A medium-sized (34-36mm) dragonfly which is superficially
similar to the Common Darter, but can be confirmed by the presence of all
black legs. Has a tendency to prefer man-made ponds such as gravel pits,
thriving where there is a large presence of bulrush and surrounding foliage.
Males are not as active as Common Darters, preferring to
perch within their territory. In flight they take short,
bouncy forays before returning to their preferred perch.
Females are more often discovered within the surrounding
foliage, visiting water to mate and oviposit. Both sexes can
be found in huge numbers where conditions are optimum eg;
Cliffe Marshes and Studland Heath. |
