Yellow-winged Darter vs Black Darter

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Yellow-winged Darter Black Darter
Scientific Name Sympetrum flaveolum Sympetrum danae
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Libellulidae
Size 32-37 mm 29-34mm
Habitat Wetlands Underground
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Yellow-winged Darter

A medium-sized darter with extensive saffron-yellow patches at the base of all four wings. Males are red-bodied while females are yellowish.

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Did You Know?

It breeds in temporary flood meadows and is a strong migrant that appears in large numbers in good years.

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.