Dragonfly ID from description

nikolai_avenger · #1 (**permalink**) 18-10-2010, 08:34 AM

Hello..

Would it be possible to identify the following dragonfly? No picture I am afraid, only a very fleeting glimpse but it was not one I am familiar with.

Date: 17.10.10
Location: Willington Gravel Pits, Derbyshire

Seen perching on a branch in a mature hedgerow.

Apprx 50-60mm long (very diminutive) and rusty red/rown colour throughout.

Appreciate not much to go on, hopefully the small size will be a good indicator if anyone can point me in the right direction. Any ideas welcomed.

Many thanks and best regards, Nik.

david156 · #2 (**permalink**) 18-10-2010, 08:46 AM

I would go for either common or ruddy darter. (I would be more inclined to go for common)
By some chance did you get to see the legs? A yellow strip on them would confirm common.
Hopefully one of the experts like RoyW will be able to help you more.

Cheers David

nikolai_avenger · #3 (**permalink**) 18-10-2010, 11:57 AM

Hello, David.

Many thanks for the quick reply, yes it had yellow/cream coloured stripes, so having now also checked a few pictures I will go for common darter.

Cheers!

Best regards, Nik.

RoyW · #4 (**permalink**) 20-10-2010, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david156

Hopefully one of the experts like RoyW will be able to help you more.

Who me?

There's nothing more that I can add really. I agree with what David has said - probably Common Darter, but it's not possibly to completely rule out other Darters. There are very few Ruddy Darters still flying by mid October, and all darters tend to be relatively dull by this time of year. Any yellow/pale stripes on the legs does mean that it's not a Ruddy - which makes Common Darter by far the most likely species). Ruddys are slighty smaller than Common, and both are slightly smaller than the quoted size (Common are 35-45mm long). Most people tend to over estimate the size of dragonflies - it's surprising how small most of them actually are!

Roy.