Attenborough Nature Reserve

Dragonflies


Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum)

Our commonest true dragonfly in the autumn is the Common Darter. Its flight period is from mid-July to early October and its numbers may peak at over 100.
It is a fairly small dragonfly. Females and immatures are yellowish-brown. The males and sometimes old females, develop a vermillion colouration which extends with age. Their legs are distinctively striped yellow.



Newly emerged (teneral) Common Darter

They are often found sunbathing or perched horizontally on projecting vegetation or bare ground and, hence, they are common along the paths of the reserve. They take rapid short flights but often return to the same position. Females lay their eggs alone or in tandem and do so by dipping the tip of the abdomen into the water as they fly along.



Male Common Darter