Dragonflies in the garden

[basquesteve]

I am at least a kilometre from the nearest full time water, a small stream, Dragonflies keep turning up, whilst I am hunting down the latest Butterfly

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by basquesteve

Dragonflies keep turning up, whilst I am hunting down the latest Butterfly

The dragonflies are probably also trying to hunt down the latest butterfly!

It's not unusual for dragonflies (and damselflies) to be found quite a distance from water, particularly when they are still maturing. Moving away from water after emergence helps prevent the risk of damage through conflict or unwanted 'advances' - it also helps to allow the species to disperse and colonise new areas.

This one is a Large Pincertail (Onychogomphus uncatus) - or 'Le Gomphe a pinces' if you prefer the French name.

[basquesteve]

Thanks for the info fortunately there are plenty of butterflies to go round as long as I have captured them on the computer before