are not
In the hand, easily separated from congeners by
as acidic and nutrient poor as those of L. dubia and
I he white spots on the labium.
field characters Tot 33-39mm, Ab 22-27mm, Hw
:-28mm. A medium-sized Leucorrhinia. Differs
horn all Leucorrhinia species except L. caudalis
. r. follows: (1) largely dark without reddish spots,
.iiid yellowish markings restricted and visible only
in females and young males; (2) abdominal spots
■.mall and confined to S2-6, at most a trace on S7;
< ■:) appendages white in both sexes; (4) mature
males are all dark with bluish-grey pruinosity, by careful comparison of the yellow markings on
r .pedal ly at the abdomen base and wing joints. S3: in L. albifrons there is a basal ring that reaches
I lie thickest pruinosity is confined to S3-4, but to the segment sides and a central patch that seems
linn pruinosity may also cover the thorax (e.g. separated into two spots lying beside each other,
between wings) and abdomen up to S5. The pale while in L. caudalis there is a larger central patch
img at the abdomen base thus appears shorter and that consists of two parts following each other.
▲ Leucorrhinia rubicunda andromorph female. ▲ Leucorrhinia pectoralis young female.
▼ Leucorrhinia caudalis female, which has become ▼ Leucorrhinia dubia andromorph female. more diffuse than in L. caudalis. Appears smaller Behaviour Often perches in bankside bushes or
somewhat pruinose with age. and sleeker than that species (abdomen scarcely trees. Unlike L. caudalis, seldom perches on lilypads.
c lubbed). The Pt are blackish brown in both sexes.
Hand characters Labium laterally white, but all Occurrence
black in other Leucorrhinia species. Hook of male's Range and status Locally abundant in Fennoscandia
11. imule is small and straight, pressed inwards, and the Baltic region, but generally scarce in central
almost parallel to abdomen. Female's vulvar scale Europe, becoming very local towards the south and
with two very short, almost invisible processes. west, where it is usually under threat.
I < males are most easily identified by the labium. Habitat Wide selection of lakes and bogs with
Variation Old individuals can appear very grey. Only abundant floating and emergent vegetation.
■.pots on S2-3 may be apparent in dark females. Mainly confined to mesotrophic lakes in periphery
I >ark basal Hw marking in females is enclosed of its range. Elsewhere also in rather acidic,
I >y diffuse yellow, which may cover wings quite oligotrophic or eutrophic waters.
• tensively. Teneral females can appear distinctly Flight season From late May (or end of April in
■ Ii ib-tailed and must be separated from L. caudalis the south) to mid-August; most abundant in June.

Leucorrhinia caudalis (Charpentier, 1840) Lilypad Whitol.H n Sympetrum Newman, 1833 Darters
Dainty White-faced Dnili»
Meadowhawks (NA)
pterostigma
white
S3-5
pruinose
pattern
2nd cross-vein
of dorsal
S7-8 between hindwing
spots
expanded triangle and base finger-like lobes
different to
L. albifrons
appendages
white
Identification
General Large, broad club-tailed species. Males
often perch on lily-pads. They are dark, marked
with white highlights on the face, waist, and at
the tips of the wings and abdomen. This makes
identification through binoculars easy.
Hw 29-32mm. Almost as large as L. pectoralis,
appearing short, plump and wide-winged. Differs
a ympetrum sinaiticum male.
from other Leucorrhinia species by features shared
with L. albifrons (see that species) and differs
from that species in that: (1) abdomen is distinctly Id< ntification Brachythemis has similar venation, but has a
club-shaped (but see Variation in L. albifrons) and Diagnosis Rather small libellulids. Mature males plump, cylindrical abdomen and the Fw triangle
S7-8 are very broad; (2) abdominal spots (visible in frequently resting on floating vegetation (Nuphn with the exception of a black species - have an and subtriangle lack cross-veins.
females and young males) are more extensive and Nymphaea, Potamogeton), where mating may ||| .ilb l< >men that is a shade of red. Black markings are Separation of the species A large and often
differently configured - the dorsal spots on S3-4 take place. Male often raises clubbed tail. v.m able, but usually at least traces on the thorax common genus. Many species are readily
are often fused with each other, but are separate ■.Himes, legs and abdomen. Hw base clear or identified, especially those in the first half of
from small lateral spots (in L. albifrons, these Occurrence hi.ii Led with yellow or amber. Fw with distinctive the key. The species in the latter half can cause
segments typically have a pale ring at their base, Range and status Occurrence is scattered and venation: 61/2-81/2 antenodal cross-veins; discoidal identification problems, especially when observing
plus a separate dorsal spot); (3) males have whitish populations are normally rather small, although lii'h I narrowing towards wing border and of with binoculars only (see table overleaf). The
uppersides of Pt (dark brown in females, young may be abundant locally. Fairly common in llm a rows at base; triangle and subtriangle with greatest challenge is to pick out the increasingly
males and other species); (4) male's pruinosity is southern Fennoscandia and the Baltic States. W.r. mi .-veins, thus normally with two and three cells, widespread but deceptively variable 5. meridionale
thicker, whiter and sharper, distinct on S3-5. local and under threat in south and west of its n".| actively; Rspl subtends a single row of cells. among the common S. striolatum and 5. vulgatum.
Hand characters Unlike its congeners, Hw usually range, but showing recent signs of recovery with Separation from other genera The only smaller Behaviour All darters behave similarly. They
has two (not one) cross-veins between the wing westward expansion in the Netherlands, Belgium, libellulids without a dark Hw patch and often a spend most of their time on a prominent perch,
base and triangle. Unlike L. albifrons, the labium is France and Germany. Extends to central Siberia. i<'i I abdomen in much of our range. Crocothemis from which short sorties are undertaken to chase
all dark. Hook and lobe of male's hamule is rather Habitat Pools and lakes, often in forests (but noi Im I w with 8y2—10’/z antenodals and widening prey or rivals. Males often attain high densities
large and pressed together. Female's vulvar scale shaded), with moderate nutrient levels and rich i lr.> oidal field; moreover, the legs lack any along the water's edge, defending a small 'private
ends in two finger-like, almost parallel processes. (especially aquatic) vegetation. The larvae are vary hla< k and the abdomen is broader (only some space' around themselves rather than a territory.
These extend over about one-third of S9. spiny, unlike its congeners, surviving high fish i mpetrum occurring regionally in Turkey, southern Oviposition always commences in tandem, but
Variation Female wing bases are often diffusely densities. In the periphery of its range, often fouii 11. ii ice and Spain have almost no black on their species differ somewhat in their mode of flight and
yellow. Some females also have brown patches in oxbows and fish ponds. IniRed Trithemis are similar in stature but have choice of oviposition site.
under the Pt of each wing. Flight season Mid-May to early August; most • >' 121/2 antenodals, two rows before Rspl, and K-D B Dijkstra
Behaviour Both sexes fly actively over open water, abundant in June. in "ire males have a much brighter appearance.
Leucorrhinia Whitefaces Sympetrum Darters

Sympetrum male and female genitalia
Simple key to (groups of similar) species. If the statement agrees, compare the given spec U".
If it disagrees, then go to the next line. $ vulvar scale d secondary $ vulvar scale d secondary
ventral view genitalia side view ventral view genitalia
1 Wings with brown bands between Pt and node. pedemontanum
Tibiae and usually femora completely black, without yellow danae, depressing uh....
2 streaks. sanguineum
Hw with prominent yellow patch at base. Vulvar scale deeply flaveolum S. sanguineum S. danae
3 incised in middle (view from below). fonscolombii
haritonovi
4 Back of head all-pale, without dark bars. In Turkey only.
IBS Black on sutures of thorax almost absent, not as distinct lines.
vulgatum (Turkey)
meridionale (typic.il) S. depressiusculum S. striolatum
5 Legs with only some black on inner surface, rather than black sinaiticum
with pale stripes. vulgatum (Spain)
Black at base of frons extending downwards along eye-margins,

S. (s.) nigrifemur
6 like drooping moustache. Vulvar scale projecting at right angle vulgatum (typical) 5. pedemontanum
to abdomen. I
Black at base of frons not extending downwards. Vulvar scale striolatum (including
7 pressed more against abdomen. nigrescens & nigrifomuQ
Comparison of similar (sub)species near S. meridionale, S. striolatum (s.) and S. vulgatum (v )

S. fonscolombii 5. vulgatum
Pale: black on sutures of thorax almost absent; legs with only some black on inner surface.
Very pale: pale, with even back of head all-pale, without dark bars; legs almost unmarked.
Dark: distinct black thorax lines present; black legs with pale stripes.
Very dark: dark, with black thorax stripes partly confluent; femora largely black.
Hhk: hamule hook long (+) or short (-). S. haritonovi
Vsc: vulvar scale (strongly) protruding ((+)+) or appressed (-).
Diagnostic features Range Colour Hhk Vsc
- ++ v. decoloratum
Turkey very
Tiny (total length <33mm). pale - + haritonovi
Sympetrum heads showing extent of black on the frons
Spain - ++ v. ibericum
Underside of eyes bluish, not green to

brown. S2-3 with dark bars. 6 lower
Spain,
appendage reaches well beyond ventral pale - + sinaiticum
N Africa
angle uppers. Viewed from side, hamule
hook normally concealed behind lobe.
Hamule hook especially large. Paired Widespread meridionale

processes on underside of 2 S9 absent. in south (typical) 5. danae S. sanguineum S. flaveolum S. fonscolombii
+ + s. striolatum
Widespread dark
Drooping black 'moustache' on frons. - ++ v. vulgatum
North
+ + (s.) nigrescens
Atlantic very
dark
Canaries,
Large (total length often <44mm). + + (s.) nigrifemui
Madeira S. meridionale (typical)
5. vulgatum (typical)
Sympetrum Darters Sympetrum Darters

Sympetrum danae (Sulzer, 1776) Black Dari ri dympetrum pedemontanum Banded Darter
Black Meadowhawk (NA) (Muller in Allioni, 1766)
black triangle
thorax
black legs
black legs
distinctive brown
wing bands
284
mature $ immature $ immature d genitalia
black- / mature $
sided ' <S secondary
abdomen genitalia
$ vulvar scale
large hook of deep red
(
hamule "
$ vulvar scale vulvar scale

mature $ clubbed
incised
abdomen
black band on thorax
_ vulvar scale enclosing three spots Identification Habitat Appears to be selective, preferring sites
projects at right angle with often shallow and rapidly warming water as
General Attractive and often local, this small
Identification darter is the only dragonfly with conspicuously well as developing but not too dense vegetation.
General The small all-black males are a familiar on the front of the thorax, and a broad black 11.inded wings in most of our area. Its habitat is Its natural habitat is thought to be in hilly areas
sight on bogs and moors in our northern regions; thorax band below the wing bases, enclosing thn|M difficult to specify: perhaps this apparent peculiarity flooded by ground water or by snow-melt in
other black species are seen only south of its range. yellow spots. The latter markings may be similar r. a side-effect of the species' pioneering strategy, spring. Present-day habitats are mostly strongly
Younger males and females are easily distinguished in Leucorrhinia dubia and the dark S. (strioIa turn) ■i iccession of vegetation may favour competitors. impacted by humans, e.g. by damming, irrigation
by the black band marked with 'golden drops' on nigrescens; the former has a black patch at the I Iw Held characters Tot 28-35mm, Ab 18-24mm, and frequent mowing. In the west, perhaps
the thorax side. base and the latter is distinctly larger and lacks tin I Iw 21-28mm. Among the smallest Sympetrum. most common at slow-flowing waters with a fair
Field characters Tot 29-34mm, Ab 18-26mm, broadly black sides of the abdomen. Diplacodes Instantly identified by the brown wing bands amount of vegetation, such as grassy drainage
Hw 20-30mm. The smallest Sympetrum in most lefebvrii, Selysiothemis nigra and Trithemis fesliv,! « (mtrasting with the large, bright cream (females, ditches and irrigation channels. Also breeds in still
of our range. The blackest species of the genus males develop an all-black body, but occur only in ii i matures) to red (mature male) Pt. Aside from the waters, such as pools in quarries and inundation
and the only one in which mature males do not the Mediterranean. wings, it is most like S. sanguineum in shape and zones of reservoirs.
become reddish but turn wholly black, including Hand characters Hook of hamule massive. Vulv.u < < lour: legs are all black, the thorax evenly brown Flight season A late species that may emerge
the Pt. Females and immature males have at least scale projecting at right angle to the abdomen, .ii d the male abdomen is somewhat club-shaped, as early as late June, but mostly from mid-July.
the following diagnostic combination of markings: rather like in S. vulgatum. bioader than in other Sympetrum species, and Most abundant in August and early September,
all-black legs, a broad black band on each side of Variation An extreme colour change in the mall’, uniformly deep red. The only other darter-like persisting to mid-October.
the entire length of the abdomen, a dark triangle from the contrasting yellow with black to all bill) ••I >ecies with wing bands is the dull Brachythemis
(see above). ii: partita, which has a more southern range.
Behaviour Oviposits on the waterline, preferably Hand characters Vulvar scale with a small incision.
on wet moss, plant debris or mud. Variation Width and intensity of wing bands varies
with age and among individuals, although they
Occurrence I income apparent shortly after emergence.
Range and status Circumboreal, ranging to Jap.m Behaviour Slow, fluttering flight is unlike that of
and across North America. Generally common, - her Sympetrum species, although weak flight of
even abundant on many acidic waters. More loGil '■ depressiusculum is somewhat similar.
and confined to higher altitudes (Pyrenees, Alps)
towards the south. Prone to wander and may (iccurrence
accompany invasions of other Sympetrum species Range and status Very local but often abundant
Habitat Mostly acidic waters, such as bogs, ii breeding sites. Wanders very far but never in
moorland and heathy lakes, but also breeds in II < >at numbers; records to north and west of main
small tarns, drying ponds and ditches. i.mge pertain to vagrants. Progressively commoner
Flight season Relatively late, from mid-June to ii wards the east, as far as Japan. Expanding its
early November; most abundant in August. i.mge westwards.

Sympetrum sanguineum (Muller, 1764) Sympetrum depressiusculum (Selys, 1841) Spotted Darter
relatively large and pale
Marshland Darter
entirely
black legs pterostigma
entirely
secondary
genitalia
4-5 coll rowi 5 7 cell rows
below Ripl below Rspl
d secondary flattened deep orange

286 genitalia abdomen with yellower sides
mature $ immature d mature d smal1 but mature <3
distinct 9 vulvar scale
yellow area
deep red at hindwing
clubbed mature <5
abdomen large hook
of hamule
pointed scale
General This darter is much more local than any Range and status Most localised and poorly
other, but can be abundant where found. The dispersing Sympetrum species. Extends to the
mature $ mature d
rather plain male, named for its somewhat flattened abdomen, eastern fringe of the Asian continent where,
thorax (.in best be picked out by its orangish abdomen paradoxically in a European context, it occasionally
Identification face and rather uniform thorax should assist field marked with two rows of black droplets. occurs invasively in Japan. Vulnerable to changes in
General A familiar dragonfly in much of our area. identification. Field characters Tot 29-34mm, Ab 20-24mm, management, having become rare in much of range.
Mature males are easily identified by their all-black Hand characters Hook of hamule large. Vulvar m .ih| I iw 24-28mm. Similar to S. sanguineum and most Habitat Reaches high densities only in very specific
legs and slightly clubbed blood-red abdomen. pointed. Paired processes on underside of female often confused with that species because of the habitats, including rice paddies, fish ponds, and
Field characters Tot 34-39mm, Ab 20-26mm, Hw S9 (just beyond vulvar scale) absent, unlike in molt .ill-black legs. Differences are: (1) male abdomen cooling-water basins. Many of these are dry (or have
23-31 mm. On average, smaller than S. striolatum. Sympetrum species, including S. depressiusculum. r. flatter and more evenly broad, therefore not low levels) in winter (whereas most waterbodies
The commonest black-legged Sympetrum in most Variation Notably variable in Turkey. In south-Wmi .I. noticeably clubbed, and the colour is a deeper are driest in summer) and have swampy borders. Its
of our area. The male's abdomen is deeper red and Turkey has much yellow in the wings, especially orange, often with more yellow towards the natural habitat is thought to be in floodplains fed
more clubbed than that of any other Sympetrum. around the nodes, more strongly so in females. •■ides (S. sanguineum is uniformly blood red); (2) by snow-melt in spring and early summer. In the
S. danae also has a clubbed abdomen but is These individuals recall 5. flaveolum, but always luivH abdomen, most clearly S4-7, with a paired series vicinity of core habitats will also utilise secondary
easily separated when mature by its black thorax all-black legs. Towards the east many might have of drop-shaped or elongately triangular black spots habitats like summer-dry heathy lakes.
and abdomen, and confusion is likely only with prominent yellow streaks on all femora (but not (• .uch markings, if present, are linear and placed Flight season A species of late summer. Under
the generally scarce S. depressiusculum (see that tibiae), while single individuals have all-black legs more laterally in S. sanguineum); (3) the black bars unusual circumstances may emerge as early as late
species). The small but conspicuous yellow patch Behaviour Flight is relatively bouncy and dancing on the middle of S8-9 are less distinct, in part May, but usually not before July. Most abundant in
at the Hw base and the mature male's bright red Oviposits among dense vegetation or onto wet mud because of the presence of the paired lateral spots August, but may be seen into October.
< Inscribed under the previous point; (4) Pt is larger
Occurrence .ind paler, the contrast with the bordering black
Range and status Generally common throughout, veins being stronger.
and among the commonest dragonflies in large Hand characters Additional distinguishing
parts of Europe, east to central Siberia. Invasions (natures from S. sanguineum are: (1) venation
of S. flaveolum are often accompanied by S. more dense, wings with five to seven rows of cells
sanguineum. Expanding northwards in Great between Rspl and hind border, not just four to
Britain and Fennoscandia. live; (2) hook of hamule is smaller; (3) underside of
Habitat Most waters with lush marshy vegetation, lemale S9 has paired processes; (4) back of head,
but generally avoids running or acidic waters. near the lateral corners of the occipital triangle,
Sites are often eutrophic and permanent, but al*.< > has thin paired processes (this feature is unique
breeds in seasonally wet swamps. • nnong our Sympetrum species, but note that the
Flight season Seen as early as April and May processes may break off).
in Turkey and northern Africa, but in northern Behaviour Has a rather weak, fluttery flight,
Europe from early June; most abundant in August, i('miniscent to that of S. pedemontanum. May be
although some may persist well into November. lound in large communal roosts.

Sympetrum flaveolum Yellow-winged Dai hi
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Identification base, although less broadly so. Females often lidvi

General This species, generally easily identified the (Fw) node marked with yellow. Male abdomen
by its saffron wings, is invasive in large parts of its is very straight-sided, not clubbed, deep orange
range. It may be absent in a particular area for long rather than pure red, and has largely black sides,
periods, breeding there for a few years after the altogether unlike other Sympetrum males. Femili
arrival of large swarms of migrants. typically have a complete black line running on
Field characters Tot 32-37mm, Ab 19-27mm, each side of the abdomen, which is usually parll.illy
288
Hw 23-32mm. As large as S. sanguineum. Both interrupted in other species. The yellow wing
sexes are usually easily identified by the Hw, which may cause confusion with S. fonscolombii, but
is yellow beyond the triangle and sometimes even 5. flaveolum has darker venation and Pt. Does not
to the node. The Fw is usually also yellow at the overlap with the yellow-winged Trithemis kirbyi.
female often conspicuously

yellow at nodes, but may
occasionally lack colour in
wings almost completely
$ vulvar scale
/
double pointed
vulvar scale
mature 9
mature $
▲ Sympetrum flaveolum mature male.

Note the black underside to the abdomen.
uninterrupted upper black
stripe along side of abdomen
Hand characters Hook of hamule small. Vulvar (compare 9 S. sanguineum)
scale appressed, with two distinct points. The
paired processes on the underside of female S9 (juM
beyond vulvar scale) found in most Sympetrum
species (including S. fonscolombii) are absent in
successfully for one or a few years, but ultimately
5. flaveolum, being replaced by two small pits. Occurrence
disappearing again.
Variation Females quite frequently have reduced Range and status Becomes progressively more
Habitat Prefers to breed in shallow, well-vegetated
yellow on the wings. < ommon towards the east, as far as Japan, and
waters that warm up quickly, such as swampy
Behaviour Flight is somewhat slower and more more local, confined to higher altitudes, towards
depressions, seasonally flooded meadows and mire
fluttery than other Sympetrum, but not to the ihe south. Occurrence irregular in much of range,
lakes with shallow edges. Many of these dry up
degree of 5. pedemontanum. Oviposits in drier ('specially in the west, where it may be absent for
during the course of the summer.
places than other Sympetrum, typically onto years and then suddenly appears everywhere in
Flight season From late May to October,
damp mud. Such sites become inundated as large numbers, borne on easterly winds, breeding
sometimes even later; most abundant in August.
autumn progresses.
Sympetrum Darters
Sympetrum Darters
frons red
Sympetrum fonscolombii (Selys, 1840) Red-veined I )ai l« wing veins
yellow
Identification great extent and brightness of this feature !•<

General The male's gaudy appearance and active diagnostic, beware that other Sympetrum (.in ff|
behaviour make it quite different from its more have pale or reddish veins); (2) Hw base with .1
restful and subdued congeners. Indeed, it has been prominent yellow patch, this normally larger Ihrtii
suggested that this species is not a Sympetrum at in 5. sanguineum but smaller than in S. flavtu >h 1111
all, but this was disproved by genetic research. A (3) underside of eyes grey to blue, not yellow It •
strong migrant, with erratic influxes into northern green. Additional features are: (4) Pt is relatively
Europe in early summer, when other Sympetrum pale, with bordering thick black veins, making 11
are only beginning to emerge. A swift red particularly prominent; (5) thorax sides of matillff
dragonfly seen there in May or June is therefore male often with a bluish-white dash below llu*
likely to be this species. wing base; (6) face of mature male vivid red,
Field characters Tot 33-40mm, Ab 22-29mm, contrasting with whitish sides. Often confused
Hw 26-31 mm. One of the larger Sympetrum with Crocothemis erythraea because of the bluff
species. The following features are visible through underside to eyes, yellow Hw base, red colors linn
binoculars: (1) the thicker veins at the wing base and active behaviour. However, that species is
are yellow, becoming bright red in mature males much broader-bodied and has no black on the
but remaining yellow in females (although the face or legs. The female can be deceptively close
◄ Sympetrum
fonscolombii
female. Noir
the blue
underside Io ► Sympetrum
the eye. /< mscolombii
mature male.
Note the
white-sided
I.ice and the
whitish dash
on the side of
1 lie thorax.
to that of 5. flaveolum (note similarity of abdome

markings in photographs), but the eye colour
and vulvar scale are distinctive. 5. sinaiticum has
bluish undersides of the eyes, but is duller overall Hights over the water are undertaken, spending strong migrant has been observed at sea and is the
typically with a black bar on each side of S2-3. most time on the wing rather than perched. only libellulid resident in the Azores.
Hand characters Hook of hamule very small. Oviposits in open water, often more exposed than Habitat Warm, still waters, often open, bare and
Vulvar scale appressed, with broad U-shaped other Sympetrum. Migrating tandems have even shallow, such as quarry lakes, sandpits, newly
incision. been seen laying eggs in the sea. created ponds and coastal lagoons.
Variation Extent of Hw patch is variable. Legs Flight season Life cycle is unlike other Sympetrum
rarely all black, e.g. in the alleged ssp. azorense Occurrence species, because the eggs develop rapidly after
of the Azores, where individuals could be darker Range and status Our only Sympetrum species being laid, without a winter rest. Seen throughout
under the influence of the cold and wet climate. 1 hat ranges widely in warm parts of Africa the year in the Mediterranean, though scarce from
Behaviour Males are much more territorial than ind Asia. Resident and often common in the December to February. Northward migrations occur
other Sympetrum species, behaving more like Mediterranean, but rare and irregular in the north, from late May; subsequent reproduction takes only
Crocothemis erythraea or Orthetrum cancellatum where it can be quite common in invasion years. three months. The second generation emerges
They occupy a prominent perch, from which long Such years have occurred more often recently. This from mid-August and may extend into November.

Sympetrum striolatum (Charpentier, 1840) Common Da) hi
Identification in most areas: (1) legs black with a yellow streak

General Probably the most widespread and along the full length of the tibiae and femora,
numerous darter in our area: the archetypal unlike common species such as S. danae and '•
Sympetrum, with which all other species can be sanguineum; (2) wings at most narrowly yellow >il
compared and that itself can best be identified base, seldom as extensive as S. sanguineum, let
by exclusion. It is most often confused with alone S. flaveolum; (3) black marking at base ol
S. vulgatum in the north and with S. meridionale in frons thick, but not extended downwards along
the south of its huge range. eyes as in S. vulgatum. See table on p. 282 foi
292 Field characters Tot 35-44mm, Ab 20-30mm, Hw comparison with similar species.
24-30mm. One of the larger Sympetrum species. Hand characters Hook of hamule is clearly Ioikp I
In the field, males may be noticed because they and straighter than that of S. vulgatum. Vulvar
seldom become as deeply red as other species and scale protrudes clearly when seen from the side,
have a rather parallel-sided (i.e. weakly clubbed) but not as strongly as S. vulgatum.
abdomen. In comparison with S. vulgatum, for Variation See the text on the dark 'Atlantic
instance, mature males have a more cylindrical, Darters' S. nigrescens and S. nigrifemur, both
does not extend
rather orange-red abdomen and more pronounced possible forms of 5. striolatum. $ vulvar scale prominently along eyes
yellowish bands on the side of the thorax. The Behaviour Oviposits in open water, though often
following combination of characters is diagnostic among vegetation.
vulvar scale
projects somewhat
◄ Sympetrum
striolatum
female. Note
the yellow
stripes on
the tibiae
and slight
projection
▲ Sympetrum striolatum mature male. of the vulvar
scale.
Occurrence
Range and status Common in most of our area,
becoming less common relative to 5. vulgatum
in a north-easterly direction. Extends to Japan.
Migrations are often seen and are sometimes
massive.
Habitat Wide range of habitats, especially Flight season May be seen all year in the flying into November, regularly even December.
preferring warm, stagnant waters. These are often Mediterranean. In northern Algeria emerges as One of the last dragonflies to be encountered in
shallow and bare, this species being a pioneer of < *arly as late April, but postpones reproduction until autumn; in central Europe also regularly emerges
newly created ponds. Occasionally in flowing or October-February. In northern Europe, appears in late summer and autumn, which suggests that a
brackish water. Irom early June, becoming abundant in July and second generation is involved.

Atlantic Darters Sympetrum (striolatum) nigrescens Highland Darter
Lucas, 1912
General Along the Atlantic coast, two dark forms maritime climate. No such studies are avail.ihh1
are found that have been treated as subspecies for S. nigrifemur, but its geographic isolation,
of S. striolatum or as species related closely to it. considerably larger size and subtle but con,.i,.li,m
These are 5. nigrescens, in parts of Ireland, Great differences in the male's secondary genitalia
Britain and Fennoscandia, and S. nigrifemur, on might indicate that it warrants taxonomic
Madeira and the Canary Islands. This distinction recognition. As their status remains unresolved,
is maintained by default rather than by scientific the 'Atlantic Darters' are assigned an intermodhili
evidence. Genetic studies suggest that at least position, outlined below, their close affiliation In
5. nigrescens is best considered as a melanistic S. striolatum being indicated by the name given
form of 5. striolatum associated with a cool in brackets.
Sympetrum (striolatum) nigrifemur Island Dartoi

(Selys, 1884)
Field characters Tot 43-48mm, Ab 26-30mm, Range and status Replaces 5. striolatum in
Hw 29-33mm. Larger than any other Sympetrum Macaronesia. Known only from the archipelagos«»l
$ vulvar scale
in our area. Other than size, differs from typical Madeira, Selvagens and Canaries; proven to breed
5. striolatum in similar ways to S. (s.) nigrescens on Madeira, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma
(see opposite) and its brighter shade of red. The and Tenerife where it is generally common.
scientific name suggests all-black femora, but Habitat Unlike other darters, including mainland S
they typically bear very thin yellow to red streaks. striolatum, often seen near running water. Probably
Overlaps only with S. fonscolombii, which has breeds in a variety of standing and slow-flowing
a distinct yellow Hw patch, paler Pt and blue waters, which on the islands are mainly found in
underside of eyes. stream beds.
Hand characters Differs structurally from true 5. Flight season All year round.
striolatum as follows: hook of hamule is straighter
and with a narrower base, the gap between it and Identification more curved, and the gap between it and the lobe
the lobe is wider, and the lobe is comparatively Field characters Tot 33-38mm, Ab 24-28mm, Hw is wider; vulvar scale, when viewed from side, is
massive and of similar size (rather than distinctly 25-30mm. Similar to typical 5. striolatum. Black more angular and more strongly protruding.
smaller) to the rather slender genital lobe. Vulvar on all body parts is more extensive than in latter: Variation Can be marked almost as typical 5.
scale, when viewed from side, is more robust, (1) black on frons extends further down along striolatum, where distinction thus breaks down.
blunter and more appressed. $ vulvar scale the eyes, but not as much as in S. vulgatum; (2)
legs blacker, femora may almost appear to lack Occurrence
yellow streaks; (3) dark or black area on thorax side Range and status Mainly along the Atlantic
typically is so extensive that it encloses three paler coast of Ireland, Scotland and Norway. Also on
spots; (4) black on sides of abdomen fuller. Feature the Isle of Man, while individuals of populations
3 is most distinctive, and may be reminiscent of of S. striolatum on the Aland islands and Hanko
female or immature 5. danae. That species' range peninsula of southern Finland also conform
overlaps entirely with that of S. (s.) nigrescens, with nigrescens morphologically. Appears to be
which early odonatologists postulated was a separated from 'true' 5. striolatum by a zone with
danae x striolatum hybrid. 5. danae can quickly be few records of either species in Norway and Great
excluded by its small size, all-black legs and black Britain, but not in Ireland. Appears not to migrate.
sided abdomen. Habitat Pools and small lakes in forests, moors and
◄ Sympetrum
Hand characters Said to differ structurally from dunes. Poorly named, as it is principally coastal.
(s.) nigrifemur
male. Note the true 5. striolatum as follows: hook of hamule is Flight season From June to September.
rather black
legs.

lypical 5. vulgatum, of which they are treated as Occurrence
Sympetrum vulgatum (Linnaeus, 1758) Moustached Dartoi ■ubspecies. These pale darters are more likely to Range and status One of the commonest
Vagrant Dartni i >e confused with other pale Sympetrum species dragonflies in north and east Europe, and deep
ihan with typical vulgatum, especially the Turkish into northern Asia, becoming scarcer towards the
■sp. decoloratum, which is therefore discussed south. Appears to be less dispersive than relatives.
separately. Ssp. ibericum is usually noticeably small May wander beyond the borders of its usual range
(Tot 30-36mm, Ab 20-24mm, Hw 22-27mm; - into Great Britain, for instance - but never in
possibly larger in north-eastern Catalonia) and the great numbers, e.g. occasional individuals may be
extent of black markings is most similar to typical found among landings of more migratory species
S. meridionale, with very thin black lines on the such as S. flaveolum.
thorax and predominantly pale legs. It occurs on Habitat All sorts of standing water, generally
the French slope of the Pyrenees (where it may more lushly vegetated than the breeding sites of
meet typical vulgatum') and in northern Spain. S. striolatum.
2 vulvar scale Behaviour Oviposits in shallow water, usually onto Flight season May be seen from June to
along margin of eyes
submerged plants. November, but most records are from July to
mature d
relatively uniform
September.
brown thorax
mature 3
Sympetrum vulgatum decoloratum Plain Darter

