Oxygastra curtisii - Orange-spotted Emerald - La cordulie à corps fin

Description

A dark, medium-sized dragonfly. The males can be found patrolling short strtches of tree lined rivers or canals where there is some shade for part of the day. The species bacame extinct in the UK in 1957 after a pollution event at its last known site, the Moors River in Dorset. It is found now in France, Spain and Portugal with a few other isolated populations. Like all emeralds, the body is a metallic emerald green, as are the eyes which touch at a point. The wings of the female are suffused with yellow along the leading edges.

Male near the River Orb near Bédarieux, 20th June 2008

Male in flight at the River Orb, Hérépian (34)

Female resting on reeds near the River Orb, Hérépian (34)

Pair in copulation wheel resting on reeds near the River Orb, Hérépian (34)

Observations

19/06/2006   Several males (up to 20) patrolling the edges of the Orb. Occasional conflict incidents between males. Typical emerald behaviour with males keeping close to banks, about 20-30 cms above water. Later observed pair in cop. Stayed coupled for about a minute then male left and female rested on reeds.

15/07/2006   Between 10 and 30 individuals, mainly males, patrolling the banks of the River Orb between Hérépian and Bédarieux (34).

20/06/2008   Solitary male at the River Orb near Bédarieux

09/06/2009   A solitary male over the water at the Barrage des Olivettes.

16/06/2009   a few males patrolling the river edge on the River Orb at Hérépian.