Dragonfly ID Help

[Lester]

These are two separate individuals shot last week at Thursley NNR, Surrey.

At the time I assumed they were immature Common Darters.

However there does not seem to be any yellow on the legs and the black marking on the top of the thorax and last two tail segments suggest an immature female Black Darter, except the lower part of the eyes are yellow rather than light green.

Confusing for both options is the very light blue wing pterostigma, normally dark amber or black in the Common and Black darters respectively.

Can anyone confirm the Black Darter ID and that the wing markings blacken as the individual matures?

[Wild-Woman]

I would say Black Darter, but as you say the pterostigma is puzzling unless it matures to black. Female though for sure.

Just had a look at my BD image from Thursley and the pterostigma is white.

[Deer Stalker]

I'd say Black Darter too.

[erdragonfly]

I can confirm this is a Black Darter by the black triangle on the top of the thorax. It is an immature female, the pterostigma will darken as it matures.

[Lester]

Ah great, thanks all, BD it is then.

I think I need to check back over old IDs as I may have miss IDs some of these before as immature CDs.

[leifus]

i say black darter too - very good pictures!!