The banded dragonfly is shown in clear axial organisation. The bulrushes, which seem to sway in the wind in the background, add dynamism, to which the laterally offset position of the coin title also contributes. The colouring, which sensitively illustrates the iridescent nature of the wings, clearly highlights the dragonfly, giving the overall composition a subtle tension. The design, created by the artist Detlef Behr from Cologne, is characterised by an elegant lightness. The value side is identical on all coins in the series. The design, created by artist Andre Witting from Berlin, impresses with its dignified yet dynamic depiction of the federal eagle.
The banded damselfly inhabits the shorelines of slow-flowing waters that are less polluted and sufficiently sunny. The larvae live in the water as predators and feed on mosquito larvae and small crustaceans, while the adults catch flying insects. The fluttering and swaying flight style, which is reminiscent of butterflies, is just as unmistakable as the metallic blue-green shimmering body and the colourful wings. The mating of dragonflies is unique: tandem flight and mating wheel are behaviours that can be observed time and again by walkers. The dragonflies serve as food for birds and bats, and their larvae for fish.
