The Red-veined Darter

The Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii is the only member of its genus to occur in the UAE. This small dragonfly is a rather scarce and erratic visitor, despite having a very wide-ranging distribution, from North Africa and the Mediterranean basin to Mongolia; it also occurs across much of India south to Sri Lanka. Like all dragonflies it requires wetlands in which to breed; it seems to be increasing its range northwards, presumably in response to climate change – it is now seen frequently in southern Britain, for example.

In the UAE the occurrence of the Red-veined Darter seems to be highly  erratic, with none or few most years and small influxes in others. Quite often, these influxes occur when the weather is cooler, in particular in late autumn. Whilst visiting a small island where planted mangroves provide some shelter, not far from Abu Dhabi and in the company of friends from the Emirates Natural History Group, we found a small, reddish dragonfly that seemed to be this species – but it would not settle for a good look, let alone a photo, and we could not confirm the identification. However, on returning the following weekend, the same dragonfly – or another of the same species – was refound and photographed in exactly the same area. This allowed confirmation of the species as Red-veined Darter.

There are several other species of reddish dragonflies occurring in the UAE, such as the Globe Skimmer Pantala flavescens but the Red-veined Darter can be identified by its deeper red body (if male), blue tinge to the lower eyes and fine red veins on the inner wing; unlike the skimmer it also quite readily perches, usually horizontally  (Globe Skimmer is much more aerial and when it does pause to perch, it usually hangs). Another obvious confusion risk is the Scarlet Dragonfly Crocothemis erythraea, but this species is rather larger, heavier bodied and males are much more red. It is also very rare in the UAE away from the immediate vicinity of freshwater breeding sites.

There was no suitable breeding habitat on the island where this individual was found so presumably its stay on the island was fairly short. However, it is worth looking out for Red-veined Darters occurring elsewhere in the UAE at any point during the cooler seasons of the year. It may occur in habitats such as urban parks, golf courses and agricultural areas, as well as anywhere near fresh water. But remember that both Globe Skimmer and Scarlet Dragonfly are much more frequent and likely to be seen!

Thanks to Claudia Steuber of Emirates Natural History Group for the photographs.