- Lifespan
- 2–3 months as adults in the UK
- Size & Weight
- Body length 31–35 mm; wingspan 52–58 mm
- Habitat
- Shallow, nutrient-rich ponds, lakes, and ditches with emergent vegetation, typically in lowland areas.
- UK Distribution
- Widespread throughout England, Wales, and southern Scotland; absent from northern Scotland and the far north. Summer resident, present May to September.
- Diet
- Small flying insects including mosquitoes, midges, small flies, and other airborne prey captured during flight.
- Prey
- Mosquitoes, midges, flies, and other small insects
- Predators
- Dragonfly-hunting birds such as hobbies and lesser spotted woodpeckers; also spiders and larger dragonfly species
- Mating Season
- June to August
- Breeding
- Females lay eggs in tandem with males, depositing them into water or wet vegetation. Nymphal stage lasts 1–2 years depending on water temperature and conditions; multiple cohorts may develop annually.
- Behaviour
- Highly territorial and aggressive dragonfly, with males patrolling stretches of water and engaging in aerial combat with rivals. Characterised by rapid, jerky flight and preference for basking in warm spots. Often seen perching on emergent vegetation or floating vegetation.