Description

Length: From 25 to 34 mm.
Hindwing spam: From 19 to 29 mm.
Male: 1. Large head with black frons and eyes. 2. Black thorax. 3. Thin black abdomen. 4. Mostly off-white anal appendages. 5. Small dark spot on the base of the hindwings. 6. Large dark pterostigma.
Female: 7. Lighter eyes than in males. 8. Straw-coloured thorax with narrow dark stripes. 9. Light abdomen with dark lines on the back and on the sides. They are more visible on the last segments. 10. Saffron-coloured dark spot on the base of the hindwings. 11. Long gold pterostigma.

Habitat

They live in standing water bodies with shore plants. They are likely to be found in surroundings like lakes or lagoons, reservoirs, artificial ponds, deserted flooded quarries.

Way of life

The male is easier to be found as it usually rests on the shore, holding its wings forward over the thorax. Round midday, it can make the shape of an obelisk. From there, it observes its territory and defends it from other males. It can be very aggressive. The female lays eggs alone while flying. It drops eggs in water by touching the water surface with the tip of the abdomen while the male watches her and protects from possible attackers. Sometimes, scattered males can be seen far away from its breeding spot.

When to see this species

This species flies from April to November in Málaga. They are more likely to be seen in July and September.

Where to see this species

Its rage is limited in this province, as it can mainly be seen close to the coast and in Málaga's plain. As for the Great Málaga Path, it has only been recorded on stages 2 and 3, close to Vélez or Torrox River. However, these colonies are unstable and depend on the presence of water in the river beds.

Similar species

Selysiothemis nigra.

Conservation status

The species is not endangered nor particularly protected by the current environmental law.