Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum)
A summer species and normally the last to be seen in the country, even as late as November.
Males are red in colour and their legs are black with a yellow stripe, and the immature males are similar in colour to females.
Females are yellow/ochre in colour and their legs are black with a yellow stripe.
It can be confused with a Ruddy Darter, check the legs have a yellow stripe on them.
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Female (Immature)
Female (Immature)
Female
Female (Immature)
Female
Female (Teneral / Newly Emerged)
Female (Teneral / Newly Emerged)
Mating
Mating
In Tandem
Egg Laying / In Tandem
In Tandem
Egg Laying / In Tandem
In Tandem
Want to See
Common across Somerset.
Happy visitor to garden ponds, liking still water, so a big fan of rhynes on the Somerset Levels.
Especially Good
SWT Westhay (August / September) - Some years exceptional in September
RSPB Greylake (August / September)
Priddy Pools (Mendips) (August / September)
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