Body length is usually about 35–44 mm.
Fine-art photographic collection
Sympetrum striolatum
An autumn dragonfly whose eggs pause through winter before the larvae race to adulthood in a single season.
About this species
Common Darter
Sympetrum striolatum(Charpentier, 1840)
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Sympetrum striolatum is a widespread darter of ponds, canals and slow water. Adults often remain active well into autumn, and some populations undertake substantial movements between breeding areas.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Odonata · Libellulidae · Sympetrum
Accepted taxon. · checked 2026-07-15
Europe, North Africa and western AsiaBroad range and selected reference localities — not a complete occurrence map.
Europe, North Africa and western Asia
Ponds, lakes, ditches, canals and slow waters, including newly created and temporary habitats.
Adults fly from summer into late autumn and bask frequently in cool weather.
Adults catch flying insects; aquatic larvae prey on small aquatic animals.
Solitary.
What makes this species remarkable?
Eggs deposited over water or damp margins enter winter diapause, postponing development until conditions improve in spring.
After hatching, larvae can complete the aquatic stage within one warm season, compressing growth before emerging as autumn adults.
Large directional movements have crossed coastlines and open water, showing that this familiar pond dragonfly can also behave as a true migrant.