Male. Taken at Aston, Oxon., on September 10th 2023. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f11. Click image for larger version)
Male. Taken at Rushy Common, Oxon., on August 11th 2024 (© David Hastings)
(1/1250th sec at f11. Click image for larger version)
Female. Taken at Standlake, Oxon., on October 8th 2022. (© David Hastings)
(1/1000th sec at f9. Click image for larger version)
Female. Taken at Aston, Oxon., on June 23rd 2023. (© David Hastings)
(1/640th sec at f11. Click image for larger version)
Pair in cop. Taken at Farmoor, Oxon., on September 5th 2025. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R7+RF100-400, f/10, 1/1250th, ISO1600, 300mm. Click image for larger version)

Description

Wing span: 48 - 60 mm; Body length: 35 - 44 mm

The Common Darter is the most widespread dragonfly in Britain. The thorax in both sexes is brown above with poorly defined antehumeral stripes, and has yellow panels on the sides. The eyes are brown above and yellow below. The legs are black with a diagnostic yellow stripe along their length. The males become a bright orange-red with maturity with small black spots on S8 and S9. Females have a pale, yellowish-brown abdomen, and often develop red markings along the segment boundaries and medial line as they age.

It is common and widespread throughout Britain, Ireland and most of Europe.

It can be found in a wide range of habitats, but prefers warm, stagnant waters which are often shallow and bare. It will also tolerate brackish water.

Eggs are usually laid in shallow water with the pair in tandem. The larvae live amongst mud and weed and emerge after a year. Emergence occurs over a prolonged period from June until October, and individuals can persist into December.

Individuals bask on sheltered bare ground, allowing them to be active in cool autum conditions. They dart from perches to intercept intruders or catch prey, often returning to the same spot. Mating occurs at rest.

A common and widespread species.

Earliest UK sighting: 13th June ; Latest UK sighting: 20th November

Sightings