Sunny weather and the presence of water areas are the necessary conditions for observing dragonflies. Some of them fly almost without landing while patrolling over their own territory or hunting. More than 60 species are found in Bulgaria.
The beautiful demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) measures 45-51 mm. It is found around flowing waters in which larvae develop among aquatic vegetation.
The imago/ imaginal stage (in Latin: imago – "image" – is the name of the last phase of the metamorphosis of insects) can be observed in the period April to August in all parts of Strandzha, as well as in the calm sections of the Veleka River, overgrown with vegetation.
The males are extremely beautiful - dark blue with a metallic sheen and dark brown wings with a blue sheen. Females are green-brown with a matte sheen and with almost entirely brown-pubescent translucent wings.
Large red damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) is one of the small Bulgarian dragonflies, which can be easily distinguished by the red coloration of the belly with colored rings at the end. Certainly, with good weather and patience, you can see it in the Arkutino area, the region of Tsarevo, at the floods of the Veleka River south of the village of Zdravets.
The southern migrant hawker or blue-eyed hawker (Aeshna affinis) is a large dragonfly with variegated color and one of the fastest fliers among the Bulgarian species. In Strandzha you will find it near the mouths of the Veleka River, Rezovska, in the Silistar Protected Area from June to the end of August.
Small Pincertail or Green-eyed Hooktail (Onychogomphus forcipatus) is distinguished by its coloration, the specific shape of the anal appendages (strongly curved) and the venation of the wings. Adults can be observed from May to August around the rivers Veleka, Mladezhka Rezovska, Aydere, Izvorska and others.
Eastern Spectre (Caliaeschna microstigma)
You will see adults of this species flying from May to the end of August in the lower parts of Strandzha and over the rivers.
Oriental damselfly (Epallage fatime) is 45-51 cm in size. Males have a dense blue coating, while females are pigeon-gray. A very characteristic feature is the dark tip of the wings in males, while in females it is absent. In Bulgaria, this species is rare. It is observed from May to August along the Veleka River and the Kachul and Kovach areas.
The Broad-bodied chaser (Libellula depressa) measures about 40 mm. Males actively defend their territory. They usually sit perched in one place and watch. With fast and direct flights, they attack any other dragonfly that would be their competitor. You can see it from April to August everywhere in Strandja Mountain.
The Emperor dragonfly (Anax imperator) measures 72-77 mm. Large light green dragonflies with a dark dorsal stripe on the abdomen, which is blue in males and blue-green in females. They are found around standing permanent reservoirs with aquatic vegetation. Adults can be observed from May to September in Strandzha, and the mouths of large rivers are wonderful for this. It makes an impression with its fast, swift flight, often at a considerable altitude.
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