DESCRIPTION:  A member of a small distinctive sub-group, this individual species is best recognised by the black head, thorax and abdomen with the latter segment marked with orange.  The abdomen in females is noticeably thicker than in the males. The femurs are mainly orange and the wings are slender and ornamented with black markings. The scientific name 'Ptychoptera' refers to the folded wings which are creased lengthways. BEHAVIOUR: Larvae are aquatic and can be mistaken as 'leather jackets'. They have long breathing tube tails that extend to the water's surface. DISTRIBUTION: Frequent throughout England and Wales, less so further North. HABITAT: Marshy areas, pond edges, damp woodland and verdant river edges. PERIOD: May to October.