A new species of dragonfly is patrolling the pond – the Common Darter.

The males are a beautiful red and several were positioned around the pond awaiting the arrival of a female.

And when one arrived, things happened quickly. We were scarcely aware of her before they were locked in an embrace lasting several minutes:

 

There were several pairings while we were watching.

And then they were off. Somehow they lock together in tandem flying over the pond. The female is repeatedly lowered down and at the lowest point she releases an egg which falls the short extra distance down into the water.

It was quite a marvellous thing (although difficult to photograph)

At the same time a female Emperor Dragonfly was calmly taking her time laying her eggs into the pond.

And a Great Diving Beetle was swimming on the surface along with some pond skaters

This pond is 9 months old and we have been enjoying watching it develop. Its now teaming with insect life and we are looking forward to seeing what comes next.