Sympetrum danae

Sympetrum danae, commonly known as the black darter or black meadowhawk, is a fascinating species of dragonfly found across northern Europe, Asia, and North America. In the UK, it holds the distinction of being the smallest resident dragonfly, measuring around 30 mm in length. These dragonflies are often spotted around heathland and moorland bog pools. In different regions, they're referred to either as "darters" in the UK or "meadowhawks" in the US and Canada.

Both male and female black darters possess distinctive features: black legs and pterostigmata (the small colored cells on their wings), a broad base on the hind wings, and yellow markings on their thorax and abdomen. Females have brown eyes and predominantly yellow abdomens that darken with age, while males exhibit mainly black thoraxes and abdomens with a few small yellow spots along the sides.

These dragonflies prefer breeding in acidic, shallow pools, lake margins, and ditches found in lowland heath and moorland bogs. They lay their eggs while in flight by dipping their abdomens into the water. The larvae hatch in the spring and grow rapidly, often emerging as adults in just two months.

Male black darters are highly active in seeking out females, exhibiting a flight pattern similar to that of the ruddy darter. They are not particularly territorial and can often be seen basking in the sun. If approached, they might take flight but are sometimes quite docile and may even land on your hand.

In the British Isles, black darters are more commonly found in local lowland areas but are more widespread in the northwest and Ireland. Their populations face threats from development, drainage, agriculture, and peat extraction. Although they may not be as vividly colored as other dragonflies, their unique behaviors and habitats make them a joy to observe.