Sombre Goldenring

Appearance

This species is identifiable by its black body and yellow rings. Adults are approximately 8 centimetres in body length with a 10 centimetres wingspan, and have a similar appearance to the related species "Cordulegaster boltonii".

Distribution

"C. bidentata" is primarily found in Central and Southern Europe, spreading as far south as Sicily, where the subspecies "C. bidentata sicilica" is found. It lives primarily around mountain springs. This species is scattered throughout Central and Western Europe. The population rate is declining, the biggest threat to this species being droughts which are a result of global warming.

Behavior

"C. bidentata" breeds in mountain springs, and the larvae are benthic, living in the lowest reaches of the water. As a result of this, larval sites are difficult to locate and study. Breeding takes place in May–June, with eggs being laid in the upper reaches of the streams. Larval development takes between three and five years, and can be slowed if cold weather causes the water to freeze. The larvae may sometimes leave the water, hunting for small arthropods on the ground at night.

Habitat

"C. bidentata" is primarily found in Central and Southern Europe, spreading as far south as Sicily, where the subspecies "C. bidentata sicilica" is found. It lives primarily around mountain springs. This species is scattered throughout Central and Western Europe. The population rate is declining, the biggest threat to this species being droughts which are a result of global warming.