Black Darter is a species that has a strong preference for breeding in acidic conditions, such as moorlands and bogs, and consequently is more common in the north of Britain than the south.
Worldwide, Black Darters are found in suitable habitat throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In North America they are known as Black Meadowhawks.
Immature males are initially quite female-like in their colouration, but get darker as they age and in mature males the orange markings on their abdomen are restricted to the first couple of segments.
At only 30mm long Black Darter is the smallest of the European darters.
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