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Ruddy Darter Dragonfly (male) Date: 5th August 2007
Camera: Nikon D2xs
Ruddy Darter can look very similar to Common Darter and experience is needed to tell them apart with certainty. Colouration alone is not a reliable guide although, as the name suggests, male Ruddy Darters tend to be a deeper shade of red. Differences in shape, size, patterning and behaviour are subtle and not always easily seen. The fact that they often occupy similar habitat and fly at the same time of year can also complicate matters. I find their legs to be the most important feature to look out for when attempting to tell them apart. Ruddy Darter has plain black legs while Common Darter does not.
The Ruddy Darter is more localised in Suffolk than its common namesake and the Hen Reed Bed, where this picture was taken, is a Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserve. |
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