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Ruddy Darter |
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Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum)
This is a new species in the county which was first recorded in July 1999 at Middletown. In 2003 the Ruddy Darter was recorded on the Montgomeryshire Canal where it is breeding. The Ruddy Darter can be seen between the end of June and the end of November. The male has a distinctive vivid red abdomen with a red thorax and deep red eyes. The abdomen has a thickening at the posterior end. The legs are black. The female has a dull olive-yellow colouring on the upper abdomen with yellowish-green sides and yellow markings to the head. This species breeds in vegetation rich pools, ponds, lakes and canals. Its distribution is limited to the south and east of England, east Wales and Ireland.
This species is most commonly mistaken for the Common Darter, but has a more club-like abdomen and black legs unlike the Common Darter which has a yellow stripe on the legs and a more slender pencil-like abdomen.
Tandem pair
Mating Wheel
Male
Male
Female
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