Nomad

Fascinating facts about the Nomad

• Although it is currently placed in the genus Sympetrum, the red-veined darter shows clear genetic and behavioural differences from its congeners. Studies have found that it does not share the close relationships typical of other Sympetrum species. Because of this distinct lineage, taxonomists anticipate that it will eventually be moved to a separate genus. This re-classification will reflect its unique evolutionary history.
• The red-veined darter holds the distinction of being the sole Libellulidae species recorded on the Azores archipelago. Its range also extends to the nearby Atlantic islands, where it is present on both the Canary Islands and Madeira. This island presence complements its broader distribution across mainland Europe, North Africa and parts of Asia. The species' ability to colonise isolated islands highlights its strong dispersal capacity.
• In the warmer parts of its range the red-veined darter can complete two full life cycles within a single year, a pattern that sets it apart from most other European dragonflies. After eggs are laid, they and the ensuing larvae develop in just a few months, allowing a second generation to emerge before the season ends. This rapid turnover enables the species to exploit brief periods of favourable conditions.
• Mated pairs have been seen flying over the sea, the female dipping her abdomen into the salt water and the resulting eggs quickly dying. After copulation the pair stay in tandem for egg laying and can be observed over open water while the female deposits eggs. This behaviour mirrors their usual tandem oviposition over freshwater, but the saline environment prevents development.
• Following a rainfall the red-veined darter can recolonise habitats that have dried out, quickly returning to former breeding sites. It breeds in a wide range of habitats including marshes, lakes, ponds, permanent and seasonal rivers, giving it many options for recolonisation. This ability to re-occupy dry areas after rain allows the species to resume breeding cycles without long delays.

Sources

Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.

• Wikipedia

At a glance

About the Nomad

As the sun casts its warm glow over the tranquil waters, a fleck of iridescent blue darts through the air, the nomad dragonfly, Sympetrum fonscolombii, embarks on its perpetual journey, its delicate wings beating at a hypnotic pace as it navigates the landscape with effortless precision. With a migratory spirit that rivals the most seasoned travelers, this diminutive marvel traverses vast expanses, driven by an innate restlessness that propels it to explore, to discover, and to thrive in a world of unrelenting beauty. Its path is a testament to the wonders of adaptation, a symphony of movement and resilience that has allowed this enchanting creature to flourish in a diverse array of habitats.

More insects and spiders to discover

Browse Feravox