Common Darter Dragonfly

Macro shot of the amazing facial features of the Common Darter Dragonfly (Sympetrum striolatum). The Common Darter is native to Eurasia and it is one of the most common dragonflies in Europe as its name suggests. It has a preference for breeding in still waters such as ponds and lakes. This image is of a female easily distinguished by the light yellow thorax and abdomen. Males turn red as they mature. Another diagnostic feature of this species is a cream or yellow stripe that runs the length of the otherwise black coloured legs. On the wing from June through October.