Habitat: Various bodies of water with shrubs and trees (mainly willows and alders) along the water’s edge.

Appearance: Found throughout almost all of Europe, absent or only exceptionally found in Ireland and Great Britain; its northern boundary is southern Denmark and its eastern boundary is eastern Poland, extending across Ukraine to the Black Sea. Common in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Flying season: July to October.

Characteristics: Length 45–48 mm, wingspan 50–60 mm.

Life cycle: The eggs are laid beneath the bark of branches overhanging the water, initially in pairs, but by evening the females also lay eggs alone. The eggs overwinter. In April, the tiny prolarvae hatch and drop down into the water. If they fall onto the ground, they attempt to reach the water by jumping.