Common Darter dragonflies form a heart-shaped mating wheel, in Mussoorie

From the archive record

A pair of Common Darter dragonflies in the distinctive mating posture known as the “wheel” or “heart” position near Motidhar in Mussoorie. During this fascinating reproductive behavior, the male dragonfly — recognizable by its reddish coloration — grips the female behind her head using specialized claspers located at the end of his abdomen. The female, with yellow-brown coloration, curls her abdomen forward to connect with the male’s secondary reproductive organs near his thorax, forming a circular or heart-shaped structure. This mating position allows sperm transfer and can last from several minutes to more than an hour depending on the species and environmental conditions. The Common Darter is a widespread dragonfly species found across Europe and Asia, including parts of northern India