(Selys, 1884)
mature 3
hook of hamule stouter

than S. striolatum
pale, with very little red,

even in mature individuals
mature $
General Most often mistaken for 5. striolatum, Hw 24-29mm. On average, slightly smaller than
although generally more common than that species S. striolatum. Mature males have a very similar
virtually no black
in the north of its range. Both sexes are normally jizz to S. striolatum, but have a more uniformly markings, including vulvar scale perpendicular
swiftly identified by their 'drooping moustache', brown thorax (yellowish bands less distinct) and a legs and behind eyes to abdomen, as
ssp. vulgatum
while the female has a perpendicularly protruding deeper brick-red abdomen, which is more distinctly
vulvar scale. The moustache does not apply to clubbed because S6-8 are clearly wider than
pale subspecies occurring in Spain and Turkey. S3-5. Except in Spain and Turkey (see Variation),
The Turkish ssp. decoloratum is one of our palest the black at the base of the frons is distinctive;
darters and is so different in appearance that it is in S. vulgatum it clearly extends downwards dentification or just beyond the ventral angle of the upper
treated in a separate text. along the eye margins, often even thickening General A nondescript darter, separated from appendages, unlike S. arenicolor, where it reaches
somewhat. Beware of pale forms overlapping with other species in its range by its sallow appearance, halfway between that angle and tip. Pt is small
5. haritonovi, S. meridionale and S. arenicolor appearing to lack any black and most red. compared to S. meridionale.
(see under 5. sinaiticum) in Turkey, and with Field characters Tot 34-38mm, Ab 22-26mm, Variation The illustrated male is only lightly
5. meridionale and 5. sinaiticum in Spain (see Hw 24-27mm. Perhaps slightly smaller than the blushed, typical of individuals from Central Asia;
Variation, and table on p. 282). lypical S. v. vulgatum. Even paler than typical S. males in western Turkey are usually deeper red on
Hand characters Females can instantly be meridionale: (1) black at base of the frons hardly the abdomen.
identified by the almost perpendicular vulvar visible; (2) no dark bars on back of the head; (3) no
scale, which is often visible with the naked eye or more than a hint of black in the fossae (pits near Occurrence
through binoculars. In case of doubt, the stouter wing bases) of the thorax sutures, not broader on Range and status Only in Turkey in our area,
hook of the hamule of the male separates it from metastigma; (4) of the legs, only tarsi somewhat where it is widespread but never abundant, and
5. striolatum. darkened. May be found with similar S. arenicolor where ssp. vulgatum does not occur. Meets the
Variation In the northern Iberian peninsula (see under S. sinaiticum), from which it can be latter in the Caucasus region and Central Asia,
and Turkey are darters that are structurally separated only in the hand (see below). The paucity where intermediate individuals occur.
identical to typical S. vulgatum but much paler. of black recalls the tiny S. haritonovi (see text of Habitat Standing and slowly flowing waters,
Their 'moustache' does not 'droop' down the that species). typically around mountain springs.
eyes. Their ranges appear (largely) disjunct from Hand characters Lower appendage reaches to Flight season From late June to late August. .

Occurrence summer, such as sunny pools, muddy oxbows or
Sympetrum meridionale (Selys, 1841) Southern Darli-i Range and status Widespread and sometimes seasonal swamps.
very abundant, but usually less numerous than co Flight season In North Africa emerges as early as
occurring species such as 5. striolatum. Recorded May, but postpones reproduction until September
with increasingly regularity in Belgium, the to November. Flight season similarly long in Turkey,
Netherlands and northern Germany. but shorter further north, e.g. from early June to
Habitat Shallow, generally well-vegetated still mid-October in France.
waters that typically dry out in the course of
Sympetrum sinaiticum Dumont, 1977 Desert Darter

298
mature (3
mature <3 mature <3
6 secondary genitalia
......... U.
<3 secondary genitalia
legs mainly
\ yellow
vulvar scale appressed
to abdomen reduced black on
legs and thorax
Identification is very thin, clearest in fossae (pits on sutures near hook of hamule hidden
General This generally rather plain species can wing bases), resulting in two characteristic black projection of vulvar scale
lower appendage reaches intermediate between
be recognised by the paucity of black markings in drops on each side of thorax; (3) typically no (or
almost to tip of upper - S. striolatum and S. meridionale
most of its range, but greater care is needed with reduced) black dashes on top of S8-9; (4) legs appendages
S. sinaiticum S. striolatum
identification in coastal Spain, northern Africa predominantly yellow, rather than mainly black.
and Turkey, where similar species occur. Due to The second and fourth longitudinal veins in the Identification but has distinctly black-striped legs. Structural
its high variability, identification should be based wing bases are usually notably paler than the first General This somewhat cryptic species (previously characters are also like those of S. sinaiticum
on examination of the male's hamule or female's and third, rather than being similarly dark, but incorrectly called 5. decoloratum) occurs only in and the dark bars on S2-3 are present, although
vulvar scale whenever possible. Observed only due to variation in related species this character arid regions, where it is known to have a very long somewhat faint.
sporadically in northern Europe, where specimens must be used with extreme caution. In Turkey, flight season and aestivates as an adult through the Hand characters Hook of hamule small, normally
are often picked out by the heavy load of red mites S. vulgatum decoloratum, 5. arenicolor (see under drought of summer. The grey-eyed males have a concealed by lobe when viewed from the side.
on their wings. 5. sinaiticum) and S. haritonovi are even paler characteristic marking at the abdomen base, but can Lower appendage long, reaching halfway between
Field characters Tot 35-40mm, Ab 22-28mm, (even with no black on back of head) and have best be identified in the hand by their appendages. ventral angle and tip of upper appendages (in
Hw 25-30mm. Size as S. striolatum. Most likely clear structural differences; S. sinaiticum in Spain Field characters Tot 34-37mm, Ab 21-26mm, most other species, such as S. striolatum, it
to be confused with 5. striolatum, with which and northern Africa differs clearly structurally, Hw 24-29mm. Perhaps slightly smaller than usually reaches to near the ventral angle). Vulvar
it overlaps completely, but is usually much paler too, and is somewhat blacker overall than typical S. striolatum. Usually marked with less black than scale protruding less than that of S. striolatum
overall, and typical individuals are distinguished S. meridionale, with blue-grey instead of greenish 5. striolatum, but more than typical 5. meridionale. (seen from side) but not as appressed as in
by: (1) black at base of frons so narrow that it is undersides to the eyes and characteristic black bars Two features should serve to pick out individuals S. meridionale.
concealed by vertex; (2) black along thorax sutures on each side of S2-3 (see table, p. 282). among those two in the field: (1) underside Variation Extent of black markings varies somewhat.
Hand characters Pt is rather large, especially of the eyes bluish grey, not green to brown;
compared to that of 5. v. decoloratum. A hand (2) males with a short black bar on each side of
lens should eliminate any doubt: (1) hamule of S2-3, contrasting with the plain remainder of
male has longer and narrower hook and lobe than abdomen. Mature males are not intensely red,
in most other species; (2) vulvar scale of female is but more a salmon colour. May be mistaken for
more tightly pressed against the abdomen than in the blue-eyed S. fonscolombii, especially as basal
other species (hardly visible from side); (3) paired veins can be reddish, but S2-3 markings and
processes on underside of female S9 (just beyond duller coloration rule out confusion. In northern
vulvar scale) absent, unlike all similar Sympetrum, Spain, the subspecies 5. vulgatum ibericum is
and replaced by shallow depressions. structurally like typical S. v. vulgatum (check hand
Variation Intensity and extent of black markings characters), but it is as pale as 5. sinaiticum (see
vary considerably. Individuals may be as dark as table, p. 282). It also lacks the S2-3 bar. The Sandy
other Sympetrum species, with large black patches Darter S. arenicolor is the Asian counterpart of
on the side of every abdominal segment, much S. sinaiticum. It is known from eastern Turkey and
black on legs, pronounced lines on thorax sutures may be expected in our area. It is paler - almost
and 'moustache' extending downwards on frons. as pale as 5. v. decoloratum, with which it occurs,

Behaviour Aestivating adults aggregate on bushes Habitat Streams, ditches, ponds, dams and
and trees. swampy depressions in dry areas. Found far from Crocothemis Brauer, 1868 Scarlets
water during aestivation.
Occurrence Flight season Emerges in early summer, but adulh
Range and status Extends from the Middle East delay their reproductive activity until autumn.
through North Africa to the Mediterranean coast Emergence begins in early June in Spain, but a
of Spain. The number of records in our area is still month earlier in Tunisia. Reproduction takes place
limited, but the species may be overlooked rather from September to early November in Spain, and
than rare, being discovered in Morocco only in from October to at least March (thus principally In
2007, for example. Vagrants have reached the winter) in Tunisia.
Italian island of Lampedusa.
Sympetrum haritonovi Borisov, 1983 Dwarf Dartci

wings with reddish
veins and narrowly
amber bases uniformly orange
mature d
abdomen
greenish tinge
d lower eyes
and thorax <3 secondary
sides
pale legs genitalia
Identification head and plump body, abdomen normally less than

General The smallest and palest Sympetrum in 20mm; (2) yellow veins become reddish in mature
our area, known only from montane springs near male, not brown; (3) wings narrowly amber at
Alanya. The tiny male appears evenly orange and base, not all clear; (4) yellow areas, especially eyes
green-yellow, rendering it unmistakable. and sides of thorax, with a green tinge.
Field characters Tot 27-31 mm, Ab 17-20mm, Hw Hand characters Hamule similar to that of
▲ Crocothemis erythraea mature male in the obelisk position. Note saffron wing bases and lack of black
20-22mm. Smallest Sympetrum. Male is virtually S. v. decoloratum, but with a shorter hook and
markings.
devoid of black markings - even tarsi are pale. lobe. Vulvar scale nearer that of S. striolatum.
Female is similar, but with dark stripes on both Lower appendage slightly longer than in S. v.
sides of S2-6. Best compared with the similarly decoloratum; reaches slightly beyond ventral angle Identification markings on all body parts. Most likely to be
pale and overlapping S. vulgatum decoloratum: of upper appendages. Diagnosis Mature males are completely bright confused with the bright and active S. fonscolombii.
(1) tiny, with 'baby proportions', i.e. relatively large scarlet, except for blue undersides of eyes. Both Red Trithemis are similarly gaudy but smaller.
Occurrence sexes are almost devoid of black markings, Brownish specimens may be taken for Orthetrum.
Range and status A Central Asian species, in although abdomen often with a narrow black That genus has the distal Fw antenodal cross-vein
our area known only from the Gokbel Plateau, dorsal line. The unmarked pale legs are usually complete (not anterior half only present), some black
near Alanya. The habitat there has been largely diagnostic. The Pt is large and pale, and the on legs and, at most, some faint yellow at Hw base.
converted to agricultural land and 5. haritonovi Hw has a broad saffron base. Fw with 816-1116 Separation of the species Our two species
is probably extinct in the area. The species is a antenodal cross-veins and discoidal field widening overlap only in a small area, but both may breed
highly localised habitat specialist, but as it may be towards wing border and of three rows at base. in the same water. Easy to separate at emergence.
overlooked it is worthwhile searching elsewhere in Rspl subtends a single row of cells. Mature individuals, however, are impossible to
the Taurus Mountains. Separation from other genera With the separate on the wing, requiring examination with
Habitat Pools, streamlets and flushed areas around exception of some Turkish Sympetrum, all other a hand lens or microscope.
mountain springs, between 1,800-2,200m altitude libellulids have some black on the legs. In the field, Behaviour Male behaves conspicuously, keenly
in Turkey, and not known to breed below 1,750m Crocothemis males also appear brighter, broader defending a territory with fast flights from a
in Central Asia either. and bolder than other red libellulids. Red Sympetrum prominent perch. Male guards female during
Flight season Recorded in Turkey only from species are a less pure red, are smaller and more oviposition, rather than holding her in tandem in
August. slender-bodied, have a less powerful flight, often the manner of Sympetrum species.
have brown eyes and thorax, and have black K-D B Dijkstra
Sympetrum Darters Crocothemis Scarlets

Crocothemis erythraea (Brulle, 1832) Broad Scarlet Crocothemis servilia (Drury, 1773) Oriental Scarlet
Scarlet Darter Scarlet Skimmer (NA)
no black on
legs
appears totally scarlet, contrasting 3 secondary
pale without black markings 3 secondary genitalia
white stripes on
antehumeral genitalia thorax
/ stripes r
dark wing tips
side view
side view
white dorsal
stripe on
thorax
$ vulvar scale
side view
indicated characters immature 3
do not apply to
$ vulvar scale
mature male
side view
mature 3 prominent dorsal
black line view from below
forward-projecting knob
broad abdomen \
view from below vulvar scale
\
vulvar scale Identification no tooth). Vulvar scale is like that of C. erythraea,
General This is the Asian counterpart of C. but each side has a distinct knob that is directed
Identification clear, with a larger amber patch at the Hw base. erythraea, with which it overlaps in the Middle towards the head.
General An African species that extends into This patch, the broad body and the absence East, just reaching our area in Turkey. Teneral Variation Appearance changes even more
adjacent Eurasia. Once common only in the of black on the legs, head and thorax separate specimens differ quite notably from typical C. dramatically with maturation than is the case with
Mediterranean region, the robust and aggressive, this species from all others (e.g. Sympetrum erythraea, resembling Orthetrum coerulescens C. erythraea (see Field characters).
virtually all-red male is becoming an increasingly fonscolombii, red Trithemis species) except C. somewhat, but mature C. servilia is virtually
common sight further north. servilia (see text on genus and also latter species). identical on the wing. Since both species vary Occurrence
Field characters Tot 36-45mm, Ab 18-33mm, Hand characters Hook of hamule (view from below) considerably, identification of C. servilia should Range and status Abundant in southern Asia east
Hw 23-33mm. A bit larger and substantially normally terminates in two black teeth. Vulvar scale always be confirmed by structural details in the to Japan; just reaches south-east Turkey and Israel
bulkier than Sympetrum striolatum. Young males curves away from abdomen almost perpendicularly, hand. Some mature Crocothemis males in the area in the west, where it overlaps with C. erythraea,
and females appear very different from the all-red each side with a weak bulge (view from side). of overlap may not be identifiable at all. but is scarcer.
mature males. They are brown-yellow, with pale Variation Andromorph females blushed red Field characters Tot 34-37mm, Ab 20-25mm, Habitat Probably as that of C. erythraea.
stripes on the 'shoulders' and across the 'back' like males are quite common. The black line Hw 26-29mm. Differs from typical C. erythraea as Flight season Observed from April to September
(between wings), and often very slight blackish may extend over almost the whole length of follows: (1) slightly smaller and sleeker on average, in Turkey.
lines on the abdomen. At all ages the wings are the abdomen in some females, which can be with somewhat narrower abdomen and wings; (2)
distinguished from C. servilia only in the hand. when teneral, the creamy-white stripes on front
of the thorax are brighter and more contrasting;
Occurrence (3) the black line on the abdomen is usually
Range and status Common and widespread in more prominent, especially when teneral (S2-10
the whole of Africa, western Asia and most of normally with a distinct dorsal line, whereas this
southern and central Europe. Gradually expanding is usually shorter and often confined to S8-10 in
northwards. C. erythraea)-, (4) when teneral, wings have dark
Habitat Almost any open stagnant water, brown tips and a broadly yellow leading edge,
including rice paddies and brackish lagoons. Seeks while C. erythraea usually has only amber bases.
out warmer microclimates in the north; these can The thorax becomes uniform, the wings clear and
be at sheltered, shallow clear waters with dense the black abdominal line less distinct with age.
aquatic vegetation, such as gravel pits. The large amber patch at the Hw base, which is
Flight season Probably all year in the Sahara, and retained, is exactly like that of C. erythraea.
from mid-June to early September in northern Hand characters Hook of hamule terminates in a
Europe; largely absent from November to February single black tooth, never doubled as in C. erythraea
in the Mediterranean. (although that species can have only a single or
Crocothemis Scarlets Crocothemis Scarlets

