description Vagrant Darter Overview
The Vagrant Darter is a common European dragonfly, notably difficult to distinguish from the Common Darter except for its subtle facial markings.
help Vagrant Darter FAQ
What is the scientific name of the Vagrant Darter?
The Vagrant Darter is Sympetrum vulgatum and is also known as the Moustached Darter. It is a European dragonfly that breeds around still water such as ponds and lakes.
How can I distinguish a Vagrant Darter from a Common Darter?
The Vagrant Darter has black moustache-like markings extending down the sides of the face, brown wing spots, and relatively limited thorax markings. The [British Dragonfly Society guide](https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/species/vagrant-darter/) identifies those features as useful when separating it from Sympetrum striolatum.
How large is a Vagrant Darter?
Adults are about 35 to 40 mm long. Because the species closely resembles the Common Darter, a close view of the face and wing markings is often more useful than body colour alone.
Do male and female Vagrant Darters look different?
Males are typically red, while females are more yellow-orange and have a prominent vulvar scale near the end of the abdomen. Males also show a noticeable black line along the front edge of each eye.
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