Island Red-veined Darters

Today I was fortunate enough to get the chance to see Red-veined Darters at a reservoir in the West Wight.

This darter is not a common sight here although several do turn up from time to time.

The banks of the reservoir are still bare ground in many places and just the habitat for Black-tailed Skimmers.Up to ten were seen including females and mating pairs,along with Emperor dragonflies and the common damselflies.

However we had no problem finding the Red-veined as the males seem to spread themselves out around the perimeter of the reservoir.Up to fifteen were present although we did not see any females

Many thanks to Andy Butler for the final photo below..

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