Common Darter

The Common Darter is one of the most commonly seen dragonflies in Britain. It can often be spotted flying well into autumn, even when other species have stopped. Male Common Darters have a distinctive brick-red body with a thin black line running along the top. Female and young males are yellowish-brown instead. Both males and females have black legs and a narrow waist where the middle part of the body meets the tail. Unlike some other darter species, the Common Darter does not have black patches on the sides of its middle body section. The Common Darter is found all over the British Isles. It lives in almost any freshwater place, from garden ponds to large lakes. It is especially good at living in places that have been disturbed or recently created. Adults often rest on bare ground, posts, and plants. They tend to return to the same favourite spots. They are active from June to November, with the most sightings in August and September.