Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii)
Species
Red-Veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii). Male. Taken at La Janda, Spain, on November 6th 2016.
Male. Taken at La Janda, Spain, on November 6th 2016.
(1/320th sec at f14. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)
Red-Veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii). Male. Taken at La Janda, Spain on November 6th 2016.
Male. Taken at La Janda, Spain on November 6th 2016.
(1/800th sec at f14. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)
Red-Veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii). Immature male. Taken at La Janda, Spain, on September 13th 2010.
Immature male. Taken at La Janda, Spain, on September 13th 2010.
(1/320th sec at f13. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)
Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii). Female. Taken at Moheda Alta, Spain, on November 15th 2018.
Female. Taken at Moheda Alta, Spain, on November 15th 2018.
(1/100th sec at f13. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)
Red-veined Darter mating wheel (Sympetrum fonscolombii). Pain in cop. Taken at La Janda, Spain, on November 6th 2016.
Pain in cop. Taken at La Janda, Spain, on November 6th 2016.
(1/500th sec at f14. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)

Description

Wing span: 54 - 62 mm; Body length: 33 - 40 mm

The Red-veined Darter is strongly migratory, and is often seen in northern Europe in early summer when other darters are only just starting to emerge. Males have a yellow patch at the base of the hindwind, and have red bodies, red wing veins and a red frons. Females have yellow wing veins. Both sexes have blue-grey undersides to the eyes, and the pterostigma are yellowish, edged with black.

It is common in the Mediterranean region, but rare and irregular in the north, where it can become common in invasion years. There is evidence of breeding in the British Isles.

Its preferred habitat is warm, still waters, often open, bare and shallow.

Its life cycle is different to other Sympetrum species, as its eggs develop rapidly after being laid, without a winter rest. It can be found throughout the year in the Mediterranean. Northwards migrations occur from late May, with subsequent reproduction taking only three months. The second generation emerges in mid-August and may persist into November.

Males are very territorial and spend more time in flight than perched. The flight is strong and erratic, often hovering far out over water.

It is an irregular migrant in the British Isles.

Sightings

15-Nov-2018 : Extremadura, Spain (3)

07-Nov-2016 : El Bujeo, Spain (2)
06-Nov-2016 : La Janda, Spain (30+)
05-Nov-2016 : Trafico, Spain (10+)

23-Jul-2015 : nr Vinogradi, Bulgaria
23-Jul-2015 : Mesta River fishponds, Bulgaria
22-Jul-2015 : nr Novo Delchevo, Bulgaria

26-Aug-2012 : Greenham Common, Berks (2 ten)

13-Sep-2010 : Nr Tarifa, Spain
13-Sep-2010 : La Janda, Spain
11-Sep-2010 : Nr Tarifa, Spain
29-Jun-2010 : Vienne, France