About Cordulegaster boltonii (Donovan, 1807)
For identification within the United Kingdom, Cordulegaster boltonii is easily recognized by its distinctive black and yellow stripes, a pattern not seen in any other dragonfly species found in the country. It is a very large dragonfly: males have an average length of 74 mm (2.9 in), while longer females average 84 mm (3.3 in). Its wingspan can reach up to 101 mm (4.0 in). Females of this species are the longest dragonflies in Britain, a trait that comes in part from their unusually long ovipositor. In other body measurements, the species is exceeded by the emperor dragonfly (Anax imperator).
