The Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) is very beautiful but has only been seen once so far in the Charlton Down Nature Area, resting on one of the edging stones of the new pond. I only got the single shot before it flew away. I had seen some of this species in the area before, down by the Cerne River a couple of hundred yards away, and these provide the clearer shots of both male and female insects shown here until I see some more in the Nature Area. The female does not have the broad dark band on her wings, and the photo shows her eating a Mayfly. It is 1 of 11 Odonata recorded so far.
Useful Books and Links
Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland, Steve Brooks, illustrated by Richard Lewington, British Wildlife Publishing, 1997, revised 2004, reprinted 2010, ISBN 978 0 9531399 0 3.
https://www.nhbs.com/blog/the-nhbs-guide-to-uk-dragonfly-identification
https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/species/banded-demoiselle/
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/damselflies/banded-demoiselle
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Charlton Down Nature Area 
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