About Euroleon nostras (Geoffroy, 1785)
The scientific name of this species is Euroleon nostras (Geoffroy, 1785). Euroleon nostras larvae have large jaws and a broad abdomen. Full larval development can take up to two years. Once fully developed, larvae pupate underground, complete metamorphosis, and emerge as winged adults around one month later. Adult E. nostras are brown in color, and resemble dragonflies or damselflies in general shape. Adults reach approximately 30 mm (1.2 in) in body length, with a wingspan of around 70 mm (2.8 in). They have four large translucent wings marked with brown spots. This species has a wide distribution across Europe, and has been recorded from nearly all European countries. Its European range stretches from Spain, through Germany, to western Russia. Outside of Europe, it is also found in Morocco in North Africa, and in Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan in Asia. It is an extremely rare insect in Britain, where it is only known to occur in the Minsmere area of the Suffolk coast and Holkham National Nature Reserve in Norfolk.
