Libellula quadrimaculata Linnaeus, 1758

This dragonfly is easily identified by the black spot found in every wing at the node (from here originate the scientific name). Some individuals have brown spots (paler) also at the pterostigma.

Adults emerge from the end of April and the flight period can be extended to mid-September, but they are more abundant at the summer beginning.

It can be found in still water bodies as ponds, lakes, marshes and peatbogs, mainly with rich water vegetation. You can observe it from the plain until more than 2000 meters above sea level.

It occurs in temperate regions in Europe, Asia and northern America, becoming rarer in southern regions. Northwards it goes beyond the Arctic Circle (Norway). In the Cuneo region it is found in just three stations with altitude ranging from 750 to 1980 meters above sea level.