Cordulegastridae

Big-sized Anisoptera with eyes touching each other just in one point, in dorsal view. In central Europe, and so in the Cuneo region, only two species belonging to this family can be observed: Cordulegaster boltonii, the most widespread, and Cordulegaster bidentata. These are very similar but can be identified by some details: both species have black coloration with yellow spots and feature a wide wingspan (maximum 105 mm). Their eyes are green or blue. Species belonging to Cordulegastridae need rather clean and quick flowing waters for larval growth. Best habitats are gradually disappearing and thus these are species usually declining. Oviposition happens in the substrate of the watercourse and larval growth lasts from 3 to 5 years.