The common darter is native to a wide variety of freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers. It has a length of 38 to 43 mm. The male is orange red (see today’s photograph) and becomes brown with age. The female is golden-brown. The legs are black with a yellow line.
The common darter is an ambush predator, waiting for prey on prominent high points. The habit of repeatedly returning to its favorite spot makes is an easy dragonfly to photograph. One ‚only’ has to wait for its return.