Male. Taken at Radley Lakes, Oxon., on July 19th 2024. (© David Hastings)
(1/640th sec at f11. Click image for larger version)
Male. Taken at Whitecross Green Wood, Oxon., on July 7th 2024. (© David Hastings)
(1/1000th sec at f11. Click image for larger version)
Female. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on June 13th 2022. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f10. Click image for larger version)
Female side view. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on July 29th 2024. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f13. Click image for larger version)
Mating wheel. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on August 9th 2022. (© David Hastings)
(1/1000th sec at f11. Click image for larger version)

Description

Wing span: 46 - 61 mm; Body length: 34 - 39 mm

Mature male Ruddy Darters are easily identified by their all-black legs and slightly clubbed blood-red abdomen. The female is brownish-yellow. Both sexes have conspicuous yellow patches at the base of each hindwing, as well as black marks on S8 and 9.

It is most common in southern and eastern England, but is spreading north and westwards. It is quite widespread in Ireland. It is widespread in Europe except for most of Iberia.

It favours well-vegetated ponds, lakes, ditches and canals, often with adjacent woodland. It will tolerate acidic and brackish water.

Mating lasts a few minutes and usually occurs while perched and away from water. The large eggs are laid in vegetation or damp mud, either with the pair in tandem, or with the male in close attendance. They only hatch when covered with water. Larval development is rapid and adults usually emerge after a year. The main flight period is June and July, but individuals can persist into November.

Territories are usually established slightly back from the water's edge.

A locally common species.

Earliest UK sighting: 2nd June ; Latest UK sighting: 2nd October

Sightings