Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum)

The Ruddy Darter

This is a bright red dragonfly which can be seen on the wing from early July through to late September. It is at its best when fully mature in late August and early September.

The Ruddy Darter is a brighter & deeper red when compared to the Common Darter and it lacks the light stripes on its legs. It also has a darker thorax and deep red eyes.

It is far less abundant and tends to be more localised, but once a breeding site has been located it can be seen in large numbers.

It prefers shallow or slightly silted ponds, ditches and seepages with abundant water side vegetation where it is fond of basking in the sun's warmth. Its flight is rather short in duration, settling readily if disturbed.