Trithemis Brauer, 1868 Dropwings Trithemis annulata Violet Dropwing
(Palisot de Beauvois, 1807) Violet-marked Darter
◄ Trithemis
kirbyi male in
the obelisk
position.
* 1
Identification Separation of the species A diverse genus with Identification species is smaller and pinker, Hw patch is deeper
Diagnosis Medium-sized libellulids with gaudy more than 40 species in the Old World tropics, General The broad-bodied, vividly violet male of and larger (often covering triangle), Fw has a
males. Distinctive Fw venation, with 91/2-121/2 especially Africa. Four very different species just this expanding African species is unmistakable. similarly extensive patch, genital lobe is pointed,
antenodal veins, discoidal field narrowing towards extend into our area, all with unmistakable males. Field characters Tot 32-38mm, Ab 17-29mm, and S8 and often S9 without a dorsal black bar but
the wing border and of three rows of cells at its Females can be tricky, but can be distinguished Hw20-35mm. Clearly smaller than Crocothemis S9 with lateral black.
base, and mostly two rows of cells anterior to Rspl. by the position of the black markings on their erythraea. Mature male is readily identified by the Hand characters Trithemis males, except T. kirbyi,
In the hand, the metallically shining snout and abdomen. metallic purple vertex and frons, red veins, deep have a similar hamule, with a sharply curved hook.
strongly hooked hamule render males unmistakable. Behaviour Males perch conspicuously by the amber Hw base, broadened abdomen and plum The genital lobe of the T. annulata male is distinctly
Separation from other genera Red species waterside, frequently flying about aggressively. coloured body. The characteristic violet bloom more broadened at its tip.
recall Sympetrum and Crocothemis, but both Trithemis prefer sunny conditions and are very results from pruinosity covering the red thorax Variation Males are yellowish at emergence,
of these normally have a single Rspl row, and tolerant of high temperatures, frequently being and abdomen. Female is yellow-brown, with a turning orange and red before attaining their final
Sympetrum have Fw antenodals. In the active in the scorching heat of midday, perching large yellow patch at the Hw base. Female differs violet colour.
field, the latter's dark veins and brown-and-green with wings held down deeply and the abdomen from other Trithemis by the heavier abdomen, Behaviour Males perch prominently on waterside
eyes, rather than bright red veins and red-and- pointing vertically at the sun. This so-called marked with a black dorsal bar on S8-9. Its Asian stakes.
blue eyes, usually exclude confusion, but beware 'obelisk' position gives them their vernacular counterpart, T. aurora, is known from south-east
that S. fonscolombii is red-veined and blue-eyed! names in English and German ('sundials'). Iran and may appear in Turkey. Mature male of this Occurrence
Crocothemis have a widening discoidal field in the K-D B Dijkstra Range and status Abundant across most of
Fw, but are most easily separated by the absence tropical Africa. Extends into our area along
of black on the legs. See T. festiva. the Mediterranean, where it is expanding its
range. First records in Spain from the late 1970s,
Simple key to (pairs of similar) species. If the statement agrees, compare the given species. Corsica in the late 1980s, and the French and
If it disagrees, then go to the next line. Italian mainland in the early 1990s; first found
in Montenegro in 2008 and Hungary in 2016,
Venation dark, not yellow to red. Abdomen mainly black or dark blue, not
1 yellow, brown or red.
festiva suggesting it is also now expanding on an eastern
front.
Basal third of wings broadly yellow to orange, patches normally cover triangles. Habitat Any sunny water in Africa, favouring
2 Tibiae yellow to red. Pt about 2mm long. Hamule sickle-shaped. Female kirbyi warm spots in the periphery of its range, such as
abdomen with black line between dorsal and lateral keels. shallow gravel pits, open lakes or lagoons.
Flight season Probably all year in the Sahara, but
Only extreme base of wings yellow, triangles clear. Legs entirely black. Pt 2.5mm
mainly May to October in Morocco and recorded
3 or more. Hamule with claw-like hook. Female abdomen mainly black along
arteriosa from early April to mid-October in Turkey. Probably
either dorsal or lateral keels.
active in all summer months in Europe.
Trithemis Dropwings Trithemis Dropwings

Trithemis arteriosa Red-veined Dropwing Trithemis kirbyi Selys, 1891 Orange-winged Dropwing
(Burmeister, 1839)
deeply grooved frons
short blackish
pterostigma
<3 secondary
genitalia
often with
isolated yellow patch on
pink flush seen
wing (colour not always
only in older
so deep)
females two rows of black
dashes on S6-9
black mark on S9
hamule long and/
sickle-shaped
Identification Identification Occurrence

General The male's bright red-veined wings give General A species of open and often arid country Range and status Range includes Africa, Arabia
this African species its name. The slender scarlet in Africa and India. The orange-winged, bright red and India. Widespread and common in the
abdomen, its side extensively marked with black, male is unmistakable, and is typically seen perching Maghreb; first recorded in Sardinia in 2003 and
separates it from other species. on a waterside rock. Spain in 2008, and now common in Andalucia.
Field characters Tot 32-38mm, Ab 20-26mm, Hw Field characters Tot 30-34mm, Ab 19-23mm, Sightings at five sites in France in 2017 show that
23-30mm. About as long as 7? annulata, but more Hw 23-29mm. Generally smaller than other red the northward expansion continues.
slender. Abdomen in both sexes more sleek and Trithemis; broad-bodied like T. annulata. Mature Habitat Breeds in small, bare, hard-bottomed
cylindrical than other Trithemis. Mature male does male appears all red, the wings orange from the waterbodies, such as rocky pools. Will be found in
not become pruinose like T. annulata, but develops base to halfway node. Marked with less black than stony stream beds, and by water tanks, concrete
a flaming scarlet coloration on its abdomen and other red Trithemis: at most, S9 with prominent ditches or even ornamental fountain basins.
veins. Side of abdomen is marked extensively in dorsal black spot, and legs (especially tibiae) Flight season Probably all year in the Sahara,
black, especially S6-9. Frons is red, with a black extensively red. Pt blackish, about 2mm long, but most records in North Africa are from May to
base and metallic gloss. Hw and often Fw with distinctly shorter than in other Trithemis. Female November.
conspicuous amber patches at base. The female Behaviour Males perch prominently on waterside is straw-coloured, with pale tibiae and short Pt,
differs from congeners by its slender, black-sided stakes and boulders. like male. Abdomen pale, with two subdorsal
abdomen. Build and colour of body and wings are rows of blackish dashes on S6-9, unlike other
reminiscent of Sympetrum fonscolombii, which Occurrence Trithemis females. Female wing markings are
does not become so brightly red, and has yellow- Range and status Like T. annulata, this is one of seldom as extensive as in the male, the Hw often
streaked legs and restricted areas of black on the the most numerous African dragonflies. It has a with a diagnostic isolated roundish yellow patch.
abdomen upperside. similar ecology, but has not yet expanded as widely Crocothemis erythraea has a similar build and
Hand characters Male genitalia are like those of in our area. While still very local, it has in recent coloration but is larger, and has less amber on the
T. annulata, but genital lobe has a narrower tip. decades slowly extended its range westward along wings and a long, pale Pt. Does not overlap with
Variation In fresh males, red coloration of mature the southern coast of Turkey, reaching the Greek the similarly yellow-winged Sympetrum flaveolum.
males is yellow or orange. The extent of the wing islands of Crete, Rhodes and Samos. Hand characters Hamule is more drawn out and
patches and black markings are very variable in Habitat Similar to T. annulata. sickle-shaped than other Trithemis, and the frons is
both sexes, and can be strongly diminished in arid Flight season From May to October in North more deeply grooved.
regions. The illustrated female is atypical, as nodal Africa; May to July in Turkey. Variation Females have variable markings on
and apical markings are more often absent. wings and abdomen. Even females coloured like
males are known from tropical Africa.
Behaviour Males often perch on rocks.
Trithemis Dropwings Trithemis Dropwings

Trithemis festivci (Rambur, 1842) Indigo Dropwing Brachythemis Brauer, 1868 Groundlings
metallic purple gloss
fairly short, dark
dark wing tips often absent

in males and rarely as
extensive as shown, but
normally distinct in females
<3 secondary
pale streaks on
small, dark 1 genitalia
abdomen may
basal patch
become obscured
with age
swollen
anterior lamina
Identification double-streaked abdomen and dark wing tips is

General This dropwing differs strongly from the usually sufficient for a positive identification. Males
others in our area in its colour, preferred habitat darken with age, obliterating the yellow streaks.
and its Asian origin. The dark blue mature males When fully mature, they are dark blue pruinose
are invariably found perching along streams. (can appear black) on the thorax and S1-3, while
Field characters Tot 31-37mm, Ab 20-28mm, S4-10 is black. The vertex and frons become black
Hw 23-32mm. Similar size as T annulata. Females with a metallic purple gloss. The purplish snout,
and immature males have a black abdomen, with dark body and Hw patch are reminiscent of mature
two sets of yellow streaks on S1-7, one dorsal and male Diplacodes lefebvrii, but generally that species
one lateral, S8 with only a lateral streak, S9-10 all is smaller, with rounded, open-veined wings and a
black. Females have broadly dark wing tips and large Pt, and its purer black body often contrasts
some amber at the Hw base. Males may have dark with white appendages. The dark colour and
wing tips and develop a small, dark triangular marked wings of mature male T. festiva may also
▲ Brachythemis fuscopalliata immature male.
patch at the Hw base. Other Trithemis species recall the much more robust and paler pruinose
rarely have dark wing tips, and the Hw bases are Libellula fulva male.
more extensively yellow. The combination of the Hand characters Male genitalia are like those of Identification Separation from other genera Mature males
T. annulata, but genital lobe has a narrower tip and Diagnosis Small, thickset libellulids; abdomen can be confused only with other Iibellulids
anterior lamina is more swollen. without waist or club. Females and young males with patterned wings, such as Sympetrum
Variation Dark wing tips vary in extent and may be are beige, with fine, intricate and often smudgy pedemontanum or Rhyothemis semihyalina,
absent, especially in males. Unlike other Trithemis, dark markings. Often with diagnostic dark although these differ widely in shape, behaviour,
Rspl quite frequently subtends a single (not two) transverse bars on top of eyes. The wings are clear range and coloration. Females and young males
row of cells (as in illustrated male). or marked with dark patches; the Pt are (largely) (with unmarked wings) may resemble Sympetrum,
Behaviour Males often perch on rocks in a stream cream-coloured. Mature males become wholly Orthetrum and Trithemis, but are separated by their
or on stakes overhanging it. blackish, with large, dark wing patches. In contrast, (largely) whitish Pt. Only very recently emerged
the Pt remain pale. The combination of three rows individuals of the other genera still have white Pt.
Occurrence of cells immediately distal to the triangle and the Separation of the species Six species inhabit the
Range and status Extends from tropical Asia, absence of cross-veins in the triangles (and often warm parts of the Old World; one extends into our
along the Mediterranean coast to Rhodes. subtriangles) excludes all other libellulid genera, area from Africa, another from Asia. The two may
Common within its restricted Turkish range. while only Acisoma, Pantala and Tramea share a meet in Turkey, where they are easily separated
Habitat Sunny streams and small rivers. transverse ridge near the base of S4 (similar to that by Pt colour in both sexes, and by wing pattern
Flight season From late April to late September. on S3). The female's appendages are notably long in males.
and claw-like. 1/ J Kalkman
Trithemis Dropwings Brachythemis Groundlings

Brachythemis fuscopalliata Dark-winged Groundling Brachythemis impartita Northern Banded Groundling
(Selys, 1887) (Karsch, 1890)
uniformly cream
■earn pterostigma
with dark outer
transverse pattern on thorax dark wing oand nearer to

ridge on S3, more distinct than node than to pterostigma
row of
pattern on but also on in B. fuscopalliata
dark patch covers single cells
diagnostic of abdomen
thorax indistinct immediately
basal wing to beyond becomes all <5 secondary
genus
the node before Rspl
black genitalia
C? secondary
genitalia
Identification only rarely, although they very often do south of
General Small groups of groundlings fluttering the Sahara.
in the footsteps of big game are a familiar sight Behaviour Prefers to fly low over, and to perch
at African watering holes, and a similar spectacle on, bare ground, frequently following large
may be seen where cattle drink in the south of our mammals such as cattle or humans, probably to
Identification abdominal pattern, dark venation and pale Pt will area. South of the Sahara, it overlaps widely with catch disturbed insects. Often found in dense
General Males are handsome ebony dragonflies, separate most clear-winged individuals from other the Southern Banded Groundling Brachythemis aggregations in the shade during the midday heat.
and are among our most striking and identifiable libellulids, except B. impartita. B. fuscopalliata has: leucosticta, by which name European populations
Odonata. In our area found only in Turkey, where (1) a totally cream-coloured (seldom browner) were also known until 2009. Males are readily Occurrence
separation of females from the locally rare B. Pt (this has a dark outer corner in B. impartita); noticed and identified by their black body and Range and status Widespread in northern,
impartita is more difficult. (2) the dark abdominal pattern is partly warm wing bands. Their Pt is almost white, with the western and central Africa. Has expanded
Field characters Tot 31-39mm, Ab 19-25mm, Hw brown (uniformly blackish in B. impartita); (3) the outer corner distinctively dark. northwards in recent decades, colonising Sardinia
25-30mm. Larger and plumper than B. impartita, thorax pattern is less extensive and crisp than Field characters Tot 25-34mm, Ab 16-21mm, and the Iberian peninsula, where densities can
with a relatively shorter abdomen. Mature males in B. impartita. Mature males are reminiscent of Hw 20-26mm. Similar in size to Sympetrum now be very high. Also locally very common in the
are easily recognised by the dark brown (may Rhyothemis semihyalina (no range overlap), but sanguineum, but more thickset. Usually easily Near East, but known from only a few records in
appear black or reddish) patch covering the basal in that species the Fw is clear, the Pt are small and recognised by the broad, dark band on the outer southern Turkey.
three-fifths of the wings, from the base to beyond dark, and the Hw shape and flight mode differ. halves of the wings. The bands are usually absent Habitat Standing waters, from large lakes to small
the nodes. The patch is (probably always) absent Hand characters Structurally similar to in females, which can be recognised by the bulky pools, typically with bare banks.
in females and teneral males, becoming more B. impartita, but Rspl usually subtends a single row build, fine body pattern and two-coloured Pt. Flight season From April to October.
pronounced with age. The stubby build, smudgy of cells, rather than two rows. Only Sympetrum pedemontanum (range not
Variation Similar to B. impartita. known to overlap) has similar wing markings,
Behaviour A fast-flying and easily disturbed but B. impartita has: (1) wing bands closer to the
species. Males often perch on waterside nodes, rather than to Pt; (2) Pt whitish, with outer
vegetation, with their abdomen raised high. quarter or third blackish, not uniformly yellow to
red; (3) body marked with intricate dark pattern
Occurrence and becoming uniformly black (not red) with
Range and status Main range lies in extensive maturity. In Turkey, females are similar to the much
wetlands of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in commoner B. fuscopaliata (see that species for
Iraq, but extends to northern Israel and southern comparison). The uniformly pale Pt is that species'
Turkey. Not uncommon near Adana, with scattered most consistent distinguishing feature.
populations elsewhere in southern Turkey. Hand characters Hamule of male and long curved
Habitat Standing and sluggish waters, such as appendages of female are unlike those of our other
reedy sand pits, drainage ditches and streams. libellulids, except B. fuscopalliata.
Flight season From the start of May to the end of Variation At emergence both sexes are yellowish;
September. males become black, while the female becomes
brownish, developing indistinct brown wing bands
Brachythemis Groundlings Brachythemis Groundlings

