Ruddy Darter—Sympetrum sanguineum

Distribution: Widespread in Wiltshire, but not as frequently encountered as the common darter. It habitat requirements are usually densely vegetated water bodies such as ponds and canals.

Identification: Often confused with the larger Common Darter. It can also be mis-identified with rare migrants such as the red-veined, yellow winged and vagrant darters. However in Wiltshire only the red-veined has been recorded. The male can be distinguished from the common darter by it's entirely black legs and waisted blood red abdomen. The female is most reliably identified by it's black legs. The female may also be confused with the black darter (which also has black legs) but lacks a black triangle on the thorax.

County Status: Widespread but local.