Desert Darter – Sympetrum sinaiticum – Libélula Flecha Roja

Desert Darter - Sympetrum sinaiticum - Libélula Flecha Roja

The relatively small Desert Darter – Sympetrum sinaiticum – Libélula Flecha Roja is comparatively scarce in Spain, but in recent years it has started to become more frequently encountered. This may be as a result of a greater awareness of the species or perhaps as a result of climate change. It is a species of … Read more

Dragonflies and Damselflies in Spain

Iberian dragonflies and damselflies are extremely beautiful insects which capture the very essence of summer
A pair of Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies – Ischnura pumilio copulating in the “wheel” position
A pair of Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies – Ischnura pumilio copulating in the “wheel” position

Dragonflies and damselflies in Spain are extremely beautiful insects which capture the very essence of summer as they perform their intricate aerobatics around the gleaming backdrop of rivers and pools on hot and sunny days.

As such they are highly visible and important indicators of the health of our wetlands being top insect predators both as airborne adults & aquatic larvae.

Dragonflies are entirely harmless and do not bite or sting, (though they may give a gentle nip if roughly handled!). They also make superb subjects for photography though getting close enough for a good shot can be difficult!

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Small Pincertail (Onychogomphus forcipatus)

Small Pincertail (Onychogomphus forcipatus)

English common name: Small Pincertail Scientific name: Onychogomphus forcipatus (Linnaeus, 1758) Family: Gomphidae Total length: 46 to 50mm Hind Wing length: 25 to 31mm Flight period in Iberia: May to mid September Distribution: Europe (except Britain), North Africa & the Near East. Widely distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula, though apparently absent from the coastal fringes … Read more