Diplacodes Kirby, 1889 Perchers Selysiothemis Ris, 1897 Black Pennants
Diplacodes lefebvrii (Rambur, 1842) Black Percher Selysiothemis nigra (Vander Linden, 1825) Black Pennant
black frons with purple gloss distal antenodal
large
pterostigma
8 secondary
genitalia short, pale
pterostigma marked
rounded wing by black 'equals
tips sign' (=)
yellow to
brown patch -') J
at base of
hindwing (immature 8
similarly pale)
Identification very open pale
venation
General A diminutive dragonfly, with a
broad hindwing
disproportionately large head. Adult males are
mature 8 male becomes all-black with
abdomen lateral row of largely blackish, with almost translucent wing
varies appendages age, sometimes slightly pruinose
becomes all black cream spots on
considerably typically pale abdomen veins. The genus's single species occurs in arid
(may even include
in size appendages) parts of Asia, north Africa and in scattered both black-and-pale species, with males
Identification are never white. All stages may be mistaken for locations across the Mediterranean. blackening. Their abdomens are black
General Mature males are Selysiothemis nigra, but that species has broad, Field characters Tot 30-38mm, Ab 21-26mm, with pale spots, rather than sandy with a black
feisty little all-black dragonflies. pale-veined wings, with a short Pt and no basal Hw 24-27mm. Size of a small Sympetrum species. band, and their veins dark; adult males have dark Pt
Field characters Tot 25-34mm, Ab 15-25mm, markings. In general appearance, reminiscent of Somewhat larger than Diplacodes lefebvrii, with and a small, dark spot at the Hw base. Selysiothemis
Hw 19-29mm. Smaller than Trithemis festiva, with Sympetrum danae, but very unlikely to co-occur. which it is most likely to be confused, especially may recall other libellulid genera, but the abdominal
which it is most likely to be confused in east of its Hand characters Distinctive open venation: 61/2-81/2 as males become largely black, but the wings are pattern, vein colour and Pt are distinctive.
range. Wings are round-tipped, with a large pale Fw antenodal cross-veins, two rows at base of Fw broad (especially Hw) and have widely spaced, Hand characters Venation is nearest to Diplacodes
to brown Pt. Females and immature males are discoidal field, Rspl subtends single row, no cross weak and very pale, almost invisible, veins. The and Acisoma (also with only two rows of cells distal
straw-coloured, with some yellow at the Hw base. vein in Fw triangle and rarely one in subtriangle Pt are pale and noticeably short. Their posterior of the Fw triangle), but unlike those, the distal
The abdomen is black, with two diagnostic rows (thus both normally one-celled). T. festiva has denser and anterior veins are thick and black, forming antenodal cross-vein is complete. Closely related to
of triangular cream spots up to S8 and sometimes venation (often two rows before Rspl and a cross a contrasting 'equals sign' (=) near each wing the much bigger Urothemis edwardsii.
S9. Mature male becomes entirely black, the vein in Fw triangle, three cells in subtriangle, and tip. Females and young males are largely sand Behaviour Adults frequently hover about a metre
snout with a purple gloss, the body matt. Hw base 91/z or more Fw antenodals). Secondary genitalia of coloured, with a dark brown pattern on the thorax above the ground. The species is a known migrant,
develops a dark brown triangle. Appendages are D. lefebvrii differ from similar species. and a bold black lengthwise stripe on the otherwise turning up far from water. Perches on prominent
the last to turn black, resulting in a characteristic Variation In addition to the extreme change of largely unmarked abdomen. Males become black, stakes, often with the abdomen and wings slightly
white tip to an all-black dragonfly. Mature male male appearance described above, also known the appendages also turning quite dark (often pale raised, ruffling in the breeze like a pennant.
Trithemis festiva differs from the black male by its to vary considerably in extent of black markings in D. lefebvrii) while the face remains rather pale.
larger size; pointed wings; small, dark Pt; and very and size. Tenerals in arid areas can appear almost A slight bluish pruinosity may develop on the thorax Occurrence
dark blue (not purely black) body. Its appendages uniformly yellow. and abdomen. Trithemis festiva and D. lefebvrii are Range and status Found mainly in Central Asia
Behaviour Males perch among marsh vegetation and the Middle East. Scarce and generally local,
and are quite aggressive, but are easily overlooked but might be abundant along the Adriatic and
on account of their small size and dark colour. Mediterranean coasts in the Balkans. Principally
coastal in our area, but in Africa confined to
Occurrence oases in the Sahara. Has recently benefited
Range and status Common throughout Africa, from an increase in artificial habitats, such as
extending across the Indian Ocean and into Eurasia. impoundments, with first records for Ukraine
Locally abundant where found, but scarcer further (2007), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2009), Slovenia
away from the Mediterranean coast. The first Italian (2012), Romania (2013) and France (2015).
population was discovered in 2014 on San Pietro Habitat Standing, most often brackish and
Island off the south-western coast of Sardinia. seasonal shallow waters, but occasionally also in
Habitat Open marshes, and on the grassy or deeper and perennial water, such as bare artificial
swampy edges of pools and lakes. lakes.
Flight season Probably all year in the Sahara; from Flight season Recorded from mid-May to early
April to November in the Mediterranean basin. August in Turkey, and to September in Spain.
K-D B Dijkstra 1/ J Kalkman
Diplacodes Perchers Selysiothemis Black Pennants

Acisoma Rambur, 1842 Pintails Pachydiplax Brauer, 1868 Blue Dashers
Acisoma inflatum Selys, 1882 Stout Pintail Pachydiplax longipennis (Burmeister, 1839) Blue Dasher
white black-marked frons
only one cross-

below long
pterostigma
double
dark-streaked mature 8
double
amber
rows of
hindwing
pale streaks
base
widest on
S6-7
black tip
parsnip-shaped, bulbous at the base and thin at and lack the regularly striped thorax and dark-
Identification Identification
the end. Body black with complex fragmented and streaked amber Hw patch. P. longipennis may also
General Tiny dragonfly with a peculiar shape and General Perhaps the commonest anisopteran in
'frayed' pale spots. Wings short and rounded, with recall a Sympetrum or Orthetrum species, but the
markings. The bluish male is a true gem that is North America, but in our region known only from
large, pale Pt. Mature male is uniquely coloured, pattern of the thorax and abdomen is unique.
often seen by ponds in tropical Africa. In the region a single European record. The male should easily
blue-eyed and with bluish-white markings. Female Hand characters Space beneath Pt without
covered here, it is found only in a small part of be noticed by the combination of its white face,
shape is slightly less extreme, colours duller and less cross-veins, save one at the outer end. All other
Algeria. The species has been mistaken for the Asian yellow-striped thorax and pruinose abdomen.
contrasting, appearing rather messy and brown. anisopterans in our area have additional cross-veins
Pintail Acisoma panorpoides for more than a century. Field characters Tot 26-45mm, Ab 23-35mm,
Hand characters Venation is very open, like that touching the Pt, for instance near its middle.
Field characters Tot 24-31 mm, Ab 16-22mm, Hw Hw 30-43mm. Somewhat larger than Sympetrum
of Diplacodes lefebvrii: Fw with only few antenodal Variation Occasional females develop green eyes
19-25mm. Considerably smaller than most libellulids species. The mature male is unlike any dragonfly in
cross-veins (usually 71/2), no cross-veins in triangle and a pruinose abdomen. The largely pruinose
in our area. Unlikely to be confused. Abdomen our region, with a white face, contrasting metallic
and subtriangle, and only two rows of cells beyond males from south-west USA are especially unlikely
blue-black top of the frons and shiny green eyes.
triangle. to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
The thorax is black, with five yellow stripes on each
Variation Shows a remarkable size range in the Behaviour Males are very active, aggressive and
side. The abdomen is broad, appearing short, S1-7
tropics. skittish. They dash to and fro, hovering frequently
pale blue pruinose, S8-10 black. The pruinosity
Behaviour Often perches low among grasses but perching infrequently and only briefly. Perches
extends onto the thorax, between the wings. The
standing in water, which, in combination with its on tips of stems, often with lowered wings.
wings are broadly amber at the base, with two
small size, makes it easily overlooked.
dark streaks at the Hw base. The outer halves of
Occurrence
the wings are often smoky. The female is similar
Occurrence Range and status One of the most common
but has browner eyes, no pruinosity and narrowly
Range and status Common in tropical Africa; dragonflies in North America. Thus far, known only
amber-based wings, without the Hw streaks.
relict population in north-east Algeria. from a single female found dead on an oil rig east
The lack of pruinosity reveals two rows of yellow
Habitat Grassy verges of ponds, lakes and of Shetland, on 6 September 1999.
streaks on S2-7, these distinctly wider on S6-7.
swamps. Habitat Any standing water, except bogs.
Confusion is unlikely if seen well, the male's white
Flight season Late May to the end of September Flight season All year in southern USA, but mid
face, marked Hw and pruinose body perhaps being
in Algeria. June to early September in Canada.
most reminiscent of Leucorrhinia albifrons and L.
K-D B Dijkstra K-D B Dijkstra
caudalis. However, these have a waisted abdomen
Acisoma Pintails Pachydiplax Blue Dashers

long pointed wings
Pantala Hagen, 1861 Wandering Gliders 2nd cross-vein

between hindwing
with brown tips
base and triangle
Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798) Wandering Glider

Globe Skimmer pterostigma shorter in
hind- than in forewing
transverse ridges on
S3-5, at most present
up to S4 in other
these veins more
libellulids
wavy than in other
libellulids
hindwing triangular
with broad base
mature <3
long
appendages
Behaviour A strong migrant that is superbly Infrequently recorded at the north-western edge
equipped to colonise temporary habitats, being of the Sahara since the mid-1990s, with only a
able to complete its life cycle in one month. An handful of sites in Morocco and Tunisia. Likely to
effortless flier, often seen gliding at tree-top be recorded more frequently in the future. Most
height along lanes or in sustained patrol over a individuals will originate from tropical Africa but
puddle. Unlike most of our libellulids, seldom those in the west potentially also from North
perches, hanging vertically (never horizontally) America.
when doing so. Habitat Highly mobile, and may be encountered
anywhere. Breeds in small, bare bodies of stagnant
Occurrence water, especially temporary (rain) pools.
Range and status Very numerous throughout the Flight season Observed from June to September
tropics and in North America, where often seen in in Turkey; can be expected all year in the Sahara.
Identification sides. The eyes are russet dorsally, blue-grey below. migratory swarms, but inexplicably scarce in the K-D B Dijkstra
General Arguably the most successful odonate Otherwise rather yellow-brown. Tramea basilaris is Palearctic. In our area, frequent only in Cyprus,
in the world, present on all continents except similar to P. flavescens in shape and behaviour, but Sicily and especially southern Turkey, where large
Antarctica, but surprisingly rare in our area. While has two brown blotches at the base of each Hw. gatherings have been observed, estimated to
its shape and behaviour render this species quite Hand characters The Pt is short, clearly shorter in comprise millions of individuals; scattered records
unmistakable, the somewhat similar Tramea the Hw than the Fw. R3 and IR3 veins are unusually elsewhere in the eastern Mediterranean. Rare in
basilaris was recently recorded in the region. wavy. Hw with two cross-veins between triangle and the west; historic Spanish, French and English
Field characters Tot 45-55mm, Ab 26-37mm, base, rather than one as is usual in libellulids. The records were at least partly ship-assisted. However,
Hw 38-42mm. Among the larger libellulids, near male, and the female in particular, have very long recently first reached Croatia (2010), Bulgaria
Orthetrum cancellatum. The wings are long and appendages. Both possess a transverse ridge on S5 (2012), the Italian islands of Linosa and Lampedusa
pointed, the Hw very broad-based and distinctly like those on S3-4, a unique character in our area. (2012), the Baltic Sea in Kaliningrad (2013), Gran
triangular. Extreme tips of the male Hw are marked Variation The extent of abdominal black, the Canaria in the Canaries (2013), Sao Miguel in the
posteriorly with brown. The abdomen is cylindrical yellow wash of the Hw and brown wing tips vary Azores (2014) and Poland (2016). In 2019, the
and tapered, almost conical, with some black considerably. May just have central spots on S8-9 species was recorded for the first time in Belarus,
dorsal markings, yellowish when teneral. Dorsally and be clear-winged. Tint of the abdomen also France and mainland Italy, and was found to have
infused with red when mature, adult males and varies: males can be deep red, although most are bred successfully in Germany and Switzerland.
some females appearing orange, with yellower orange.
Pantala Wandering Gliders Pantala Wandering Gliders

Variation The individuals illustrated are from
Tramea Hagen, 1861 Saddlebag Gliders Africa, as that is the most likely origin of those seen
in Europe. In Asian individuals the thoracic sutures
and apical margins of the abdominal segments
Tramea basilaris (Palisot de Beauvois, 1817) Keyhole Glider tend to become darker, appearing like black rings,
especially in females. Such dark populations are
pterostigma shorter in hind- sometimes treated as ssp. burmeisteri.
than n brewing Behaviour Most often seen in flight, regularly
swarming with P. flavescens. Both species migrate
in response to rains and rest in vegetation with a
hanging posture. However, T. basilaris also rests at
the end of exposed perches with its wings raised
and abdomen pointing either slightly upwards or
downwards. The egg-laying behaviour is distinctive
Rspl usually subtends
of the genus: the pair flies in tandem and the male
two rows of cells
releases and recaptures the female each time she
swoops down to hit the water. Habitat Breeds in a variety of standing and mostly
temporary waterbodies in open landscapes, such as
Occurrence seasonal pools and grassy marshes, but can appear
Range and status Extends from tropical Africa anywhere on migration.
through Arabia and India to Japan, while Flight season Active year-round in Africa, arriving
wanderers have even reached South America and breeding in response to rainfall. July to
and the Caribbean. A male and female were September is the wettest period in the southern
photographed on the island of Linosa between Sahara, so northern vagrants are most likely in
mature (3
keyhole-shaped Malta and Tunisia in October 2016. This was the autumn.
'saddlebags' with first record north of the Sahara and in Europe. K-D B Dijkstra and A Schrdter
red or pale veins
id ent if icat i on
General A vagrant pair of this large red-and-
brown dragonfly from tropical Africa was recorded
on the small Italian island of Linosa in 2016. While
the keyhole-shaped 'saddlebags' on the broad Hw
render the species unmistakable, the soaring flight
on pointed wings recalls the equally mobile Pantala
flavescens. Records in the Mediterranean of both
gliders are likely to increase.
Hw 38-43mm. In size, shape and coloration ◄ Tramea
resembles P. flavescens, although not closely females are more olive brown, with blackish wing basilaris male
related. Both sexes are unique in our area in the patches and contrasting pale veins. flying high
over the
colourful markings in the broad Hw bases. These Hand characters In common with P. flavescens,
Mediterranean
consist of two dark patches, which may merge into has small Pt that are shorter in Hw than Fw. The
island Linosa,
an irregular crescent, enclosed by a yellow halo. upper appendages are even longer than in that
the first record
Mature males have a brownish-red abdomen, with species in both sexes. The only libellulid in our of this African
black markings at least on S8-10, and deep rufous area with clearly two rather than one row of cells migrant in
wing patches with red veins. Young males and subtending Mspl in Fw. Europe.
Tramea Saddlebag Gliders Tramea Saddlebag Gliders

