The common goldenring

The common goldenring, Cordulegaster boltonii, Hälleberga Småland 20230621. Canon R5 with Tamron SP AF180MM F/3.5 Di LD (IF) 1:1 Macro. ISO 2000, f/3.5 ,  1/1250 s. Handheld. Focusing distance 1,01 m.

The common goldenring, Cordulegaster boltonii, is another Odonata specimen I am occasionally fortunate enough to encounter. It stands as one of Europe’s most formidable dragonflies, exquisitely adorned in a striking livery of black and gold.

The most propitious moments to capture it on image occur when the female is ovipositing along the margins of smaller watercourses. During this ritual, she will often hover stationary for a sustained period, bobbing rhythmically toward the surface to deposit each egg. This vertical dance sends out a series of concentric ripples, providing a rhythmic and captivating backdrop for a photograph.