Species Insects & ArthropodsCommon Darter

Common Darter

Sympetrum striolatum

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum)

The Common Darter is one of the most abundant dragonflies in North America, with males deep red and females golden-yellow, both with distinctive black-and-yellow striping on the sides of the thorax. It breeds in a wide variety of water habitats and can be found far from water perching on paths and walls. It basks with wings tilted forward — a characteristic darter posture.

Habitat
Ponds, lakes, ditches, and slow water of all kinds
Diet
Adults: small flying insects. Nymphs: aquatic invertebrates
How common
Common

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