Common Darters (Sympetrum Striotatum) Mating at Whiteley Lake

Dragonfly mating is quite complex and looks somewhat brutal, with the male taking the female by the scruff of the neck, using pincers at the end of his abdomen. And they don't often mate on a surface, such as this log, but with the male clasping a branch and leaving the female hanging by her neck and struggling to raise her abdomen to reach the requisite part of his anatomy. Having said that, dragonflies are actually some of the most successful and long lasting creatures on earth. They first appeared about 350 Million years ago and saw the Dinosaurs and many other species arrive and then die off about 65 Million years ago.

Surrey Whiteley Village Whiteley Woods Whiteley Lake Dragonfly Dragonflies Common Darters Mating Whiteley Village Surrey

This image is available to purchase and is part of our Whiteley Village Stock Photos Collection.