The Club-tailed Dragonfly (Gomphus vulgatissimus) is a scarce and localised species, with very specific habitat requirements along slow moving river systems. In Sussex, its main stronghold is in the Arun basin in the west of the county.
It is an early season species that tends to undergo a synchronised emergence during late May or early June after which the adults move away from the water for a week or two before returning to breed.
(Reference; "Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland"
by Steve Brooks)
by Steve Brooks)
Back in June, on a very hot and sunny day, I was keen to watch the behaviour of mature males returning to the breeding river.
Club-tailed Dragonfly (Gomphus vulgatissimus) (males)
Club-tailed Dragonfly (G.vulgatissimus) (freshly emerged female taken in 2013)
Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) (male)
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