essex naturalist

Only a few species of Odonata are on the wing this far into the British autumn. The common darter (Sympetrum striolatum), one other Uk’s most numerous and widespread dragonflies, is one them. They might in fact – weather permitting – be around for a few more weeks yet. I have seen them as late as early November before now, on one occasion even as a tandem pair, the female flicking the tip of her abdomen into the water as they hovered, depositing her eggs as she did so. In the South West of the UK, where the frosts might be later to grip, this species has on rare occasion been seen as late as December; in the Mediterranean parts of their expansive European range they may be active throughout the year.

The insect photographed (an over-mature female) was one of a number I encountered, making the most of the late-afternoon October sunshine; warm enough for them to be at large, but cool enough for them to bask obligingly for an inquiring lens.