Rare Sightings: Red-Veined Darter & Black Tailed Skimmer
Two wonderful rare breeds of dragonfly have graced our flourishing site here at WWT Caerlaverock.
As a Dragonfly Hotspot and a wetland paradise, WWT Caerlaverock is no stranger to weird and wonderful dragonfly species.
One of the latest exciting sightings is a new record for the reserve, the elusive red-veined darter.
This migratory dragonfly has most likely travelled from southern Europe or Africa, making it a particularly rare visitor to Scotland's coastline. Dragonflies are a good indicator of a changing climate with new species spreading to the UK and moving up the country.
The species takes its name from the striking red veins in the wings of the male, especially close to the body. This photograph was captured by Site Manager David Pickett with local dragonfly recorders Barbara and Mike Abbs.
A medium-sized dragonfly, the red-veined darter can grow up to 40 mm in length. The female has a very different appearance, with a golden-brown body and yellow wing veins rather than the male's vivid red colouring.
Another key identification feature is the pale blue colouring on the lower part of the eyes, which is present in both males and females. This distinguishes the species from its closest lookalike, the common darter, which has dark brown to green colouring in the same area.
And a bonus sighting was of several black-tailed skimmers, a species only previously known from the reserve from one sighting last year. Excitingly, some were seen to be mating. The male of this species is identified for a white-blue body with a black tip, and greenish eyes, while the females are a bold yellow with bold black stripes down their abdomen.
As we make WWT Caerlaverock wetter, more dragon and damselflies are moving in and taking advantage of the new wetlands. The red-veined darter and black tailed skimmer are just two of many dragonfly species you can spot at WWT Caerlaverock this summer. Keep an eye out for emperors, four-spotted chaser, and common darters, particularly along the Summer Meadow Trail and around the pond edges.
Book your tickets now and discover these spectacular insects while they're making the most of the summer sunshine.
By Georgia Pope, Engagement Officer
