Dragonfly Behaviour (2 Viewers)

[Fuchsia]

Hello,
Walking the other day, I saw a dragonfly (not ID'd - some sort of Hawker I think) literally bouncing on it's end (like Tigger) in the stream. The attached pic doesn't show the dragonfly well but shows the location.

What on earth was it doing?

Jen :h?:

 

[walwyn]

Laying eggs?

 

[Adey Baker]

Laying eggs?

Yes, ovipositing to give it it's posh name.

It's a Southern Hawker, btw

 

[harry eales]

Hello,
Walking the other day, I saw a dragonfly (not ID'd - some sort of Hawker I think) literally bouncing on it's end (like Tigger) in the stream. The attached pic doesn't show the dragonfly well but shows the location.

What on earth was it doing?

Jen :h?:

Hello Jen,
If it was as you say, bouncing was it doing it in the stream or on the moss and debris at the side of the stream. If it was the latter, it would be ovipositing, they lay their eggs into moss or waterlogged wood, rather than in the water. Southern Hawkers always lay their eggs out of water but very near or over it.

If it was doing this in the water then there must be another explanation.

Harry

 

[Fuchsia]

Hello,
It was doing it at the edge of the water where it was very shallow. I've seen oviposting but always in the usual 'sitting, tail curved' position.

Thanks for the ID too.

Certainly was entertaining!

Jen :bounce:

 

[Angus T]

Hello,
Walking the other day, I saw a dragonfly (not ID'd - some sort of Hawker I think) literally bouncing on it's end (like Tigger) in the stream. The attached pic doesn't show the dragonfly well but shows the location.

What on earth was it doing?

Jen :h?:

What Jen has described here is the ovipositing action of the Golden-ringed Dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii) and IMO the picture looks like this species as well. Brooks describes the oviposting as "resembles the operation of a pneumatic drill" or as Jen says "like Tigger"

 

[Fuchsia]

Excellent! That's certainly it Angus - the big green eyes I remember particularly.

Many thanks
Jen