RED-VEINED DARTER-SOUTHAMPTON COMMON BOATING LAKE

This afternoon, after finishing work, I visited Southampton Common in the hope of seeing the Red-veined Darters (Sympetrum fonscolombii) that have been present at the site for over a month. These striking dragonflies have been recorded here for the past nine years.

Boating Lake at Southampton Common

I had attempted a visit at the end of last month, but poor weather foiled my plans. Today, however, the sun was shining. Upon reaching the boating lake, I immediately spotted a male basking on the path, soaking up the sunlight—a perfect start to the visit.

The Red-veined Darter is a common and widespread species across much of central and southern Europe, including most Mediterranean islands. In some years, it migrates northward, and since the 1990s, it has been increasingly recorded in Great Britain.

After spending over an hour at the lake, I counted more than six individuals before leaving. This species is now proudly on my life list, and it was particularly satisfying to finally see one in excellent conditions.