Red-veined Darter

Distribution: Until 2002 it was absent from the county list and before the mid 1990s was not considered as a likely candidate. It is predominantly a southern European species but is a regular migrant to northern Europe, often reaching Britain, but in small numbers with mostly a south-westerly coastal distribution. Then, in 1995 and subsequent years, larger influxes occurred and a few regular breeding colonies were established including inland sites such as Pirton Pools near Worcester. The usual explanation for this range expansion is global warming, and both Holland and Northern France now have more substantial populations than in the past which may be acting as the reservoir for our increases.

Armed with this background knowledge most observers now look out for this species from June onwards. One recorder was rewarded for his vigilance by spotting an adult male at a small lake in Chippenham on 1st June. There were several other sightings in southern England at the same time suggesting that this individual was part of an obvious influx. A second male was seen on 17th June, again coinciding with other sightings elsewhere, by the same person – but frustratingly both had vanished before anyone else could enjoy them. All was quiet for many weeks until finally the recorder’s persistence paid off with a sighting of a teneral male on 31st August, quickly followed by three more records; 1 male and 2 females, all freshly emerged. A single Male has since been recorded (and photographed) at the small ponds outside 'Asda' in Swindon on the 10th September 2006.

Identification: The male has conspicuous red veins near the leading edge of the front wings (the female has the same but yellow).

County Status: Rare Vagrant.