Thanks to its long ovipositor, the female is actually our longest dragonfly (84mm, 3½ inches), though it is much slimmer than the Emperor. Perhaps because of its superficial likeness to a giant wasp, this species gave rise to the old folk name for a dragonfly - horse-stinger! On the black abdomen the yellow markings look like rings.
National status
Common in southern England, Wales, the Lake District and western Scotland.
Status in Sussex
Scarce. Mostly confined to Wealden Greensand and across the High Weald, most prominently on Ashdown Forest. Records suggest recent consolidation along the catchment of the Western Rother and expansion into the Low Weald along the upper Ouse.
Distribution at 1km scale
Historical records
Unwin (1853) appears to have been the first to record this species, in 1853 in the Brighton area. Furley (1931) reported that it was seen most years in July at Arundel. In the supposedly more suitable habitat of Ashdown Forest, it was not recorded until the 1920s (Chelmick 1979). Elsewhere in Sussex, records have always been somewhat localised. There were no records from the Wealden Greensand from the 1965-1978 survey (Chelmick 1979).
Flight times
Mid June - early September. There has been little obvious change in flight times during the decade to 2020.
Phenology (adult)
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Golden ringed Damselfly habitat at Old Lodge, Ashdown Forest Photo: Simon Linington
Habitat
Lake outfalls and moderate to fast flowing streams with a gravel or silt bottom. May feed in woodland, as long as there are some clear, open areas.
Conservation
This species depends on the presence of open heathland. Removing coniferous plantations (and their dense shade) could help extend the number of sites it frequents.
Similar species
Seen well, there should be no difficulty in identifying this distinctly long, black and yellow dragonfly with green eyes.
Thanks to its long ovipositor, the female is actually our longest dragonfly (84mm, 3½ inches), though it is much slimmer than the Emperor. Perhaps because of its superficial likeness to a giant wasp, this species gave rise to the old folk name for a dragonfly - horse-stinger! On the black abdomen the yellow markings look like rings.
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ovipositing female Photo: David Sadler
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female Photo: David Sadler
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male Photo: David Sadler
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male Photo: Simon Linington
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male Photo: Simon Linington
National status
Common in southern England, Wales, the Lake District and western Scotland.
Status in Sussex
Scarce. Mostly confined to Wealden Greensand and across the High Weald, most prominently on Ashdown Forest. Records suggest recent consolidation along the catchment of the Western Rother and expansion into the Low Weald along the upper Ouse.
Distribution at 1km scale
Historical records
Unwin (1853) appears to have been the first to record this species, in 1853 in the Brighton area. Furley (1931) reported that it was seen most years in July at Arundel. In the supposedly more suitable habitat of Ashdown Forest, it was not recorded until the 1920s (Chelmick 1979). Elsewhere in Sussex, records have always been somewhat localised. There were no records from the Wealden Greensand from the 1965-1978 survey (Chelmick 1979).
Flight times
Mid June - early September. There has been little obvious change in flight times during the decade to 2020.
Phenology (adult)
1 / 1
Golden ringed Damselfly habitat at Old Lodge, Ashdown Forest Photo: Simon Linington
Habitat
Lake outfalls and moderate to fast flowing streams with a gravel or silt bottom. May feed in woodland, as long as there are some clear, open areas.
Conservation
This species depends on the presence of open heathland. Removing coniferous plantations (and their dense shade) could help extend the number of sites it frequents.
Similar species
Seen well, there should be no difficulty in identifying this distinctly long, black and yellow dragonfly with green eyes.
-Golden-ringed-Damselfly.jpg)
