The nomad dragonfly (Sympetrum fonscolombii), also known as the red-veined darter, is a common and widespread species known for its migratory habits and rapid life cycle.
Key Facts
Nomadic Behavior: The dragonfly is named "nomad" because it can travel long distances, often migrating northward to central and northwest Europe from its typical southern range (Africa, Southern Europe, Middle East, Asia) in specific years.
Rapid Development: Unlike most other European dragonflies, the nomad can have more than one generation per year due to its fast-developing eggs and larvae, which can grow from egg to adult in just a few months.
Appearance (Males): Mature males have a bright red abdomen and a reddish-brown thorax and face. Their wings are notably characterized by red veins and yellow bases on the hind wings. The eyes are brown on top and blue/grey below.
Appearance (Females): Females are different, featuring an ochre-yellow or yellowish-brown abdomen with two black lines along each side. Their wing veins are yellow, not red, at the leading edge and base.
Size: This is a medium-sized dragonfly, typically reaching a body length of about 38 to 40 millimeters (1.5 to 1.6 inches).
Habitat: They are found near various bodies of open water, including marshes, lakes, and ponds, and are good at colonizing new or temporary water sources after rainfall.
Behavior: Males are territorial, often perching in exposed spots to watch over their area. After mating, pairs remain in tandem while the female dips her abdomen into the water to deposit eggs.
Dragonflies are highly effective aerial predators with a success rate of up to 97%.
They possess large compound eyes with up to 30,000 facets, giving them an almost 360-degree field of vision and the ability to process images much faster than humans.
Life Cycle: The majority of a dragonfly's life is spent underwater as an aquatic nymph (larva), which is also a voracious predator, before emerging as an adult flyer.
