Shropshire Birder
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Shropshire
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Black Darter (Sympetrum danae)
A locally very common late summer species, breeding on heathland and moorland bog pools. Both sexes have black legs and wing spots although, the spots will be white in freshly emerged juveniles. Adult males have a predominantly black thorax and abdomen. Females can be identified by a black triangle on the otherwise brown top of the thorax. Adults are migratory and may be found well away from typical habitat.
A teneral freshly emerged Black Darter, the straight sided abdomen is typical of a female and black triangle visible on the top of the thorax....
A teneral freshly emerged male Black Darter, note the waisted abdomen ....
A mature female, the more parallel sided body is apparent.
Mature female.
Mature female seen in close up whilst in tandem.
Immature males....
A typical male with waisted abdomen and largely black markings ....
Seen from above, a mature male with virtually black waisted abdomen. This photograph was taken at Venus Pool in 2006 - miles away from breeding habitat?.....
Black darter pair in tandem......
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