A medium-sized ( 40-49mm) dragonfly of lowland river floodplains. Usually
inhabits slow-flowing, meandering rivers and large dykes but often found
basking and feeding in woodland clearings and moors close to its habitat.
Immature males are a striking amber colour,
becoming blue with maturity. Immature specimens
spend time away from water feeding and maturing.
Mature males patrol short stretches of shore,
frequently perching on bank-side reeds and other
vegetation.
Immature females are
superficially similar to immature males, but
retain the orange colouring, dulling as they age,
confusingly acquiring a blue pruinescence.
As the name suggests, a
scarce species up until recently when their range
has expanded successfully, with new locations
added seasonally.
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