Common Darter
Common Darters
The Common Darter is a small, agile dragonfly. Males develop a striking red abdomen, while females are yellow-brown, and both have clear wings with dark veins.
In the New Forest, Common Darters are most often found around ponds, ditches and slow-flowing streams during late summer and early autumn.
They are predators of smaller insects, helping to control mosquito and fly populations, and are an important part of the Forest’s wetland ecosystems.
Their widespread presence reflects the diversity of aquatic habitats in the area.