Golden-ringed dragonfly
This wonderful species is widespread in the New Forest and fairly common along many of the streams. In the UK it is also found in Scotland, Wales and the south-west of England.
Golden-ringed dragonflies breed in small, open streams on heaths and upland areas. They require open, running water, but not in large volumes. The heathland streams of the New Forest are ideal and they can often be seen patrolling the streams in ones or twos. They can also be seen out on the open heath away from water as they search for food or fly from one stream to another. The adults fly in June, July and August. Many of the New Forest streams will hold them and it is difficult to select any particular site that is better than the rest.
Photo credit: Simon Curson
