Dragon if

[RoyW]

Hi Les,

Originally Posted by Lesinlondon

For future reference, may I ask, what identifies this as an immature male cos the newly emerged female looks similar to the newly emerged male acc to [British Dragonfly Society link] Thanks.

The differences in the anal appendages aren't as easy to see as they are in Libellulids (Skimmers, Chasers and Darters), but you can use these to differentiate between male and female. Look at the examples below, the appendages on the male are shaped differently (broader).
Males also have a clearly narrower section at the start of the abdomen, and usually have a less distinctive dark dorsal line which doesn't extend as far on to abdomen section two.

Male from Gallery;


Female from Gallery;


Roy.

[Lesinlondon]

Gaina, thanks for the comment.

Roy. Ahhh, right. I can see from the examples what you are saying. Thanks for explaining.