Stats

Lifespan: A few months
Size: Medium
Diet: Insectivore
Activity: Diurnal
Social: Solitary
Biome: Freshwater wetland
Range: Eurasia
Movement: Flight
Breeding: Egg-laying
Defense: Speed
Status: Common

About

The Common Darter is one of Europe's most widespread dragonflies, with males developing a vivid brick-red abdomen as they mature. A remarkably hardy species, it flies later into autumn than almost any other dragonfly — sometimes remaining active well into November.

Life cycle

1.
egg
A small egg is laid on or near the larval food source and hatches within days or weeks.
2.
juvenile
An immature insect feeds and molts, growing through successive instars.
3.
subadult
A near-adult insect has wing buds or near-mature form, one molt away from full size.
4.
adult
Fully grown, with full wings and adult coloration.

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Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Libellulidae
Genus: Sympetrum
Species: Sympetrum striolatum