Dragonflies

Identification of species not absolutely certain. I've been advised on some of them by 'someone who knows', but others are my own.

Sympetrum sanguineum (Ruddy Darter)
Date: 2009 August 22

By the fen display in Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

Aeshna mixta (Migrant Hawker, immature male)
Date: 2011 July 25

At home on a tomato plant, where it remained stationary for an hour or two.

Aeshna mixta (Migrant Hawker, mature male)
Date: 2012 August 24

Same species as the one above, but with more mature colouration. It was on a honeysuckle plant, where (like the one above) it remained stationary for a long time.

Aeshna cyanea (Southern Hawker, female)
Date: 2011 September 17

Settled on Lapageria rosea (and supporting cane) in the garden.

Aeshna cyanea (Southern Hawker, female)
Date: 2012 August 11

I added a pond to the garden this year, and it hasn't taken this dragonfly long to find it. It's laying eggs in the moss on rocks at the side of the pond.

Sympetrum striolatum (Common Darter)
Date: 2012 September 8

This pair were laying eggs in the pond. The male is at the front, clasping on to the female's head with his tail end, and her abdomen was occasionally dipping into the water. There's probably no evidence in this picture that they aren't Sympetrum sanguineum (Ruddy Darter), but it just seems more likely that the more common species would come to my small pond. The photo isn't up to my usual standard, but it was difficult enough to get them in the frame at all, let alone focus!