Share

Black Darter

©Philip Precey

Black darter

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.

Enw gwyddonol

Sympetrum danae

Pryd i'w gweld

June to October

Species information

Category

Ystadegau

Length: 2.9-3.4cm
Common.

Ynghylch

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.

Sut i'w hadnabod

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.

Dosbarthiad

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

Roeddech chi yn gwybod?

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