David Element's Wildlife Web Page Dragonflies and Damselflies 28

David Element

Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images

_________________________________________________________ Dragonflies and Damselflies 28 - Black Darters

BLACK DARTER Sympetrum danae (m)

Mature male Black Darters are very different in appearance from immatures and females as most or all of the yellow markings will darken and eventually turn black. These inconspicuous and rather small dragonflies are predominantly found in wet acid heathland and boggy areas. The male in these photographs was the first example of the species to have been recorded on Wimbledon Common after a ten year hiatus and he was photographed there on two separate dates. Black Darter Dragonflies have a very wide geographical distribution and they are partially migratory (explaining the arrival of this insect) but there is perhaps some evidence to suggest that this species may not benefit from global warming as it favours a cooler climate and that its distribution in the UK may be shifting further northwards. This could help to explain why this dragonfly has essentially disappeared from this former site in London where it used to be seen quite regularly.

A film of this Black Darter Dragonfly on Wimbledon Common may be seen at: https://youtu.be/ee4x_5z2EUk .