Common darter

Sympetrum striolatum

A smaller dragonfly with a body length of 35-44 mm and a hindwing length of 24-30 mm, males reddish while females brown in colour, the yellow stripe on the black legs is a diagnostic feature. This dragonfly prefers warm, stagnant shallow ponds and lakes, slow-flowing rivers, canals, and irrigation ditches, but otherwise is found across a wide range of habitats, including marshes and swamps. This species typically flies year-round, spending much time perched on the water’s edge, repeatedly returning to a sunny spot.

Photographs

male