Common Darter

Key Sites: Any of the Nene Valley Gravel Pits. The Common Darter has the widest habitat requirements and is at home on the smaller river systems, such as the Rover Ise and standing water systems such as the Nene Valley gravel pits.

Spotting: The Common Darter is easily confused with the Ruddy Darter at first sight. However as you approach, the patterning of red and orange on the abdomen of the male Common Darter is distinctly different from the bright red Ruddy Darter. Female Common Darters are very similar to female Ruddy Darters, and are reliably separated by the completely black legs of the Ruddy. Common Darters can often be seen sunning on bright open ground, where they perch rather than hang like the Hawkers. They favour bright patches such as mown grass or wooden seats or fences. As they age, the bright yellow of the female changes to a grey and the male loses its red colouring in favour of grey - a part grey part red abdomen is a sign of an aging male.

County Status: Not threatened, as habitat requirements are wide.