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Common darter dragonfly (Sympetrum striolatum). One of the more common dragonflies in the UK, the common darter is endemic to much of England and Wales. It is found in its adult form from the end of June until as late as the middle of November. Dragonflies are predatory insects, often catching other insects mid-flight. They have large compound eyes and can be distinguished from the closely related damselflies by the fact that they hold their wings out even when resting. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/DAVID AUBREY) === ===