Rhyothemis Hagen, 1867 Flutterers Urothemis Brauer, 1868 Baskers
Rhyothemis semihyalina Phantom Flutterer Urothemis edwardsii (Selys, 1849) Blue Basker
(Desjardins, 1832) large pale
glossy blackish 6-8 antenodals pterostigma
long wings with

open venation
rows of cells
321
adjacent to forewing
triangle
dark blue
abdomen
with black
dorsal line
Variation The shape of the Hw patch is variable, Identification Variation Size of the Hw patch is variable; often
Identification
General A fairly large, dark blue tropical African smaller and fragmented by pale veins in females.
General A tropical African species known in our although always extensive.
Behaviour The fluttering, butterfly-like flight is dragonfly, known in our area only from a small In tropical African males, the patch normally enters
area only from a single Algerian record from the
unique in our area. May be seen gliding at some pocket of North Africa. It was originally described the anal loop and often reaches the first antenodal
first half of the 19th century. It is a strong migrant
height, with slow and feeble wingbeats. Also rests from that area, where only a single critically cross-vein, but in northern Israel it does not even
and may reappear. With its unusual fluttering
on prominent perches, ruffling its slightly raised, endangered population remains. It is unlikely to be enter the anal loop. Algerian males have large
flight, all-bronze-black body, and the large metallic
reflective wings in the breeze. confused with any other species. patches, sometimes touching the base of the
basal portion of the greatly expanded Hw, this
Field characters Tot 38-47mm, Ab 26-30mm, triangle.
species is impossible to confuse with others.
Field characters Tot 24-34mm, Ab 15-22mm, Occurrence Hw 35-37mm. Size between Orthetrum brunneum Behaviour Perches prominently on waterside
Range and status Widespread and often and 0. cancellatum. The wings are long, with a stakes, reacting swiftly to other dragonflies and
Hw 23-31mm. Length comparable with a small
numerous in tropical Africa, and originally very large, pale Pt. Hw base with a large, dark prey.
Sympetrum, but shorter-bodied and larger-winged.
described from Mauritius. Relict populations brown patch. Female and immature male are dull
Wings very broad, especially the triangular Hw, and
with a small, dark Pt. The basal third of the Hw, probably occurred in both north-east Algeria and pale brown, with a bold black band along the Occurrence
northern Israel, but are deemed extinct. entire length of the abdomen. Male face and eyes Range and status Widespread in tropical Africa.
almost to the node, is black with a metallic purplish
Habitat Swampy patches, such as marshy lake become glossy black, the thorax and abdomen A relict population is known from a small area in
lustre. The body is completely bronze-black.
borders. become entirely dark blue pruinose, sparing only north-east Algeria, where it is seriously threatened.
Hand characters The venation is unique. Although
Flight season Israeli records are from May to the abdominal black band. The general colour There is one record from adjacent Tunisia. Another
there are usually only 71Zz Fw antenodal cross-veins,
August. pattern is reminiscent of Libellula fulva or Trithemis relict population in northern Israel is deemed
the wings' great breadth translates into unusually
K-D B Dijkstra festiva, but neither occurs with U. edwardsii and extinct.
stretched cells in the Hw base, and uniquely high
both differ in many details. Habitat Marshy verges; in Algeria of small dune
cell counts in the Fw: two to three in triangle and
Hand characters Very openly veined, especially for lakes with Common Reed (Phragmites australis)
four to six in subtriangle.
such a large species, e.g. Fw with only six to eight and White Water-lily (Nymphaea alba).
antenodal cross-veins and two rows at the base of Flight season From May to September in Algeria,
the discoidal field (beyond triangle). Hamule is very but to November in Israel.
long and rod-like. Vulvar scale is huge, bilobed and K-D B Dijkstra
appressed.
Rhyothemis Flutterers Urothemis Baskers

Zygonyx Selys in Hagen, 1867 Cascaders Appendix 1
Testing debated taxonomic affiliations for European Odonata
Zygonyx torridus (Kirby, 1889) Ringed Cascader Analysis of genera
As previously defined, large genera such as Lestes, Aeshna, Gomphus, Libellula and Sympetrum were often
bronze sheen to frons heterogeneous in composition. Often the proposed splits were not based on sound analysis, but rather the
haphazard separation of superficially dissimilar species.
The table below summarises our choices for the affiliation of species to genera. Taxonomic analysis has
been: (0) insufficient due to method or the selection of characters and/or species; (1) indecisive but partly
supportive of proposed change; (2) wholly supportive. Change entails: (1) splitting of genera; (2) merging of
long clear wings genera. As conclusive analysis is required, and because merging genera generally disrupts classifications less
than splitting them, we accepted the proposed genus change if the sum of these criteria is three or more.
As can be seen, most cases have fortunately been settled, most recently with the confirmation of
Chalcolestes and Stylurus as separate genera. There is a fair chance that Aeshna isoceles and Somatochlora
hamule strongly
borisi will also be transferred to other genera in the future. In addition, Libellula quadrimaculata does not
hooked
appear to belong in the same genus as L. depressa, L. fulva and L. pontica. The lack of clarity here is not
only in their exact relationships but also whether L. depressa or L. quadrimaculata should bear the name
Libellula, the oldest generic name in this insect order.
large yellow mature 8
markings Traditional Proposed genus Species involved Analysis Change Accept
appear as
genus
rings in flight
Lestes Chalcolestes parvidens 2 1 yes
viridis
large yellow spots along side
of abdomen Cercion Erythromma lindenii 2 2 yes
Aeshna not named isoceles 1 1 not yet
Aeshna not named affinis 1 1 not yet
mixta
Identification Field characters Tot 50-60mm, Ab 35-43mm, Hw Hemianax Anax ephippiger 1 2 yes
General This species' large size, continuous 45-50mm. Our largest libellulid, its size nearing Gomphus Stylurus flavipes 2 1 yes
patrolling flight and yellow-spotted black body that of the more slender Aeshna mixta. Body is ubadschii
is reminiscent of an aeshnid, cordulegastrid or very dark, with a strong bronze gloss on the face Cordulegaster Thecagaster biden tata 0 1 no
corduliid, rather than a libellulid, although it is and thorax. Abdomen black, S2-8 with paired Cordulegaster Sonjagaster helladica 0 1 no
unlikely to be confused. Its preference for breeding semicircular yellow blotches, appearing as six to insignis
sites with very fast-flowing water is peculiar among seven pale rings in flight. Somatochlora Corduliochlora borisi 1 1 not yet
European dragonflies. Hand characters Hamule with a very strong, Libellula Ladona* depressa 1 1 not yet
curved hook, and anterior lamina densely hairy. fulva
pontica
Behaviour A powerful and swift flier. Males patrol
Sympetrum Tarnetrum fonscolombii 0 1 no
tirelessly over rapids, fiercely chasing off other
dragonflies. Unlike most of our libellulids, seldom * Support for more genera, like Platetrum, is weaker.
perches, but when it does, it hangs rather than

holding its abdomen up. Known to migrate. Analysis of species
Even greater disorder persists at lower taxonomic levels, where some former subspecies are increasingly
Occurrence treated as full species and vice versa. Such issues involve about a quarter of our species. There are also
Range and status Common throughout tropical numerous small issues concerning the original spelling (e.g. names ending in -i, -ii or -ei), and author and
Africa, extending to the Iberian peninsula, the publication year of genera and species. The checklist in Appendix 3 is intended to contain the most correct
Canaries, the Near East and India. Generally scarce and up-to-date information in this regard, based on the taxonomic discussion by Dijkstra and Kalkman
in our area, and only recently discovered in Sicily and list in Boudot & Kalkman (2015) Atlas of the European Dragonflies and Damselflies. The only notable
and Tunisia. May appear in south-east Turkey. difference being the recognition of the genus Stylurus as separate from Gomphus.
Habitat Open, fast-flowing waters, particularly We have applied a simple, although arbitrary, test to decide which taxa to treat as species. Discrete
waterfalls and rapids. characters are: (0) absent; (1) weak, e.g. principally in coloration or size; (2) clear, e.g. structural details or
Flight season From April to August. DNA. Ranges: (0) grade into each other; (1) are separate, so whether the two taxa intergrade cannot be
K-D B Dijkstra tested; (2) overlap without intergrading; (2*) overlap with limited degree of hybridisation. For.species to
Zygonyx Cascaders Appendix 1

