Cordulegaster maculata Selys, 1854
General description:
Yellow and black dragonflies, often seen flying along forested streams.
Molecular biology:
This taxon has been recovered in in several molecular phylogenies within Cordulegastridae, which is sister to the non-cordulegastrid Libelluloidea (e.g., Ware et al., 2007; Letsch, unpublished; Bybee et al., 2008; Carle et al., 2008).
Reproduction:
Females have an extended ovipositor (hence their common name, spike-tail), which they use to oviposit in muddy banks.