Photos

Pictures of Ruddy Darter - Sympetrum sanguineum, all male so far.

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  Male, basking in the sun near the River Great Ouse between Kempston and Bromham
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  Male, Felmersham NR
  This is the "obelisk" posture, where the abdomen is pointed at the sun in an effort to regulate body temperature, this was a particularly warm day.
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  Male, Felmersham NR
• 
  Male, Felmersham NR
  Note the all black legs, that helps separates Ruddys from Common Darters.
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  Male, Felmersham NR
• 
  Immature male, Felmersham NR
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  Male, Felmersham NR

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  Male, Felmersham NR
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  Male, Felmersham NR
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  Male, Priory CP

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Main features

Similar to the slightly larger Common Darter - Sympetrum striolatum, the male Ruddy Darter is as the name suggests, a more intense red colour.

The male has a decidedly narrow "waist" to the abdomen, a dull brownish red thorax (no yellow stripes) slightly more yellow around the base of the wings and all black legs.

The female is very similar to the Common Darter but has all black legs in common with the male.

Habitat

Mainly found around shallow still water sites with plenty of dense emergent vegetation.

Where to see

Fairly common at still water sites and slow rivers where dense vegetation exists. I've seen them at Felmersham NR, Priory CP, Warren Villas NR.

Visible from mid June through to early October.