be defined as such they must be separable by their appearance and cannot interbreed freely, so we treat
taxa as distinct species if the sum of these criteria is three or more. Questionable cases (?) have been given
the benefit of the doubt, and await solution by more research in the field, museum and laboratory (see:
Appendix 2
Research and collecting, p. 7). Vernacular names
We saw the need to develop standardised common names for all species covered (see: Appendix 3 and
Debated taxon Characters Ranges Distinct species species texts). Sometimes these deviate from names used (or proposed) by the British Dragonfly Society,
Recognised taxon
1 yes which have a more regional focus, and we provide those as alternatives. We cannot go over all the
exul 2
Calopteryx splendens arguments and criteria used here to select or coin the used names. Standards of suitability and stability
xanthostoma 2 2* yes
no
are widely accepted, but no matter how objectively criteria are formulated, discussion often continues
Calopteryx virgo meridionalis 1 0
regarding interpretation. Our preference is for short and descriptive names, and to avoid patronyms. Where
Lestes virens numidicus 2? 2? yes?
good British names existed (as a basis) for European names, we saw no need to replace these. For example,
Chalcolestes viridis parvidens 2 2* yes
the American name jewelwings is not better than demoiselles, nor is spiketails more apt than goldenrings.
Coenagrion hylas freyi 0 1 no
In other cases, we did prefer alternative suffixes. Emerald damselflies and emerald dragonflies are long
intermedium 2 1 yes
Coenagrion puella and confusingly similar names. The former are known as 'spreadwings' in three continents, the latter
syriacum 2 1 yes
as 'emeralds' in America. Many names could be taken directly from existing African lists, e.g. Ringed
Ceriagrion tenellum georgifreyi 2 1 yes
Cascader. New (group) names are also introduced: odalisque (a concubine in the harem of the Turkish
Enallagma cyathigerum deserti 2 2 yes
sultan) for Epallage is an Asian counterpart to demoiselle. Sedgling for Nehalennia speciosa conveys both
genei 2 2 yes
Ischnura elegans
the species' diminutive build and its preference for sedges. 'Spectre' describes the ghostly furtiveness
graellsii 2 2* yes
of Boyeria and Caliaeschna, and also has the '-er' ending of 'hawker' and many other group names. It
Ischnura graellsii saharensis 2 2 yes
is inspired by the German 'Geisterlibelle' and preferred over 'duskhawker', which has been used for a
Pyrrhosoma nymphula elisabethae 2 1 yes number of exotic aeshnid genera.
Aeshna serrata osiliensis 0 1 no An area of divergence between existing British names and ours is the reduction of references to range
Boyeria irene cretensis 2 1 yes and status that apply solely to Britain and Ireland or are otherwise incorrect in a European perspective,
Stylurus flavipes ubadschii 2 1? yes? e.g. Norfolk and Irish damselflies. Nonetheless, we too have used the prefix 'common' where the species
Gomphus simillimus lucasii 2 1? yes? involved is the dominant European taxon (e.g. Common Goldenring), and 'migrant' and 'vagrant' where
Gomphus vulgatissimus schneiderii 2 0-2? yes? nomadic behaviour is an integral part of a species' ecology, in contrast to most congeners (e.g. Migrant
albotibialis 2 0 no Spreadwing). Some of the recently proposed names were translations of scientific or foreign names. These
Onychogomphus
lefebvrii 2 2 yes were not always apt or distinctive, or existing English names from other parts of the world were ignored.
forcipatus
unguiculatus 2 0 no New names can be inspired by foreign names, but names in distinct languages are used independently and
heros 2 2 yes the reproduction of poor choices made in other languages is unnecessary. Although it should generally
Cordulegaster boltonii princeps 2 1 yes be avoided, there is no harm in having the same name for different species (homonyms) where these
trinacriae 2 2* yes never overlap and where good alternatives are absent. In intercontinental usage, these species can be
Cordulegaster insignis helladica 2 1 yes separated by an extra prefix (American, Eurasian etc., as in European Robin and American Robin). Only
meridionalis 1 2? yes? where homonyms meet is there a problem, e.g. in our area we have one species each of the dissimilar
Somatochlora metallica
2 2 yes genera Nehalennia and Pseudagrion, known as 'sprites' in the New and Old Worlds, respectively. Similarly,
Crocothemis servilia erythraea
2 yes?
'hook-tails' for Onychogomphus competes with 'hooktails' used for Paragomphus in Africa and Asia.
Libellula fulva pontica 1
Because the appendages of Paragomphus recall hooks more strongly than those of Onychogomphus,
Orthetrum coerulescens anceps 2 0 no
'pincertails' is proposed as a replacement.
nigrescens 1 0? no
Sympetrum striolatum It will be understood from the above that it was often difficult to choose between adopting an old name
nigrifemur 1 1 no
and coining a new one. We aimed to strike a balance between substantial change and conservatism, and
decoloratum 1 0 no
Sympetrum vulgatum refer the reader to our paper in Atropos (25: 37-43) for fuller details (a few names have changed since).
ibericum 1 0? no
The Southern Darter, for instance, is perhaps poorly named as there are several southern darter species,
but for lack of good alternatives and because of its scientific name we have retained its British name. For
American species that occur only as vagrants in our area, we have retained the American name, e.g. Citrine
Forktail (which is a bluetail) and Common Green Darner (an emperor).
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Coenagrionidae
Appendix 3 Ceriagrion Selys, 1876 Small Red Damsels
C. georgifreyi Schmidt, 1953 Turkish Red Damsel
Checklist of species treated in the field guide
C. tenellum (de Villers, 1789) Small Red Damsel (B: Small Red Damselfly)
Families are ordered to reflect their evolutionary relationships and genera are listed alphabetically.
Coenagrion Kirby, 1890 'Eurasian' BluetsAm (B: Damselflies)
Our choices concerning taxonomy and vernacular names are discussed in Appendices 1 and 2, in the
C. armatum (Charpentier, 1840) Dark Bluet (B: Norfolk Damselfly)
Introduction (p. 15) or in the relevant species text. Alternative British (B), American (Am) and Asian (As)
C. caerulescens (Fonscolombe, 1838) Mediterranean Bluet
genus and species names are provided. An exception is made for species where only the generic element
C. hastulatum (Charpentier, 1825) Spearhead Bluet (B: Northern Damselfly)
(suffix) of the name differs and not the specific element (prefix). The Black Darter, for instance, is known as
C. hylas (Trybom, 1889) Siberian Bluet + C. freyi (Bilek, 1954)
Black Meadowhawk in America: its American name follows naturally from the different generic name for
C. intermedium Lohmann, 1990 Cretan Bluet
Sympetrum used in America. Usage of genus names in Africa (Af), America (Am), Asia (As) and Australia (Au) is
C. johanssoni (Wallengren, 1894) Arctic Bluet
indicated. Frequently used synonyms, alternative genus combinations and incorrect spellings are preceded
C. lunulatum (Charpentier, 1840) Crescent Bluet (B: Irish Damselfly)
by =. Species that are not recognised by us, but are included under another species, are preceded by +.
C. mercuriale (Charpentier, 1840) Mercury Bluet (B: Southern Damselfly)
C. ornatum (Selys, 1850) Ornate Bluet
ZYGOPTERA Damselflies
C. puella (Linnaeus, 1758) Azure Bluet
C. pulchellum (Vander Linden, 1825) Variable Bluet
Lestidae
C. scitulum (Rambur, 1842) Dainty Bluet
Chalcolestes Kennedy, 1920 Willow Spreadwings (B: Emerald Damselflies)
C. syriacum (Morton, 1924) Syrian Bluet
C. parvidens Artobolevsky, 1929 Eastern Willow Spreadwing = Lestes parvidens
Enallagma Charpentier, 1840 'American' BluetsAm (B: Damselflies)
C. viridis (Vander Linden, 1825) Western Willow Spreadwing = Lestes viridis (B: Willow Emerald
E. cyathigerum (Charpentier, 1840) Common Bluet (B: Common Blue Damselfly)
Damselfly)
E. deserti (Selys, 1871) Desert Bluet
Lestes Leach, 1815 SpreadwingsAf Am As' Au (B: Emerald Damselflies)
Erythromma Charpentier, 1840 Brighteyes + Cercion Navas, 1907 (B: Red-eyed
L. barbarus (Fabricius, 1798) Migrant Spreadwing (B: Southern Emerald Damselfly)
Damselflies)
L. dryas Kirby, 1890 Robust Spreadwing (B: Scarce Emerald Damselfly; Am:
E. lindenii (Selys, 1840) Blue-eye = Cercion lindenii (B: Goblet-marked
Emerald Spreadwing)
Damselfly)
L. macrostigma (Eversmann, 1836) Dark Spreadwing
E. najas (Hansemann, 1823) Large Redeye (B: Red-eyed Damselfly)
L. numidicus Samraoui etal. 2003 Late Spread wing
E. viridulum (Charpentier, 1840) Small Redeye
L. sponsa (Hansemann, 1823) Common Spreadwing
Ischnura Charpentier, 1840 BluetailsAf As Au (B: Blue-tailed Damselflies; Am:
L. virens (Charpentier, 1825) Small Spreadwing
Forktails)
Sympecma Burmeister, 1839 Winter Damsels (B: Winter Damselflies)
/. elegans (Vander Linden, 1820) Common Bluetail (B: Blue-tailed Damselfly)
5. fusca (Vander Linden, 1820) Common Winter Damsel (B: Winter Damselfly)
/. fountaineae Morton, 1905 Oasis Bluetail
5. paedisca (Brauer, 1877) Siberian Winter Damsel + 5. annulata (Selys, 1887)
/. genei (Rambur, 1842) Island Bluetail
/. graellsii (Rambur, 1842) Iberian Bluetail
Calopterygidae
/. hastata (Say, 1839) Citrine Forktail = Anomalagrion hastatum
Calopteryx Leach, 1815 Demoiselles (Am: Jewelwings)
/. intermedia Dumont, 1974 Persian Bluetail
C. exul Selys, 1853 Glittering Demoiselle
/. pumilio (Charpentier, 1825) Small Bluetail (B: Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly)
C. haemorrhoidalis (Vander Linden, 1825) Copper Demoiselle
/. saharensis Aguesse, 1958 Sahara Bluetail
C. splendens (Harris, 1780) Banded Demoiselle
1. senegalensis (Rambur, 1842) Tropical Bluetail
C. virgo (Linnaeus, 1758) Beautiful Demoiselle
Nehalennia Selys, 1850 Sedglings (Am: Sprites)
C. xanthostoma (Charpentier, 1825) Western Demoiselle (B: Yellow-tailed Demoiselle)
N. speciosa (Charpentier, 1840) Sedgling (B: Pygmy Damselfly)
Pseudagrion Selys, 1876 SpritesAf As
Euphaeidae
P. sublacteum (Karsch, 1893) Cherry-eye Sprite
Epallage Charpentier, 1840 Odalisques
Pyrrhosoma Charpentier, 1840 Large Red Damsels
E. fatime (Charpentier, 1840) Odalisque
P. elisabethae Schmidt, 1948 Greek Red Damsel
P. nymphula (Sulzer, 1776) Large Red Damsel (B: Large Red Damselfly)
Platycnemididae
Platycnemis Burmeister, 1839 FeatherlegsAf (B: White-legged Damselflies)
ANISOPTERA True Dragonflies
P. acutipennis Selys, 1841 Orange Featherleg
P dealbata Selys in Selys & Hagen, 1850 Ivory Featherleg
Aeshnidae
P. kervillei (Martin, 1909) Powdered Featherleg
Aeshna Fabricius, 1775 Mosaic HawkersAf Au (Am: Mosaic Darners)
P. latipes Ram bur, 1842 White Featherleg
A. affinis Vander Linden, 1820 Blue-eyed Hawker (B: Southern Migrant Hawker)
P. pennipes (Pallas, 1771) Blue Featherleg (B: White-legged Damselfly)
A. caerulea (Strom, 1783) Azure Hawker
P. subdilatata Selys, 1849 Barbary Featherleg
A. crenata Hagen, 1856 Siberian Hawker
Appendix 3 Appendix 3
A. cyanea (Muller, 1764) Blue Hawker (B: Southern Hawker) Cordulegastridae
A. grandis (Linnaeus, 1758) Brown Hawker Cordulegaster Leach, 1815 Goldenrings (Am: Spiketails)
A. isoceles (Muller, 1767) Green-eyed Hawker = A. isosceles (B: Norfolk Hawker) C. bidentata Selys, 1843 Sombre Goldenring = C. bidentatus (B: Two-toothed
A. juncea (Linnaeus, 1758) Moorland Hawker (B: Common Hawker; Am: Sedge Goldenring)
Hawker) C. boltonii (Donovan, 1807) Common Goldenring (B: Golden-ringed Dragonfly)
A. mixta Latreille, 1805 Migrant Hawker C. helladica (Lohmann, 1993) Greek Goldenring
A. serrata Hagen, 1856 Baltic Hawker + A. osiliensis (Mierzejewski, 1913) C. heros Theischinger, 1979 Balkan Goldenring
A. subarctica Walker, 1908 Bog Hawker (B, Am: Subarctic Hawker) C. insignis Schneider, 1845 Blue-eyed Goldenring
A. viridis Eversmann, 1836 Green Hawker C. picta Selys, 1854 Turkish Goldenring = C. pictus
Anax Leach, 1815 EmperorsAf As Au (Am: Green Darners) C. princeps Morton, 1916 Atlas Goldenring
A. eph/pp/ger (Burmeister, 1839) Vagrant Emperor = Hemianax ephippiger C. trinacriae Waterston, 1976 Italian Goldenring
A. immaculifrons Ram bur, 1842 Magnificent Emperor 329
A. imperator Leach, 1815 Blue Emperor (B: Emperor Dragonfly) Family uncertain
A. junius (Drury, 1773) Common Green Darner Oxygastra Selys, 1870 Orange-spotted Emeralds
A. parthenope (Selys, 1839) Lesser Emperor O. curtisii (Dale, 1834) Orange-spotted Emerald
Boyeria McLachlan, 1896 Spectres (Am: Spotted Darners)
B. cretensis Peters, 1991 Cretan Spectre Macromiidae
B. irene (Fonscolombe, 1838) Western Spectre (B: Dusk Hawker) Macromia Ram bur, 1842 Cruisers*5 Au (Am: River Cruisers)
Brachytron Evans, 1845 Hairy Hawkers M. splendens (Pictet, 1843) Splendid Cruiser
B. pratense (Muller, 1764) Hairy Hawker (B: Hairy Dragonfly)
Caliaeschna Selys, 1883 Spectres Corduliidae
C. microstigma (Schneider, 1845) Eastern Spectre Cordulia Leach, 1815 Downy EmeraldsAm
C. aenea (Linnaeus, 1758) Downy Emerald
Gomphidae Epitheca Burmeister, 1839 Baskettails*"1
Gomphus Leach, 1815 Eurasian Clubtails E. bimaculata (Charpentier, 1825) Eurasian Baskettail (B: Two-spotted Dragonfly)
G. davidi Selys, 1887 Levant Clubtail Somatochlora Selys, 1871 Striped EmeraldsArn
G. gras//n/7 Rambur, 1842 Pronged Clubtail 5. alpestris (Selys, 1840) Alpine Emerald
G. lucasii Selys, 1849 Algerian Clubtail 5. arctica (Zetterstedt, 1840) Northern Emerald
G. pulchellus Selys, 1840 Western Clubtail S. borisi Marinov, 2001 Bulgarian Emerald
G. schneiderii Selys, 1850 Turkish Clubtail S. flavomaculata (Vander Linden, 1825) Yellow-spotted Emerald
G. simillimus Selys, 1840 Yellow Clubtail 5. meridionalis Nielsen, 1935 Balkan Emerald
G. vulgatissimus (Linnaeus, 1758) Common Clubtail (B: Club-tailed Dragonfly) 5. metallica (Vander Linden, 1825) Brilliant Emerald
Lindenia de Haan, 1826 Bladetails S. sahlbergi Trybom, 1889 Treeline Emerald
L. tetraphylla (Vander Linden, 1825) Bladetail
Onychogomphus Selys, 1854 PincertailsAf (B: Hooktails) Libellulidae
O. assimilis (Schneider, 1845) Dark Pincertail Acisoma Rambur, 1842 Pintails*1-*sAu
O. boudoti Ferreira, 2014 Boudot's Pincertail Acisoma inflatum Selys, 1882 Stout Pintail
O. cazuma Barona, Cardo & Diaz, 2020 Cazuma Pincertail Brachythemis Brauer, 1868 Groundlings*1 *s
O. costae Selys, 1885 Faded Pincertail B. fuscopalliata (Selys, 1887) Dark-winged Groundling
O. flexuosus (Schneider, 1845) Waved Pincertail B. impartita (Karsch, 1890) Northern Banded Groundling
O. forcipatus (Linnaeus, 1758) Small Pincertail (B: Green-eyed Hooktail) Crocothemis Brauer, 1868 Scarlets*1 Au
O. lefebvrii (Rambur, 1842) Pale Pincertail C. erythraea (Brulle, 1832) Broad Scarlet (B: Scarlet Darter)
O. macrodon Selys, 1887 Levant Pincertail C. servilia (Drury, 1773) Oriental Scarlet (Am: Scarlet Skimmer; As: Crimson
O. uncatus (Charpentier, 1840) Large Pincertail (B: Blue-eyed Hooktail) Darter, Eastern Scarlet Darter
Ophiogomphus Selys, 1854 SnaketailsAm Diplacodes Kirby, 1889 Perchers*1 *s-Au
O. cecilia (Fourcroy, 1785) Green Snaketail (B: Green Clubtail) D. lefebvrii (Rambur, 1842) Black Percher = D. lefebvrei
Paragomphus Cowley, 1934 Hooktails*1 As Leucorrhinia Brittinger, 1850 WhitefacesAm (B: White-faced Darters)
P genei (Selys, 1841) Green Hooktail L. albifrons (Burmeister, 1839) Dark Whiteface (B: Eastern White-faced Darter)
P. lineatus (Selys, 1850) Lined Hooktail L. caudalis (Charpentier, 1840) Lilypad Whiteface (B: Dainty White-faced Darter)
Stylurus Needham, 1897 Hanging ClubtailsAm L. dubia (Vander Linden, 1825) Small Whiteface (B: White-faced Darter)
S. flavipes (Charpentier, 1825) River Clubtail = Gomphus flavipes (B: Yellow L. pectoralis (Charpentier, 1825) Yellow-spotted Whiteface (B: Large White-faced Darter)
legged Clubtail) L. rubicunda (Linnaeus, 1758) Ruby Whiteface (B: Northern White-faced Darter)
5. ubadschii Schmidt, 1953 Syrian Clubtail = Gomphus (flavipes) lineatus
Bartenef, 1929
Appendix 3 Appendix 3
Libellula Linnaeus, 1758 Chasers (Am: Skimmers, Corporals)
Photographic credits
L. depressa Linnaeus, 1758 Broad-bodied Chaser
L. fulva Muller, 1764 Blue Chaser (B: Scarce Chaser)
Toni Alcocer 211; Jorg Arlt 176; Angelika Borkenstein 5, 9, 13 (top), 72 (bottom), 76 (top), 77, 81 (right),
L. pontica Selys, 1887 Red Chaser
84, 97 (bottom), 105, 113 (both), 121 (top, second-row right, middle row, fourth row), 135 (bottom),
L. quadrimaculata Linnaeus, 1758 Four-spotted Chaser
139, 145, 152, 158, 164, 170, 188, 203, 240, 254, 255, 256 (top), 274, 278 (top left and bottom left),
Orthetrum Newman, 1833 SkimmersAf As Au
288, 292, 293; Jean-Pierre Boudot 67, 92, 110, 112, 196, 314; Christophe Brochard 36 (all), 37 (all),
O. albistylum (Selys, 1848) White-tailed Skimmer
125; Stefan Cherrug 309; Amata Franco Ciro 90, 121 (second-row left), 148, 150, 290, 291; Adolfo
O. brunneum (Fonscolombe, 1837) Southern Skimmer
Cordero-Rivera 116; John Curd 316; Christian Dreifert 262; Andre Gunther 97 (top), 151, 294; Rudiger
O. cancellatum (Linnaeus, 1758) Black-tailed Skimmer
Heins 107 (bottom); Sebastian Hennigs 250; Reinhard Jodicke 72 (top), 107 (top), 117, 135 (top), 143,
O. chrysostigma (Burmeister, 1839) Epaulet Skimmer
152, 236, 256 (bottom), 259, 278 (bottom right), 301; Sami Karjalainen 40; Stefan Kohl 108, 109,
O. coeru/escens (Fabricius, 1798) Keeled Skimmer + O. anceps (Schneider, 1845)
121 (bottom), 182, 194; Mathias Lohr 263; Cosmin Manci 248; Alex Minicd 200, 232, 241, 264; Hero
330 + O. ramburii (Selys, 1848) 331
Moorlag 278 (top right); Kent Olsen 166; Han Onderwater 93, 220; Robert Pieters 180; Paul Ritchie 182;
O. nitidinerve (Selys, 1841) Yellow-veined Skimmer
Walter Sanford 174; Roberto Scherini 154, 244; Malte Seehausen 76 (bottom), 94, 204 (both); Norbert
O. ransonnetii (Brauer, 1865) Desert Skimmer
Steffan 156; Pipa Terrer 178, 281, 304; Jukka Toivanen 168; Antoine van der Heijden 80, 81 (left), 186;
O. sabina (Drury, 1773) Slender Skimmer (As: Green Skimmer, Sombre
Michele Vigand 319; Martin Waldhauser 218; Hansruedi Wildermuth 228, 242, 252
Skimmer)
O. taeniolatum (Schneider, 1845) Small Skimmer
Mapping credits
O. trinacria (Selys, 1841) Long Skimmer
Pachydiplax Brauer, 1868 Blue DashersA"
The maps were drawn up by Asmus Schroter and based on the Atlas of the European dragonflies and
P. longipennis (Burmeister, 1839) Blue Dasher
damselflies (full reference on page 8).
Pantala Hagen, 1861 Wandering GlidersAf Am As Au
P. flavescens (Fabricius, 1798) Wandering Glider (B: Globe Skimmer)
Rhyothemis Hagen, 1867 FlutterersAfAsAu
R. semihyalina (Desjardins, 1832) Phantom Flutterer
Selysiothemis Ris, 1897 Black Pennants
5. nigra (Vander Linden, 1825) Black Pennant
Sympetrum Newman, 1833 DartersAf As (Am: Meadowhawks)
S. danae (Sulzer, 1776) Black Darter
5. depressiusculum (Selys, 1841) Spotted Darter (B: Marshland Darter)
S. flaveolum (Linnaeus, 1758) Yellow-winged Darter
S. fonscolombii (Selys, 1840) Red-veined Darter = 5. fonscolombei
S. haritonovi Borisov, 1983 Dwarf Darter
S. meridionale (Selys, 1841) Southern Darter
5. pedemontanum (Muller in Allioni, 1766) Banded Darter
5. sanguineum (Muller, 1764) Ruddy Darter
S. sinaiticum Dumont, 1977 Desert Darter
S. striolatum (Charpentier, 1840) Common Darter
5. (s.) nigrescens Lucas, 1912 Highland Darter
S. (s.) nigrifemur (Selys, 1884) Island Darter
5. vulgatum (Linnaeus, 1758) Moustached Darter (B: Vagrant Darter)
+ 5. decoloratum (Selys, 1884)
Tramea Hagen, 1861 Saddlebag GlidersAf Am
T. basilaris (Palisot de Beauvois, 1817) Keyhole Glider
Trithemis Brauer, 1868 DropwingsAfAs
T. annulata (Palisot de Beauvois, 1807) Violet Dropwing (B: Violet-marked Darter)
T. arteriosa (Burmeister, 1839) Red-veined Dropwing
T. festiva (Rambur, 1842) Indigo Dropwing
T. kirbyi Selys, 1891 Orange-winged Dropwing
Urothemis Brauer, 1868 BaskersAf As
U. edwardsii (Selys, 1849) Blue Basker
Zygonyx Selys in Hagen, 1867 CascadersAfAs
Z. torridus (Kirby, 1889) Ringed Cascader = Z. torrida
Appendix 3 Photographic and mapping credits

