Ruddy Darters so soon already?

[STYRBJORN]

I am not sure if I have got the ID right, but I have seen several dragonflies which appear to meet the criteria for Ruddy Darters in the past week or so. 6cm wingspan, bright red abdomen, black legs. I am in East Sussex. They are not supposed to emerge until July! Mis-identification or climate change?

Ric

[htcdude]

Sure it's not a Large Red Damselfly?

Nige

[STYRBJORN]

Could be. I'll check the ID. Thanks.

[STYRBJORN]

You aren't wrong htcdude. I saw one at rest yesterday, wings held like a butterfly rather than a moth. Thanks again.

Ric

[RoyW]

I've known other people to be caught out thinking that Large Red Damselflies are darters so your not alone!
Darters can be very similar in length but the body will always look far more substantial (rather than the matchstick like shape of damselflies). It is possible for the very first Common & Ruddy Darters to be flying this early, but it is unlikely that they would be red yet - the much scarcer Red-veined Darter on the other hand could be flying and already be red.

[htcdude]

Never knew that about the Red-veined, will have to keep an eye out!

Nige

[Ukwildlifeo]

Originally Posted by RoyW

I've known other people to be caught out thinking that Large Red Damselflies are darters so your not alone!
Darters can be very similar in length but the body will always look far more substantial (rather than the matchstick like shape of damselflies). It is possible for the very first Common & Ruddy Darters to be flying this early, but it is unlikely that they would be red yet - the much scarcer Red-veined Darter on the other hand could be flying and already be red.

I meant to mention today that a colleague of mine was adamant he saw a red darter last week in Wat Tyler CP in Essex, which even when I told him it would be the earliest recorded ruddy/common he was still certain it was one.