The green-blue dragonfly (Aeshna cyanea) is a large and colorful dragonfly that typically measures 67 to 76 mm in length, and its wingspan is about 9 cm. The almost black body of the male green-blue dragonfly is adorned with spots in the colors of green apple and bright sky. The spots on its back are vividly green, while on the last three segments of the abdomen green is replaced by sky blue. On the sides of the abdomen green and blue colors alternate on a black background. The uniformly green thorax, viewed from the side, is interrupted by broad black bands. The blue-green eyes and broad bands on the dorsal side of the thorax are also clearly expressed in the females. Young males are very pale in color.
The female is black-green. In her, the pronounced blue coloration characteristic of the males is not evident. And the green is blue-tinged and not as vibrant as in her suitors.
We will also recognize the green-blue dragonfly by the behavior of the males. They, in the shade of trees or at dusk, tirelessly fly close to the ground and in doing so change direction unpredictably and unexpectedly. Males aggressively defend their territory from intruders, so on a small body of water we usually observe only one male patrolling, although several dozen have hatched there. This dragonfly is also a very curious dragonfly, which will watch us up close on more than one occasion.
The green-blue dragonfly most often chooses small, well-shaded standing bodies of water, which do not suit most other dragonflies. Therefore it is common and often the only inhabitant of woodland and garden ponds. It also lives in other standing and slowly flowing waters.
Adults appear in summer and fly until late autumn, when they are typically driven away by the first snow. The first individuals can be observed as early as June; in July and August you will not be able to miss them, and then they will persist along the forest edges until November.
