For the second time this year Black Darter has been recorded in what were thought to be ‘one-off’ 2023 locations; firstly at Prees Heath and now Stephen Kill has sent in this photo of a female seen at Dolgoch Quarry. Last October a few Black Darters were seen at this location and now this relatively fresh looking female raises the surprise question of potential breeding? No exuviae have been found, but if you happen to visit please collect any darter exuviae you find and get in touch so I can check them.
Elsewhere another autumnal specialist the Migrant Hawker is out and about and Geoff Hall has sent in 2 photos of a female (below) which clearly illustrate the diagnostic bright yellow golf tee shape at the top of the abdomen. Geoff also sent a wonderful close up of Black-tailed Skimmer (far below left) showing the green eyes, black tail and yellow antenodal cross veins. This skimmer is also basking on the bare ground- very typical behaviour of skimmers, though I’ve seen many Darters on the ground this year too- no doubt trying to get some warmth! The final photo (far below right) is a male Southern Hawker- looking magnificent and a frequent visitor to garden ponds.
