Attenborough Nature Reserve

Dragonflies

Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) The Ruddy Darter was first recorded in 1992 but it may have been previously overlooked. It is, however, known to be spreading locally. The warmer summers are no doubt inducing an extension of range from its south eastern stronghold. It flies earlier than the Common Darter from the end of June to the end of August. Male Ruddy Darter It is similar to the Common Darter but its legs are entirely black and the abdomen is constricted in the middle. The male develops a darker blood-red colour than the Common Darter. In recent years counts in excess of 10 idividuals have been recorded in a single day on the reserve.

Female Ruddy Darter (above) Pair in the mating wheel (right)

Yellow-Winged Darter (Sympetrum flaveolum)

A single female of this scarce species from the continent was a surprise capture by B. Wetton in 1996. