Yellow-Winged Darter (Sympetrum flaveolum) lives in still and slow waters across Europe and mid and northern China. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Yellow-Winged Darter
- Every few decades the yellow-winged darter bursts onto the British scene, only to vanish again. Such 'Invasion Years' occurred in 1906, 1926, 1945, 1953, and 1995. On each occasion a small breeding colony appeared, but they have invariably died out after a few years. These repeat invasions show the species' capacity for long-distance movement yet also highlight the fragility of its temporary footholds in new lands.
- Spotting a yellow-winged darter is like seeing a living paint-brush: the male's torso burns red while both sexes flaunt large swaths of saffron-yellow right at the base of every wing, especially the hind-wings. Other Sympetrum species may have limited yellow-orange colouration near the extreme wing-bases, especially in females, but never so extensively as in this species.
- Although the yellow-winged darter has never formed a permanent UK population, it has managed occasional appearances. The yellow-winged darter has bred but is not established in the UK. It has occurred in Cumbria as single individuals on very few occasions. The most recent record was at Killington Reservoir in August 1995.
- High up in Southern Europe's crystal-clear lakes, the darter's nymphs thrive in low-nutrient (oligotrophic) waters rich in submerged plants. In Southern Europe, the nymphs of this dragonfly live in oligotrophic lakes with submerged vegetation, at high altitudes. As an abundant predator, the species has an important role in food chains of high altitude lakes.
- The yellow-winged darter's life cycle is tied to still water that barely moves. Breeding is confined to stagnant water, usually in peat bogs.
Sources
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At a glance
RangeEurope and mid and northern China
HabitatStill and slow waters
DietInsects and larvae
About the Yellow-Winged Darter
As the sun casts its warm glow upon the tranquil waters, the Yellow-Winged Darter emerges, its iridescent wings beating at a hypnotic pace as it dances through the air with effortless elegance. With a flash of bright yellow, this diminutive dragonfly darts and weaves, its agile form weaving a mesmerizing trail of light and motion as it patrols its territory with unwavering dedication. In its delicate, whisper-thin wings, we find a testament to the extraordinary beauty and resilience of this enchanting creature.
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