These dragonflies landed on a wall near me recently as I was eating my lunch. At first, I thought it was a large, unusual type of flying insect as they were flying as one but on closer inspection when they landed, I realised it was two insects who may have been having a moment. The red one flew by on its own not long after. Rob Sutton, Cork City

They were having a moment all right – indeed more than a moment as mating lasts 15 minutes in this species of dragonfly – the Common Darter, Sympetrum striolatum.

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