Golden-ringed
Guides
Cordulegaster
Golden-ringed Spiketails, Goldenrings, Spiketails
Cordulegaster is a genus of large dragonflies in the family Cordulegastridae, commonly known as golden-ringed dragonflies or spiketails. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Members are characterized by their distinctive yellow or golden ring markings on the abdomen and, in females, prominent spikelike ovipositors used for inserting eggs into stream substrates. Several species are habitat specialists associated with forested streams and are of conservation concern, including C. heros, which is protected under the EU Habitats Directive.