The Banded Groundling (Brachythemis leucosticte) is a dragonfly. It is an insect. It is from the Libellulidae family – the chasers and skimmers.

The Banded Groundling has transparent lace-like wings with a distinct brown-black band on the forewings and hindwings. It has a small creamy-yellow spot on the top edge of each wing. Its body is grey-black. It has a large head with large, multi-faceted compound eyes.

Banded Groundling Dragonfly

Banded Groundling Dragonfly

It grows to about 5 centimetres (2 inches) with a 9 centimetres (3.5 inch) wingspan.

It is found in the Mediterranean (Spain and Portugal) and most parts of Africa. The Banded Groundling prefers wetland habitats close to rivers, swamps, freshwater lakes, and marshes.

Banded Groundling Dragonfly

Banded Groundling Dragonfly

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM