English name:  Ringed Cascader

Unlike the rest of the Libellulidae family, the male Ringed Cascader spends many hours in flight and patrolling his territory in order to defend it and drive away intruders. 

Size:  Large (5-6 cm)

Habitat:  Waterfalls and cascades in fast-flowing streams

Distribution: Throughout Africa as well as in Sicily, the Iberian Peninsula, the Arabian Peninsula, and in Israel and from there eastward through Iran to India.
In Israel it is common along the Jordan. It is relatively easy to see it in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and in Ein Prat.

Season:   In the summer months (according to data from abroad) 

Identification marks:
The thorax and abdomen are black. The abdomen has conspicuous yellow spots.
The female is similar to the male and differs from him in the yellow-striped sides of the thorax, as well as in the larger yellow spots on the abdomen, even to the point of forming crosswise rings.

Similar species:
The appearance of the Ringed Cascader is unique among the dragonflies of Israel, and it should not be confused with any other species.

Ringed Cascader, Zygonyx Torridus - male © אלדד גולן

Ringed Cascader, Zygonyx Torridus - female © אלדד גולן

Ringed Cascader, Zygonyx Torridus - mating © יעקב סלויז