Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii
 A relatively small dragonfly, similar in size and shape to Common Darter, with similar coloration in corresponding ages and sexes. Extreme care should be taken in identifying this rare visitor - compare Common, Ruddy and the equally rare Yellow-winged Darter.
The main identification features include the orangey-red hue to the wing veins, especially along the costa (leading edge), yellow pterostigma with clear black border, more extensive yellow patches at wing bases than Common (slightly more than Ruddy, but nowhere near as extensive as in Yellow-winged), and slightly more extensive black markings on segments 9 and 10. Further, mature males have a blueish hue to the underside of the eyes, and females show a black marking on segments 1 and 2.
Status of Red-veined Darter in Leicestershire & Rutland
Number of occupied 2km grid squares in Leicestershire & Rutland, up to the end of 2004: 2/720
Historically the Red-veined Darter has been regarded as a migrant to the British Isles, with scattered records being documented in most years. Prior to 2006 this species maintained a similar status in Leicestershire & Rutland, with just two records of what were assumed to be migrants; a female at Huncote in June 2002 and a male at Kelham Bridge NR in July 2002.
Coinciding with a number of widespread proven breeding occurrences in Britain, up to 12 fresh teneral Red-veined Darters |
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Distribution Map
Red-veined Darter 2004 |
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were recorded at Huncote in 2006. The initial observation was made
on 3rd September and the last on 7th October, with local emergence being strongly suspected.
Additionally a further four male Red-veined Darters were observed at Priory Water in 2006, between mid June and early August, though there was no reason to suspect breeding at this site. |
Red-veined Darter Habitat
As a long-distance migrant this species can occur practically anywhere. Locally bred specimens will likely favour a variety of shallow water ponds, lakes, rivers and ditches.
Flight period of Red-veined Darter
Red-veined Darter Photo Gallery
More Information
- Further ID discussion can be found in this article covering the first two county records.
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