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Common darter

Common darter

Sympetrum striolatum

A species of Darters

The Great Heidelibelle owes its name to the fact that it is the largest representative of its genus in Germany. The second part of the species name (epithet) striolatum (m. Striolatus, "with small stripes") refers to the pattern of the breast section. The species occurs in some subspecies with a distribution focus in Asia.

General Info About Common darter
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Attributes of Common darter
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Red
Habitat
lake; pond; canal; river
Adult Food Sources
Flies, mosquitoes, small moths, aphids, other small flying insects
Larva Food Source
Small fish, tadpoles, aquatic insects, larvae, microcrustaceans
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Common darter is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Common darter typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Common darter
It is a dragonfly of the family Libellulidae native to Eurasia. This is one of the most abundant dragonflies in Europe, and populations show no evidence of decline.
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Distribution Area of Common darter
Eurasia
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Appearance of Common darter
Females and teneral individuals have light yellow thorax and abdomen. Males turn red as they mature. Females darken with age, becoming a dark chocolate brown, and sometimes develop a blue colouration to the bottom of the abdomen. The wings also develop a brown tinge with age. In all cases the legs have a cream or yellow stripe on a black background - this is a diagnostic feature of this species. The pterostigma of the females can be red, blue, pale blue or brown.
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How to Identify Common darter?

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Life Cycle of Common darter
Egg The egg of common darter is usually laid in water. At this early stage, the form is oval and simple, and the primary function is to serve as a safe capsule for the developing embryo.
Naiad The naiad that emerges is aquatic, predatory, and has a long, slender body. It grows in size and gradually develops wing pads. The color may vary from brown to green, aiding in camouflage.
Adult The adult common darter has a slim, elongated body with fully developed wings and intense body colors that can include yellows, reds, or browns. This stage focuses on flying, mating, and laying eggs.
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Adult Size of Common darter
3.5 - 4.5 cm
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Predators of Common darter Larvae
Frogs, toads, water beetles, fish, backswimmers, diving beetles
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Predators of Adult Common darter
Birds, spiders, wasps, frogs, dragonflies, robber flies
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Interesting Facts About Common darter
Common darter can rapidly change color to regulate its temperature, an adaptation known as thermoregulation.
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Scientific Classification of Common darter
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Genus
Darters
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Tips for Finding Common darter
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Youth Habitat of Common darter
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Common darter
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Common darter
Since common darter are predatory at all stages of their life, they do not respond to bait in the same way as some other animals might. Rather than using trap food, observers can search for them based on their natural hunting behaviors and preferred habitats.
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Habitat Preferences of Common darter Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of common darter are typically deposited in or near freshwater sources like ponds or slow-running streams. The aquatic naiads, or naiads, develop in these water bodies, lurking in submerged vegetation or detritus. As they grow, they require a habitat rich in aquatic insects for food. During the final emergence stage, the immature adults, called tenerals, seek nearby terrestrial vegetation to rest and harden their exoskeletons. Mature adults usually range more widely, often venturing to meadows, fields, and gardens in search of mates or prey, but they return to the water to reproduce. Seeking different growth stages involves careful observation near suitable water bodies and adjacent vegetated areas.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Common darter
The optimal time to locate common darter is usually during the warmer months of the year, from late spring to early autumn, as they are most active when temperatures are higher. Early morning or late afternoon, when they bask in the sun to increase their body temperature, can be particularly fruitful times for spotting common darter.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Common darter
Common darter prefer warm, sunny conditions, with little to no wind. They are less active on cold, overcast, or rainy days. Ideal weather conditions would be a warm, sunny day with minimal cloud cover.
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How and Where Can You Find Common darter at Different Life Stages
Egg Common darter eggs are typically laid in or near water. To find them, search for females depositing eggs on plant stems or in water. Inspect aquatic vegetation and the water's edge carefully for clusters of small, round eggs.
Naiad Common darter naiads are aquatic and can be found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. To find common darter at this stage, gently sift through the substrate or inspect under rocks and debris in the water.
Adult During common darter emergence, the naiads transition to adults. This usually occurs on plant stems or other vertical structures near water bodies. Look for common darter exuviae (the shed exoskeleton) or newly emerged adults drying their wings.
Common darter adults are strong fliers and can be found hunting or patrolling around water bodies such as ponds, rivers, and wetlands. Search for them perched on vegetation, especially in sunny spots where they like to warm up. They can often be spotted near the water's surface where mating and egg-laying occur.
Are Common darter harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Common darter
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Small Insects
Common darter, a skilled and opportunistic hunter, adeptly captures pests during flight using its speed and agility. Preying primarily to satiate its hunger, common darter is beneficial in managing mosquito and fly populations. This predator performs complex aerial maneuvers, showcasing an intriguing aspect of the natural control of insect pests.
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