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Black Darter

©Philip Precey

Black darter

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Scientific name: Sympetrum danae
The Black darter is a black, narrow-bodied dragonfly that can be seen throughout summer and autumn. It is hovers around damp moors, heaths and bogs, darting out to surprise its prey.

Top facts

Stats

Length: 2.9-3.4cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

June to October

About

The Black darter is a small, narrow-bodied dragonfly that is on the wing from June to October. This is a common dragonfly of moorlands, heaths and bogs. As their name suggests, Black darters have a darting and somewhat skittish flight, moving forward suddenly from a hovering position to catch their insect-prey.

What to look for

The Black darter is the only small dragonfly that is almost entirely black. Males are black with dark yellow spots along the sides, while females and juveniles are brownish-yellow.

Where to find

Found in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Northern England and on heaths in Southern England.

Habitats

Did you know?

The Black darter is the UK's smallest resident dragonfly.