ADULT: Length up to 38mm.  The male of this species has a metallic green abdomen with blue found on segments 1 and 2 and 9 and 10.  The female lacks this blue colouration and has an overall thicker body.  The female also has a metallic spot above middle leg of the thorax and a short ovipositor that does not extend past the end of the abdomen. The pterostigma on the wings are elongated and dark brown to black in colour. Mature males have blue eyes but immatures have greeny brown eyes. LARVA: The long-bodied hunting larvae fare better in fish-free waters. BEHAVIOUR: Likes to rest with the wings half-spread. The female pierces the tissue of aquatic plants and inserts her eggs. DISTRIBUTION: Frequent in Southern Britain and can be found in large numbers.  HABITAT: Still waters with tall waterside vegetation and good patches of emergent growth. Ideal areas are ponds, lakes, ditches and canals. FLIGHT PERIOD: Usually seen on the wing from June to October. STATUS: A common species throughout the UK but one that is slowly declining.