Ruddy Darter—Sympetrum sanguineum

Key Sites: Pitsford Reserve, Nene Valley Gravel Pits. More restricted habitat requirements than the Common Darter mean that the Ruddy Darter has a limited distribution, centred around the Nene Valley gravel pits. It prefers areas with dense vegetation and tends to populate mature wetland habitats. Many of the gravel pits fulfil this criteria, as do the larger reservoirs such as Pitsford (Holcot bay area) and Sywell.

Spotting: Ruddy Darters are uncommon in the Northants area, and probably under recorded due to their similarity in appearance to the Common Darter. The main way to distinguish them is by looking at their legs close-up (both Darters are approachable). The Common Darter has a yellow stripe down the front of the legs, while the Ruddy Darter's are all black. In the females of both species this is the only practical way to separate them. Ruddy Darters perch on reeds or sticks by the edge of the water in mature ponds with an abundance of vegetation, and wait for prey to fly through into their territory, and will return the same perch time and time again. This makes observation very easy, if a little like wait-and-see.

There are differences in flight pattern that allow separation when visual clues are not obvious. The Common Darter has a more determined, strong flight, while the Ruddy Darter is more relaxed and fluttery.

County Status: Local Priority Species. Clearance of bankside vegetation will restrict presence at a site, and this should be considered when planning of habitat management.