Quick Identification Guide

 
Welcome to my quick identification guide for the Common Darter. These graphics are meant as a guide to the key identifying features of both the male and the female dragonflies.

The text section has been kindly written and supplied by Mr Ken Crick.

The male Common Darter

The colouration of the males abdomen can be some what variable, ranging from light red to an orange tinged with red and straw. The cooler the ambient air temperature the more likely the abdomen is to appear dull orange. The legs of both sexes are black with a yellow / light band along their length (diagnostic for this species). The thorax upper surface is brown with some individuals exhibiting poorly defined antehumeral stripes. There are two large blue / yellow patches on each side of the thorax. Quite close observation is required to note the black line running in front of and between the eyes. For this species the line terminates at the eye and does not continue downwards as in other similar Sympetrum species.

The female Common Darter