- Lifespan
- Approximately 2–3 months as an adult; up to 2 years including aquatic nymph stage
- Size & Weight
- 32–35 mm body length; wingspan 40–50 mm
- Habitat
- Found around still and slow-flowing freshwater bodies including ponds, lakes, canals, and ditches with aquatic vegetation.
- UK Distribution
- Widespread throughout England, Wales, and southern Scotland; absent from the far north of Scotland. Resident species, present from May to September.
- Diet
- Carnivorous; hunts small flying insects in flight.
- Prey
- Small flying insects including midges, gnats, mosquitoes, and small flies
- Predators
- Dragonflies, water birds, spiders, and insectivorous fish
- Mating Season
- May to August
- Breeding
- Females lay hundreds of eggs into aquatic vegetation or substrate; eggs hatch into nymphs which develop over 1–2 years in water through multiple instars before emerging as adults.
- Behaviour
- Males are highly territorial and patrol breeding waters, hovering and darting to intercept prey and rival males. Tandem pairs are frequently observed as females lay eggs. They are active in warm, sunny conditions and often perch on vegetation.