Taxonomy
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Libellulidae
Genus: Sympetrum
Species: Sympetrum striolatum
Conservation Status of the Species in Portugal and Worldwide
Portugal
World
Features and
Habits
In terms of size, it has a wingspan between 6 cm and 7.5 cm. Regarding its outstanding characteristics, in terms of coloration, males are typically orange, while females and immature individuals are brownish-orange and also greenish. The body is elongated and slender, and the eyes occupy most of the head, like other dragonflies. They hunt during flight, utilizing their excellent 360º vision and great flight agility, permitted by their two pairs of wings that function independently, allowing them to stop during flight and change direction very quickly.
It feeds on small insects, such as mosquitoes and flies, and is important in pest prevention. It also indicates good water quality. They reproduce during the warmer months, between May and September, when they are also most active. Females lay their eggs in still or slow-moving water with plenty of vegetation. The eggs hatch after a few weeks. The larvae complete metamorphosis in the water after about a year.
Habitat and Distribution
It is a common insect and is generally sighted throughout the country, however, relatively less so in the Alentejo region due to its choice of habitats. The types of habitats it frequents are aquatic, such as lagoons, ponds, and rivers, but also meadows and woodlands near water. Some places in Portugal where it is most frequently observed are the Ria Formosa (Algarve), the Tagus estuary, and in some marshes such as the Paul do Boquilobo.
Places where I have photographed this species so far.
All Photographs Taken
