Sympetrum sanguineum - Ruddy Darter
Male
Exuvia (male, top view)
Description
Length: 34-36mm
This species is smaller than the Common Darter.
The legs are entirely black.
An intense orange colouration can be seen only at the very base of the wings.
The pterostigma is brown.
There are usually two prominent black marks on S8 and S9.
The males become blood-red with maturity with a red frons and red-brown thorax.
There is a very noticeable constriction of the abdomen around S4, giving a club-shaped appearence.
Females have a ochre yellow abdomen and thorax.
There is no red panel on the side of the thorax.
Older females may develop some red along the midline and segment boundaries of the abdomen.
Habitat
Inhabits weedy ponds and ditches, frequently in woodland.
Status and Distribution
Resident in south-east England and central Ireland but increasing its range.
Distribution map from the National Biodiversity Network Gateway (opens in new window).
Similar species
The various resident and migrant species of Darter in the UK are easily confused, the females being particularly difficult to tell apart.
This species has all black legs and the waisted appearence of the blood-red male helps with identification.