Turkish Goldenring (Cordulegaster picta)
• Scientific name: Cordulegaster picta Selys, 1854
• English name: Turkish Goldenring
• German name: Gezeichnete Quelljungfer
• French name: N/A
• Dutch name: Turkse bronlibel
• Swedish name: N/A
• Norwegian name: N/A
• Finnish name: N/A
• Danish name: N/A
• Italian name: N/A
• Czech name: N/A
• Slovenian name: Rumeni studenčar
• Bulgarian name: Южно воденичарче
• Typical length: 72-89 mm
• Hindwing: 43-53 mm
In Europe the Turkish Goldenring (Cordulegaster picta) is restricted to parts of the Balkans. In our experience it looks and behaves like a typical member of the boltonii complex, i.e. it's big, green-eyed, relaxed and confident. Where we photographed the species we saw a dozen or so males patrolling a short stretch of a stream, interacting with each other and with the other Goldenring species, Cordulegaster insignis, but avoiding violent fights. The female Cordulegaster picta seem to avoid the water altogether except for ovipositing, and even then they secretively try to escape the males' attention. If unsuccessful in that attempt, the lucky male will carry off his prize to the nearest tree top. To illustrate their confidence: we were photographing a male from up close with our forefinger resting on the shutter button when another male decided to hang off the camera strap by the side of the camera - just a few inches away from our hand. For an overview of the key differences between the species of the boltonii-complex and those of the bidentata-complex, hover your mouse pointer here.
