Fauna
Insect

Golden-ringed Dragonfly

Cordulegaster boltonii

Also known as Golden-ringed Spiketail

Golden-ringed dragonflies patrol clear, fast-flowing acidic streams and moorland rivers, maintaining long, linear territories along the water edge. Females possess a uniquely elongated ovipositor, which they drive into soft stream beds with vertical pulsing motions to deposit eggs. These formidable predators snatch flying insects mid-air, returning to sunny heather perches to consume their catch.

PredatorFast-FlyingYellow and Black
Golden-ringed Dragonfly reference1 / 7
Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDamselflies, Bees, Flies
Predators
  • Eurasian hobby
  • Kingfishers
  • Frogs
ThreatsStream pollution, water abstraction, habitat loss
HabitatsAcidic streams, moorland rivers, wet heathlands, woodland streams
Life span3–5 years (mostly as larvae; adults live 1–2 months)
Classification
  1. FamilyCordulegastridae
  2. SpeciesCordulegaster boltonii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Stream Patrols: Stand quietly beside sunny, clear streams where males establish regular linear flight paths.
  • Perch Spotting: Scan high heather and gorse bushes near water for resting adults digesting their prey.
Related species
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