A STROUD woman had a pleasant surprise when a giant dragonfly decided to take a short break on her hand yesterday.

While relaxing in a garden in Stonehouse Helen Hollywood was visited by what appears to be an emperor dragonfly, which was the size of her hand.

Helen described how she came to have such a close encounter with the beautiful insect: "The dragonfly landed in my brother's garden and I couldn't help but go take a look at it when it landed," she said.

"I put out my hand and it just climbed up onto my fingers. It just sat on my hand for so long - stunning!"

The flying insect appears to be an emperor dragonfly, the largest of the species.

Stroud News and Journal:

Emperor dragonflies grow to around 10cm in length and usually are found from June to August, although they have been seen as early as May.

Britain's bulkiest dragonfly, its bright colours and large size make it very easy to spot.

It rarely settles, even eating its prey in flight. 

Stroud News and Journal:

Mostly associated with large, well vegetated ponds and lakes, but may be found over canals and slow moving rivers.

They are predominantly found in the south of England and Wales and are mostly associated with large, well vegetated ponds and lakes, but may be found over canals and slow moving rivers.

See a video of the stunning visit here: