Cordulegaster boltoni - Golden-ringed Dragonfly - Le Cordulégastre annelé

Description

A striking, black dragonfly with golden yellow rings and green eyes. This is a large insect that can be up to 80 mm long (including the female's ovipositor). It typically breeds in small streams with a moderate flow and is found in hill country up to 1500 mtrs. The streams are often very small and the males will patrol for long periods, though individuals can be found feeding and resting some way from their breeding sites.

Male resting on hillside at Cirque d'Infernet, St-Guilhem-le-Desert (34), 31st May 2005

Female resting on hillside above Le Verdus stream, St-Guilhem-le-Desert (34), 31st May 2005

Observations

31/05/2005   Several (up to 5) individuals (male and female) seen in the Cirque d'Infernet and patrolling Le Verdus stream near St-Guilhem-le-Desert (34)

20/07/2006   Up to 10 females patrolling the banks of the River Agout at St Pierre d'Espinouse (34) apparently searching for oviposition sites. Some seen laying eggs by dipping into the water.

22/06/2007   solitary individual, sex not determined, seen at the Lac de Vésoles

10/07/2008   Solitary male and female ovipositing at the Parcours de Peche on the R. Gravezon, Lunas