Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii)
STATUS : OCCASIONAL VISITOR TO SOMERSET
This is a migrant species that visits Somerset occasionally and is therefore rare. In 2025, there was a large influx of this species, and individuals were observed laying eggs in the UK, suggesting it may be beginning to establish a foothold in the country.
Numbers visiting the UK vary from year to year.
Males are red in colour, with red veins at the base of their wings; the lower half of their eyes is blue.
Females are ochre or yellow in colour, with yellow veins at the base of their wings; the lower half of their eyes is also blue.
Females are ochre or yellow in colour, with yellow veins at the base of their wings; the lower half of their eyes is also blue.
It can be confused with the Common Darter and Ruddy Darter.
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Female
Female
Want to See
There are no specific locations to strongly recommend.
Keep an eye on social media to see if anyone reports one and provides a location.
They tend to favour coastal areas but can appear almost anywhere.
Especially Good
None to date
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