11. Black Pennant

With so few freshwater sites, Malta is not exactly rich in dragonflies, as these insects need streams and ponds to breed and forage for food. Yet, in the past 10 years or so, we have added at least three or four species to the local list of regular dragonflies. The reasons could be climate change, or other forces of nature that cause species to extend their range. Certainly the Islands haven't got any wetter! One of these newbies is the Black Pennant (M: Mazzarell Iswed). It's easy to tell it from other dragonflies, as it's very small; the male is also very dark. And by the looks of it, this baby didn't just establish a modest toehold, as it's spreading quite rapidly!

Text Victor Falzon, photo Charles Gauci. Copyright to Birdlife Malta.