{"id":23,"date":"2025-06-05T01:10:22","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T01:10:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/macrostock.eu\/?p=23"},"modified":"2025-06-05T01:10:22","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T01:10:22","slug":"red-veined-darter-sympetrum-fonscolombii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/macrostock.karits.eu\/index.php\/2025\/06\/05\/red-veined-darter-sympetrum-fonscolombii\/","title":{"rendered":"Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii<\/em>) \u2013 Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Red-veined Darter<\/strong> (Sympetrum fonscolombii<\/em>) is a vibrant, fast-flying dragonfly<\/strong> found across Europe, Africa, and Asia<\/strong>. It is known for its bright red males<\/strong>, distinctive red veins on the wings<\/strong>, and its ability to migrate long distances<\/strong>. This species thrives in warm climates and can even colonize temporary water bodies<\/strong> that other dragonflies avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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General Information:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  • Scientific Name:<\/strong> Sympetrum fonscolombii<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Common Name:<\/strong> Red-veined Darter<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Family:<\/strong> Libellulidae (Skimmer dragonflies)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Size:<\/strong>\n
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    • Body length:<\/strong> 34\u201340 mm<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Wingspan:<\/strong> 55\u201365 mm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Lifespan:<\/strong> Several months (adults), up to a year (including larval stage)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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      Identification & Appearance:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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      • Males:<\/strong>\n
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        • Bright red abdomen<\/strong> with black markings<\/strong> on segments<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Red veins<\/strong> in the forewings (key identification feature)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Brownish-red thorax with yellow patches<\/strong> on the sides<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Reddish eyes<\/strong> with a blueish tint on the lower part<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Females & Immature Males:<\/strong>\n
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          • Yellowish-brown abdomen with subtle black markings<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Red veins on the wings<\/strong>, but less intense than in males<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Eyes have a mix of green, blue, and brown hues<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Wings:<\/strong>\n
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            • Transparent with red veins<\/strong>, particularly visible on the forewings<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Pterostigma (wing spot):<\/strong> Pale yellow with black borders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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              Distribution & Habitat:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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              • Found across Southern & Central Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Expanding its range northward due to climate change<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Prefers lakes, ponds, slow rivers, marshes, and temporary wetlands<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Often found in coastal areas and islands<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                Behavior & Ecology:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                • Migratory species<\/strong> \u2013 moves in response to climate and water availability<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Active hunters<\/strong>, feeding on small flying insects like mosquitoes and midges<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Frequently perches<\/strong> on rocks, plants, or reeds near water<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Mating:<\/strong>\n
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                  • Occurs in flight<\/strong>, with the classic “wheel position”<\/strong> seen in dragonflies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Males are territorial<\/strong>, often chasing away rivals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Egg-laying:<\/strong>\n
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                    • Females drop eggs while hovering over water<\/strong>, often with the male guarding nearby<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                      Predators & Threats:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                      • Predators:<\/strong> Birds, frogs, spiders, and larger dragonflies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Threats:<\/strong>\n
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                        • Habitat loss<\/strong> due to wetland drainage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Pollution<\/strong> affecting breeding sites<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Extreme weather events<\/strong> impacting migration patterns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                          Conservation Status:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                          • IUCN Red List:<\/strong> Least Concern (LC)<\/strong> \u2013 Stable population<\/strong> with a wide range<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Benefits from climate warming<\/strong>, allowing it to expand northward<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                            Interesting Facts:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                            • One of the few dragonflies that migrate<\/strong>, sometimes covering hundreds of kilometers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Can breed in salty water<\/strong>, which is unusual for dragonflies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Unlike many dragonflies, it is active year-round<\/strong> in warmer regions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n