In 1995 there were two reports of this species from Ireland. There was a large influx of this and other Sympetrum species into eastern and southern Britain in 1995, and these sightings undoubtedly were part of this migration. Migrants have been noted in subsequent years and breeding has been recorded at a number of sites in Britain, but few colonies have persisted. The Irish records involved a single individual reported at a site in Armagh and at least 5 adults seen in late August at Tacumshin in Wexford. These were the first Irish records. The possibility of this species occurring on the south and east coast is high and any Sympetrum seen on coastal sites, especially in late summer, would repay careful study.

Thanks to Kevin Wilson, warden of Gibraltar Point NNR, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, for use of his photograph of this species.

This species is similar to other Darters but can be distinguished by the extensive yellow patch at the base of each wing.

KEY IDENTIFICATION FEATURES

• base of wings strongly yellow-tinted
• males brick red with unwaisted abdomen
• female and immature males yellow-brown
• pterostigma brown in both sexes