Cordulegaster 26, 220 Red-eyed 135 Red-veined 290
bidentata 221, 228 White-legged 95 Ruddy 286
Index sicilica 228 Winter 80 Scarlet 302
Page numbers in bold refer to main descriptions, those in italics refer to photographs. boltonii 16,221,222 Damselfly Southern 298
algirica 223 Azure 123 Spotted 287
Acisoma 32, 33, 34, 314 Ornate 127 Cascaders 322 boltonii 222 Blue-tailed 105 Vagrant 296
inflatum 314 Siberian 132 Ceriagrion 25, 142 iberica 222 Common Blue 117 Violet-marked 305
Aeshna 28, 29, 147 Spearhead 130 georgifreyi 143 immaculifrons 222 Common Emerald 70 White-faced 275
affinis 147, 150, 151 Syrian 125 tenellum 142, 143 helladica 37, 221, 231 Dainty 128 Yellow-winged 288
caerulea 147, 156 Variable 122 Chalcolestes 24, 69 buchholzi 231 Goblet-marked 138 Darters 281
crenata 37, 147, 162, 168 Bluets parvidens 69, 79 helladica 231 Irish 131 Atlantic 294 333
cyanea 16, 147, 158 'American' 117 viridis 13, 36, 69, 77 kastalia 231 Large Red 140 White-faced 274
grandis 147, 154 'Eurasian' 120 Chaser heros 221, 226 Norfolk 134 Dasher, Blue 315
linnaei 154 Bluetail Blue 256 heros 226 Northern 130 Dashers, Blue 315
isoceles 147, 152 Common 105 Broad-bodied 254 pelionensis 226 Orange White-legged 99 Demoiselle
antehumeralis 152 Iberian 108 Four-spotted 22, 253 insignis 220, 221, 230 Pygmy 144 Banded 85
juncea 147, 162 Island 107 Red 258 charpentieri 230 Red-eyed 136 Beautiful 88
mixta 36, 147, 148 Oasis 110 Scarce 256 insignis 230 Scarce Blue-tailed 112 Copper 90
serrata 147, 162, 166 Persian 114 Chasers 252 montandoni 230 Scarce Emerald 71 Glittering 92
subarctica 147, 162, 164 Sahara 109 Clubtail mzymtae 230 Small Emerald 75 Western 87
elisabethae 165 Small 112 Algerian 196 picta 221, 227 Small Red 142 Yellow-tailed 87
viridis 147, 160 Tropical 111 Common 190 princeps 221, 224 Small Red-eyed 137 Demoiselles 84
Aeshnidae 26,27,28, 29, 147 Bluetails 103 Green 202 trinacriae 221, 225 Southern 126 Diplacodes 32, 33, 34,
Anax 28, 29, 170 Boyeria 28, 29, 184 Levant 197 Cordulegastridae 26, 27, 220 Southern Emerald 74 312
ephippiger 171, 178 cretensis 185 Pronged 193 Cordulia 30, 31, 236 Variable 122 lefebvrii 312
immaculifrons 180 irene 184 River 199 aenea 236 White-legged 96 Dragonfly
imperator 170, 171, 172 Brachythemis 32, 33, 309 Syrian 201 Corduliidae 26, 27, 30, 31, 236 Willow Emerald 77 Club-tailed 190
junius 174 fuscopalliata 34, 309, 310 Turkish 192 Crocothemis 32, 34, 301 Winter 82 Emperor 172
parthenope 171, 176 impartita 34, 311 Western 198 erythraea 301, 302 Darner, Common Green 174 Golden-ringed 222
Anisoptera 22, 26, 27 Brachytron 28, 29, 182 Yellow 194 servilia 303 Darners Hairy 182
pratense 182 Yellow-legged 199 Cruiser, Splendid 234 Green 170 Two-spotted 250
Basker, Blue 321 B righteyes 135 Clubtails 188 Cruisers 234 Mosaic 147 Dropwing
Baskers 321 Coenagrion 25, 120, 121 River 234 Spotted 184 Indigo 308
Baskettail, Eurasian 250 Caliaeschna 28, 29, 186 armatum 120, 121, 134 Darter Orange-winged 307
Baskettails 250 microstigma 186 caerulescens 121, 129 Damsel Banded 285 Red-veined 306
Bladetail 218 Calopterygidae 23, 84 caesarum 129 Common Winter 82 Black 284 Violet 305
Bladetails 218 Calopteryx 23, 84 hastulatum 120,7 21, 130 Greek Red 141 Common 292 Dropwings 304
Blue-eye 138 exul 92 hylas 120, 727, 132 Large Red 140 Dainty White-faced 280
Bluet haemorrhoidalis 36, 90 intermedium 120, 124, 725 Siberian Winter 83 Desert 299 Emerald
Arctic 133 asturica 91 johanssoni 120, 133 Small Red 142 Dwarf 300 Alpine 246
Azure 123 occasi 90 lunulatum 120,121, 131 Turkish Red 143 Eastern White-faced 279 Balkan 241
Common 117 splendens 84, 85 mercuriale 126 Damsels Highland 295 Brilliant 239
Crescent 131 festiva 88 ornatum 127 Large Red 139 Island 294 Bulgarian 248
Cretan 124 intermedia 88 puella 120, 727, 123 Small Red 142 Large White-faced 277 Downy 236
Dainty 128 meridionalis 88 kocheri 124 Winter 80 Marshland 287 Northern 244
Dark 134 virgo 88 pulchellum 120, 122 Damselflies Moustached 296 Orange-spotted 232
Desert 118 virgo 88 scitulum 120, 128 Blue-tailed 103 Northern White-faced 276 Treeline 247
Mediterranean 129 xanthostoma 87 syriacum 120, 125 Emerald 69 Plain 297 Yellow-spotted 242
Mercury 126 Cascader, Ringed 322 Coenagrionidae 23, 24, 103
Index
Index
Emeralds Blue-eyed 230 Green 216 Macromiidae 30, 31, 234 genei 216 Skimmer
Downy 236 Common 222 Green-eyed 207 Meadowhawk, Black 284 lineatus 217 Black-tailed 260
Orange-spotted 232 Greek 231 Lined 217 Meadowhawks 281 Pennant, Black 313 Desert 270
Striped 238 Italian 225 Hooktails 204, 216 Pennants, Black 313 Epaulet 268
Emperor Sombre 228 Nehalennia 25, 144 Percher, Black 312 Four-spotted 253
Blue 172 Turkish 227 Ischnura 25, 103 speciosa 144, 145 Perchers 312 Globe 316
Lesser 176 Two-toothed 228 elegans 103, 104, 105 Pincertail Keeled 264
Magnificent 180 Goldenrings 220 fountaineae 103, 104, 110 Odalisque 93 Boudot's 210 Long 271
Vagrant 178 Gomphidae 26, 27, 29, 188 genei 104, 107 Odalisques 93 Cazuma 211 Scarlet 303
Emperors 170 Gomphus 29, 188 graellsii 104, 108 Onychogomphus 29, 204 Dark 212 Slender 273
334 Ena Hagma 25, 117 davidi 189, 197 hastata 116 assimilis 204, 205, 212 Faded 213 Small 269
cyathigerum 20, 36, 117 graslinii 189, 193 intermedia 103, 104, 114 boudoti 205, 210 Large 206 Southern 266
deserti 118, 119 lucasii 189, 196 pumilio 103, 104, 112, 113 cazuma 211 Levant 215 White-tailed 262
Epallage 23, 93 pulchellus 188, 189, 198 saharensis 104, 109 costae 205, 213 Pale 209 Yellow-veined 267
fatime 36, 93, 94 schneiderii 189, 192 senegalensis 103, 104, 111, flexuosus 204, 205, 214 Small 207 Skimmers 259
Epitheca 30, 31, 250 simillimus 189, 194 7 72 forcipatus 205, 207 Waved 214 Snaketail, Green 202
bimaculata 37, 250 maroccanus 195 albotibialis 208 Pincertails 204 Snaketails 202
Erythromma 25, 135 vulgatissimus 189, 190 Jewelwings 84 forcipatus 208 Pintail, Stout 314 Somatochlora 30, 31,
lindenii 135, 138 Groundling unguiculatus 208 Pintails 314 238
lacustris 139 Dark-winged 310 Lestes 24, 69 lefebvrii 205, 209 Platycnemididae 23, 24, 95 alpestris 238, 246
zernyi 139 Northern Banded 311 barbarus 16, 69, 74, 76 macrodon 205, 215 Platycnemis 23, 95 arctica 238, 244
najas 5, 136 Groundlings 309 dryas 69, 71, 72 uncatus 37, 205, 206 acutipennis 95, 99 borisi 238, 248
viridulum 135, 137 macrostigma 69, 72, 73 Ophiogomphus 29, 202 dealbata 95, 97, 101 flavomaculata 238, 242
orientale 137 Hawker numidicus 75, 76 cecilia 202, 203 kervillei 95, 102 meridionalis 238, 241
Euphaeidae 23, 93 Azure 156 sponsa 69, 70 Orthetrum 32, 34, 259 latipes 95, 100 metallica 238, 239, 240
Baltic 166 virens 69, 75, 76 albistylum 259, 262, 263 pennipes 22, 95, 96, 97 abocanica 240
Featherleg Blue 158 vestalis 75 brunneum 259, 260, 266 nitidula 97 sahlbergi 238, 247
Barbary 98 Blue-eyed 150 virens 75 brunneus 267 subdilatata 95, 98 Spectre
Blue 22, 96 Bog 164 Lestidae 23, 24, 69 cycnos 267 Pseudagrion 25, 145 Cretan 185
Ivory 101 Brown 154 Leucorrhinia 32, 33, 34, 274 cancellatum 259, 260 sublacteum 145 Eastern 186
Orange 99 Common 162 albifrons 274, 279 chrysostigma 259, 260, 268 Pyrrhosoma 25, 139 Western 184
Powdered 102 Dusk 184 caudalis 37, 274, 278, 280 coerulescens 259, 260, 264 elisabethae 141 Spectres 184
White 100 Green 160 dubia 16, 274, 275, 278 anceps 264 nymphula 139, 140 Eastern 186
Featherlegs 95 Green-eyed 152 pectoralis 274, 277, 278 coerulescens 264 Spiketails 220
Flutterer, Phantom 320 Hairy 182 rubicunda 274, 276, 278 nitidinerve 259, 260, 267 Redeye Spreadwing
Flutterers 320 Migrant 148 Libellula 32, 34, 252 ramburii 264 Large 136 Common 70
Forktail, Citrine 116 Moorland 162 depressa 252, 254, 255 ransonnetii 259, 260, 270 Small 137 Dark 73
Forktails 103 Norfolk 152 fulva 252, 256 sabina 259, 273 Rhyothemis 32, 33, 35, 320 Eastern Willow 79
Sedge 162 pontica 252, 258 taeniolatum 259, 260, 269 semihyalina 320 Emerald 71
Glider Siberian 168 quadrimaculata 22, 252, trinacria 259, 271 Late 75
Keyhole 318 Southern 158 253 Oxygastra 30, 31, 232 Scarlet Migrant 74
Wandering 316 Southern Migrant 150 Libellulidae 26, 27, 31, 32, curtisii 31, 232 Broad 302 Robust 71
Gliders Subarctic 164 34, 252 Oriental 303 Small 75
Saddlebag 318 Hawkers Lindenia 29, 218 Pachydiplax 32, 33, 35, 315 Scarlets 301 Western Willow 77
Wandering 316 Hairy 182 tetraphylla 218 longipennis 315 Sedgling 144 Spreadwings 69
Goldenring Mosaic 147 Pantala 32, 35, 316 Sedglings 144 Willow 69
Atlas 224 Hooktail Macromia 30, 31, 234 flavescens 316 Selysiothemis 32, 33, 35, 313 Sprite, Cherry-eye 145
Balkan 226 Blue-eyed 206 splendens 36, 234 Paragomphus 29, 216 nigra 313 Sprites 144, 145
Index Index
Stylurus 29, 188 sanguineum 282, 286 Urothemis 32, 33, 35,
flavipes 189, 199, 200 sinaiticum 20, 281, 282, 283, edwardsii 321
ubadschii 189,201 299
Sympecma 24, 80 striolatum 282, 283, 292, Whiteface
fusca 80,81, 82 293 Dark 279
paedisca 81,83 vulgatum 282, 283, 296 Lilypad 280
Sympetrum 32, 33, 35, 281 decoloratum 296, 297 Ruby 276
danae 9, 282, 284 ibericum 297 Small 275
depressiusculum 282, 283, vulgatum 297 Yellow-spotted 277
287 Whitefaces 274
334 flaveolum 282, 288 Tramea 32, 318
fonscolombii 282, 290, 297 basilaris 318, 319 Zygonyx 32, 35, 322
azorense 290 burmeisteri 319 torridus 322
haritonovi 282, 283, 300 Trithemis 32, 35, 304 Zygoptera 22, 23
meridionale 282, 283, 298 annulata 37, 304, 305
nigrescens 282, 283, 295 arteriosa 304, 306
nigrifemur 282, 283, 294 festiva 304, 308
pedemontanum 282, 283, kirbyi 304, 307
285
Index
The long-awaited, fully Bloomsbury Wildlife Guides
revised second edition of
the most comprehensive
guide to the dragonflies • Covers all 163 species of
and damselflies of Britain, Europe, north-western Africa
Europe and North Africa. and western Turkey, including
six discovered since the first
edition
I • Illustrated with almost 1,000

superbly detailed colour
artworks, line drawings and
photographs, of which over
150 have been added or
replaced
• Includes fully revised regional

guides, identification texts,
conservation statuses,
checklists, taxonomy and
country-by-country site guides
• Updated distribution maps

for every resident species in
the region
• Contributions from leading

dragonfly experts, and a new
preface by the lead author
Praise for the first edition:
'A superb guide and a

magnificent achievement. This
book could scarcely have been
better.' - Birding World
w w w .blooms bur y .com

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Bloomsbury Wildlife Guides

Field Guide to the

Dragonflies of Britain and Europe

GENERAL EDITOR KLAAS-DOUWE B DIJKSTRA

EDITOR FOR SECOND EDITION ASMUS SCHROTER

ILLUSTRATED BY RICHARD LEWINGTON

I )r;i goiifly occurrence

anatomy hdoinen Posterior portion of body, comprising Ax See: antenodal cross-veins.

Hw base shape Eyes Wings at rest Suborder

similar to Fw base Widely separated by head Usually held shut Zygoptera

• p.irating families of damselflies (Zygoptera)

length Ax in forewing Wings Family ►

28mm 2 Always clear. With narrow stalk-like Lestidae Platycnemididae B

Identifying Zygoptera Diagnostic characters ►

H.Hing genera of small damselflies (Coenagrionidae)

Hinostic characters Genus ►

a Red and red-eyed damselflies

Separating genera of spreadwings (Lestidae)

Pterostigmas Body Wings at rest ► ■ Bluet and bluetail damselflies

Separating families of true dragonflies (Anisoptera) Cordulegastridae

Eyes separated by ridge, not touching Present Outward Percher Gomphidae

Abdomen often bluish pruinose or red Absent Backwards Percher Libellulidae

mly slightly longer than broad Present Present 1 Caliaeschna

Rspl i- utifying Gomphidae

All similarly long and arched S Present Onychogomphus

. 10 with high pale crest on All dark 1 2 Sack Present Oxygastra

i >l.il length 70mm or more. Largely 1 3 or Square Absent Macromia

Absent Present .... •-.lie characters Last Ax Fw Fw Subtriangle ►

Vagrant from North America, 1 3 2 3 Pachydiplax

I<i*.l Ax iik oinplele, only

Acisoma Brachythemis fuscopalliata

forewing triangle and

discoidal field forewing discoidal

forewing discoidal field

Rspl subtends double

several (4 here) bridge

Libellula Orthetrum Urothemis Zygonyx

* hn.i i lenata. ▲ Leucorrhinia caudalis

▲ Aeshna mixta. ▲ Macromia splendens.

a >>i du legaster helladica.

let I lie fully grown larva has crawled out onto a

▲ EnaIlagma cyathigerum. ▲ Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis. ◄ Epitheca bimaculata, male.

The larva of Epallage fatime is unique in Europe ▼ Trithemis annulata.

Regional guide Regional guide

Ita recently rediscovered here.

Regional guide Regional guide

Regional guide Regional guide

An This is also the wettest and coldest part, with a

Regional guide Regional guide

Regional guide Regional guide

Regional guide Regional guide

ll./H Cordulia aenea, Somatochlora

Regional guide Regional guide

M Cordulegaster heros and Somatochlora meridionalis,

Regional guide Regional guide

Mei (Prague) and Brno. Coenagrion puella, Aeshna

and harbour a characteristic dragonfly fauna.

Regional guide Regional guide