Common Darters Spotted at Sheldon Country Park

A recent biodiversity walk at Sheldon Country Park produced an exciting find, with members of the Friends of Sheldon Country Park coming across two Common Darter dragonflies (Sympetrum striolatum) along the cycle path.

The group photographed the dragonflies at close range and shared the sighting with the local community, noting that at this time of year dragonflies can often be seen basking in the sunshine, making the most of the remaining warmth as they reach the end of their life cycle.

The Common Darter is abundant across the British Isles and one of the last dragonfly species still on the wing as summer fades. According to the British Dragonfly Society, they are active from summer through to late autumn and can remain flying well into November.

Males have a bright orange-red abdomen, making them easy to spot when they settle in sunny locations. Females and younger adults are golden-brown. The species gets its name from its hunting style — darting forward suddenly from a perch to catch insect prey in flight.

Common Darters are found in a wide range of habitats — grassland, heathland, wetlands, woodland edges, and garden ponds — which is why they turn up in places like Sheldon Country Park even away from open water.

If you spot one while walking or cycling through the park, it's worth taking a moment to watch. Common Darters spend a lot of time perched and basking, so they often stay still long enough to observe closely — just approach calmly and keep a short distance so you don't disturb them.

The Friends of Sheldon Country Park found both dragonflies along the cycle path and are encouraging visitors to keep an eye out for these colourful insects over the coming weeks.

According to the British Dragonfly Society, baby dragonflies (larvae) spend up to five years living underwater — where they breathe through their backsides. Some species can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour in flight.

So the next time you're in Sheldon Country Park, keep an eye on the sunny stretches of path and grassland — you might catch one of these fascinating insects making the most of the last of the summer warmth.