How to Draw a Scarlet-Darter

In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw a Scarlet Darter in 6 easy steps - great for kids and novice artists.

The images above represent how your finished drawing is going to look and the steps involved.

Below are the individual steps - you can click on each one for a High Resolution printable PDF version.

At the bottom you can read some interesting facts about the Scarlet Darter.

Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.

How to Draw a Scarlet Darter - Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Draw two roung circles side by side, connecting them at the top by a line

Step 3: A pair of green bean shaped wings are attached to the previous part, and extend the body

Interesting Facts about the Scarlet-Darter

This species of dragonfly gets its name from the vivid, bright red coloring that is often seen in the males. They are also called the broad scarlet, and the scarlet dragonfly. This is not the only way in which the scarlet darter is unique in the dragonfly world, though. It has a much wider abdomen and wings than most dragonflies do, complete with a pale stripe located on their thorax. Females lack this bright pigmentation. The females of this species as well as the juvenile dragonflies share the same yellow-brown coloring year-round.

Did you know?

• This species of dragonfly is very common all over Africa, and parts of southern Europe.
• They have been seen rarely in China as well, and even more rarely in Britain. The scarlet darter was not discovered to be in Britain at all until August of 1995.
• The scarlet darter has no preference between running or standing waters, but will not reside in shaded areas. They quite like being basked in warm sunlight.
• Adult dragonflies may go far from their water source to a variety of habitats, ranging from deserts to open woodlands. However, they must eventually find a freshwater source.
• These animals will never be seen in dense forests, as there is not enough sunlight.

Arts and Crafts Activity Notes: Draw the scarlet darter and proceed to make and distribute copies for each individual taking part in the project. Instruct them to color in their dragonflies using colored pencils, markers or crayons, and then cut them out carefully using safety scissors. Using string or twine of some sort, hang them from a ceiling or other surface using tape or glue to keep the string attached to the darter. Now you’ll have a room full of bright and colorful dragonflies.