- Banded Darter
Taxobox
name = Banded Darter
image_width = 240px
regnum =Animal ia
phylum =Arthropod a
classis =Insect a
ordo =Odonata
subordo =Anisoptera
familia =Libellulidae
genus = "Sympetrum "
species = "S. pedemontanum"
binomial = "Sympetrum pedemontanum"
binomial_authority = (Mueller "in" Allioni, 1776)The Banded Darter ("Sympetrum pedemontanum") is a
Europe an species ofdragonfly of the familyLibellulidae .Description
The Banded Darter, like most members of the genus, has a red abdomen. Its primary distinguishing feature however is the presence of broad black bands across the outer section of each wing. It is similar in size to the
Black Darter (35-40mm), sharing the broad hindwings and black legs.Behaviour
The weak, low, fluttering flight is not unlike that of a Black Darter, but it perches frequently on the tips of rush stems rather than on the ground. It is a surprisingly inconspicuous species.
Status
This species is resident in continental
Europe . Its main breeding range is south-eastern, especially at medium altitudes, although it appears to be spreading westwards.Vagrancy to Britain
The Banded Darter has been recorded in Britain just once, in
Wales , in the "Sympetrum" immigration year of 1995 on 16-17 August.
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