Black Darter vs Forest Darner

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Darter Forest Darner
Scientific Name Sympetrum danae Austroaeschna pulchra
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Aeshnidae
Size 29-34mm Body 5-6 cm; wingspan 7-9 cm
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Darter

Britain s smallest dragonfly where mature males become entirely jet black, unique among European dragonflies. Females and immatures are yellow with black markings. It prefers acidic boggy habitats.

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Did You Know?

Males are the only entirely black dragonfly in Europe, making them unmistakable at acidic bog pools.

Forest Darner

A handsome darner dragonfly with blue and brown markings found in temperate forests of eastern Australia. It flies along sunlit gaps in the forest canopy.

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Did You Know?

Its genus name Austroaeschna means 'southern darner', reflecting its distribution in temperate Australia.