Common Darter
Sympetrum striolatum
This record describes Sympetrum striolatum (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
This is one of the smaller dragonflies. The male is orange-red but becoming brown with age. Females (and juvenile males) are yellowish to light brown. The immature male however has pinky red patches on the thorax and abdomen. This species is most likely to be confused with the Ruddy Darter, but the male of that species has a 'waisted' abdomen. The Ruddy Darter has a 'waisted' abdomen and all black legs (the Common Darter has yellow stripes on the legs). Commonly encountered, even away from water. The Common Darter is on the wing from late June and can be seen into November. This species like to perch on fences, twigs and wires whilst it searches for passing prey. It is able to remain active in lower temperatures than other species, partly by seeking out sunny spots to warm up in. Common and widespread in England and Wales becoming a little scarcer further north. The Common Darter is an abundant and widely distributed species in VC 55, being tolerant of many different habitat types. It is also a very dispersive species and is regularly encountered far from water. Historic records show that such abundance has always been the case, with Roebuck (1932) describing the Common Darter as 'very common and widely distributed'.
Wikipedia reference for Sympetrum striolatum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_darter.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata
- Family
- Libellulidae
- Genus
- Sympetrum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Commonly encountered, even away from water.
Seasonal Activity
The Common Darter is on the wing from late June and can be seen into November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species like to perch on fences, twigs and wires whilst it searches for passing prey. It is able to remain active in lower temperatures than other species, partly by seeking out sunny spots to warm up in.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in England and Wales becoming a little scarcer further north.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Sympetrum striolatum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Common Darter (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Darter
What is Common Darter?
Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
Where is Common Darter found?
Habitat: Commonly encountered, even away from water.
When is Common Darter active?
Common Darter: seasonal activity - The Common Darter is on the wing from late June and can be seen into November..
What is the life cycle of a Common Darter?
This species like to perch on fences, twigs and wires whilst it searches for passing prey. It is able to remain active in lower temperatures than other species, partly by seeking out sunny spots to warm up in.