Goldenrings

Cordulegastridae (goldenrings): These are the longest dragonflies in Europe. They have bright green eyes that meet at just a single point and a beautifully marked black and yellow body. The female can be distinguished by her large ovipositor, which protrudes well beyond the tip of the abdomen. Males have a distinctive tooth on the abdominal appendages, and the abdomen is widened approximately at the level of segments S7 and S8. This species inhabits clear, flowing waters such as springs and streams, where the larval stage lasts for several years.