Red Damselfly (Kihitara)

A touch of spring fever at the Sanctuary ponds this afternoon. The damselflies (which I rarely see) were out in full force in the warmth of the sun.

They are only 3-3.5 centimetres long but when joined and mating, they become a lot more obvious.

While still joined, they fly off and the female lays her eggs just below the surface of the water, on emergent acquatic plants or on floating weeds, leaves and debris that is trapped in mats. It is only after laying the eggs that they separate.

There was even a queue this afternoon - see extra.