Common Darter

Distribution: As its name suggests, the common darter is found throughout Wiltshire and can be seen in large numbers. It is usually the last dragonfly left on the wing and only tends to disappear when the first frost takes place. Can be found in virtually any habitat were water occurs.

Identification: Other than rare vagrants the common darter can only be confused in Wiltshire with the Ruddy Darter. The males can be separated as follows: Legs are yellow and black striped, whereas the ruddy darter has all black legs. The abdomen is orange/red rather than the blood red of the ruddy darter and is straight rather than 'waisted'. The common darter is noticeably larger. The female is yellow and can also be confused with the female black darter. It's black and yellow legs separate it from the ruddy and black darters.

County Status: Very common and widespread.