Is this a Ruddy Darter Dragonfly?

tigger · #1 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 06:23 PM

Hi. Is this a ruddy darter dragonfly?

Thanks. Jane

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 06:28 PM

No; it's a male Common Darter. Ruddy Darter has all black legs + mature males don't show the yellow thorax panels (though immature ones can).

tigger · #3 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 06:30 PM

Thanks aeshna5. Couldn't decide between Common or Ruddy. Thanks for letting me know to look out for the all black legs. There were some stunning dragonflies around today on the Stour in Dorset.

Geoff F · #4 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 06:39 PM

Just a word of warning for the future though, Jane.

The leg stripe on Common Darters can disappear with age, so a lack of stripes doesn't automatically mean a Ruddy Darter. I have been caught out by this!