Darting Dragonflies
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A closer view of the darter I posted recently shouting out to stop the war in Ukraine.
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Peaceful Sunday
The vagrant darter (Sympetrum vulgatum) is a European dragonfly. The species takes its English name from its habit of occasionally appearing as a rare vagrant north of its normal range. However, it is likely to be under-recorded because it is very similar to the common darter (S. striolatum).
Ruddy Darter (F) - Sympetrum sanguineum
Inhabits weedy ponds and ditches, frequently in woodland.
Status & Distribution
Resident in south-east England and central Ireland but increasing its range.
Similar Species
The various resident and migrant species of Darter in the UK are easily confused, the females being particularly difficult to tell apart. This species has all black legs and the waisted appearence of the blood-red male helps with identification.
Species GroupDragonflies
Identification Notes
Black legs diagnostic, male has distinctive thin waist with clubbed tip
Less aggressive than Common Darter
Specialises in well vegetated ponds, lakes, canals etc. Will tolerate acidic waters
July – September
The vagrant darter (Sympetrum vulgatum) is a European dragonfly. The species takes its English name from its habit of occasionally appearing as a rare vagrant north of its normal range. However, it is likely to be under-recorded because it is very similar to the common darter (S. striolatum).
The species is common in central and northeast Europe. It breeds in standing water.
The vagrant darter (Sympetrum vulgatum) is a European dragonfly. The species takes its English name from its habit of occasionally appearing as a rare vagrant north of its normal range. However, it is likely to be under-recorded because it is very similar to the common darter (S. striolatum).
The species is common in central and northeast Europe. It breeds in standing water.
The vagrant darter (Sympetrum vulgatum) is a European dragonfly. The species takes its English name from its habit of occasionally appearing as a rare vagrant north of its normal range. However, it is likely to be under-recorded because it is very similar to the common darter (S. striolatum).
The species is common in central and northeast Europe. It breeds in standing water.
Sympetrum striolatum
taken at Whitecross Green Oxford
not entirely sure if it is a Common or Ruddy Darter
The vagrant darter (Sympetrum vulgatum) is a European dragonfly. The species takes its English name from its habit of occasionally appearing as a rare vagrant north of its normal range. However, it is likely to be under-recorded because it is very similar to the common darter (S. striolatum).
The vagrant darter (Sympetrum vulgatum) is a European dragonfly. The species takes its English name from its habit of occasionally appearing as a rare vagrant north of its normal range. However, it is likely to be under-recorded because it is very similar to the common darter (S. striolatum).
The vagrant darter (Sympetrum vulgatum) is a European dragonfly. The species takes its English name from its habit of occasionally appearing as a rare vagrant north of its normal range. However, it is likely to be under-recorded because it is very similar to the common darter (S. striolatum).
The species is common in central and northeast Europe. It breeds in standing water.
Black Darter (Sympetrum danae)
Appearance: Colored male black Darter live up to their name with their mainly black colored body. The female is yellow with a distinct black marking across the abdomen which is also unique among heather dragonflies. For both sexes, the species has 3 yellow dots in black on the side of the chest piece that distinguish them from other heather dragonflies. When I see the species I am always amazed at how small they actually are. Appearance: The species can fly locally in huge numbers. They are most common in fens, but are also found in pioneer pools or low moor areas. For example, the species occurs en masse in some places in the weather ribs.
Flight time: June to October.
the african darter (anhinga rufa) is really related to the american anhinga.as my opinion anhingas are a bit awkward when on the ground but so beautiful when flying.
Chobe river ,BW
originla HD3K file here:
anhinga rufa
Afrikaanse slangenhalsvogel
Anhinga d'Afrique
Afrika-Schlangenhalsvogel
Anhinga Africana
Aninga africana
mergulhão-serpente-africano
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As this is a very recently emerged individual and so very fresh and lacking much colour there was a bit of a discussion as to which species but the general consensus was Black Darter
A dark body stealthily swims through a lake with only a snakelike head poking above the surface. What may sound like the Loch Ness monster is actually an Anhinga, swimming underwater and stabbing fish with its daggerlike bill. After every dip, it strikes a regal pose on the edges of shallow lakes and ponds, with its silvery wings outstretched and head held high to dry its waterlogged feathers.
Anhinga-African Darter flight_w_9131
Rees-Dart track, New Zealand
The rocky mountain actually glissened in the sunlight, was a great sight to see
Vagrant darter (Sympetrum vulgatum) dragonfly perched on a leaf.
Szablak zwyczajny (Sympetrum vulgatum) siedzący na liściu.
Vagrant darter (Sympetrum vulgatum) perched on a branch.
Szablak zwyczajny (Sympetrum vulgatum) siedzący na gałązce.
Red-veined darter or nomad (Sympetrum fonscolombii).
Sevastopol, Crimea.
Стрекоза сжатобрюх Фонсколомба. Род стрекозы-каменушки.
** This could be a Common Darter or perhaps a Red Veined Darter , I think its probably the latter though what do i know. It was taken at the North Cave wetland reserve in East Yorkshire
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A beautiful autumnal walk along the East Dart River starting from Dartmeet, in the heart of Dartmoor.
For a look at the entire 5.5k circular walk check out the video I made: youtu.be/3VMM44c5SiE