Bigger, but not much, than the Black Darter this is another late season Dragonfly which can be seen anywhere there are Dragonflies. Males in particular (like this one) have a penchant for firm ground, though they will be seen anywhere. Also very fidgety like the Black Darter. Forever taking off and landing. Easily mistaken for the Ruddy Darter which to the untrained eye looks identical. The Common Darter has a faint light coloured stripe down each leg, which can be seen on the original huge RAW image. The body is far more red on the Ruddy Darter and the abdomen swollen
A male in an improved setting: August 1st. 2022
Female: July 13th. 2022
This is a Teneral Dragonfly. That is to say newly emerged, immature and vulnerable. All tenerals, both Dragonflies and Damselflies, lift off into trees as soon as their wings fully form, to a place of safety. They climb first as high as they can as this one is doing in the video. A still image of a Teneral below. NB: The camera position changes part way through to keep up with the mini-beast: July 2nd.
Just emerged and maturing (called a Teneral at this stage): June 30th. 2022
August 23rd.
A perhaps more useful back shot. Another male: September 30th.
Common Darter Dragonflies mating: September 5th.
Female. Note the diagnostic light stripe down each leg which helps distinguish it from the Ruddy Darter: August 25th.
Female eating a fly lunch: September 12th.
This is a Goyt Valley specimen seen at Wildmoorstone, a long way from any pond. That said, I have sometimes seen Common Darters and indeed Black Darters resident at vernal ponds on moorland: September 6th. 2024
