RUDDY DARTER |
SYMPETRUM SANGUINEUM |
|
| Fig 1 |
ADULT: Wingspan - 55mm. Approximate overall
length - 34 - 36mm. Similar to Common Darter but smaller and overall more blood red with a distinctly waisted abdomen. Another key identification feature is the all black legs in both species, in fact the only way to ID the female in the field. The pterostigma is brown and there are usually two prominent black marks on segments 8 and 9. LARVA: 30-39mm when fully grown. Located in
underwater vegetation and debris. BEHAVIOUR: An approachable species that can be seen perched within its territory. HABITAT: Fens, bogs, lakes and heathland. FLIGHT PERIOD: Mid June to September. STATUS: Widespread and locally common. |