English: Highland Darter [At the time of writing, some authorities consider the Highland Darter to be a species in its own right, Sympretrum nigrescens; on the other hand, genetic studies have suggested that it is simply a melanic (i.e., more darkly-pigmented) form of the Common Darter, Sympetrum striolatum.]

This is the female of the species; the male has different markings: black on red, rather than the dark brown on lighter brown of the female. Note also the reddish medial line (running centrally down the top of the abdomen), which is mentioned on the British Dragonfly Society's page on this species: http://www.dragonflysoc.org.uk/synig.html

Darter dragonflies are smaller, but sturdier in body, than hawker dragonflies, and larger than damselflies. This species has a wingspan of 54mm, and is 35mm long.

This darter was resting on a fence post, close to a stile that gives access to a boardwalk leading across marshy ground towards Carman Reservoir.