Black Darter

The Black Darter (Sympetrum danae) is a scarce dragonfly in Norfolk, but occurs in good numbers where it is found. As a species it occurs from North America to Japan.

Identification

They're black! At least, the males are - they're the only black darter in England and ID is not a problem. Females are best identified by observing them mating with a black male, but have a distinctive black triangle on the top of the thorax, and three yellow marks in the black band on the side of the thorax. Note also the all black legs, unlike the Common Darter which has cream stripes.

Found breeding only around Kings Lynn, but vagrant males do very occasionally turn up elsewhere. If you want to see them, go to Royden Common, where they are the most common darter.

Location	Grid Reference	Status
Holt Lowes	TG0837	Rare
Royden Common	TF6922	Frequent
Upton Fen	TG3813	Migrant
Winterton Dunes	TG4821	Migrant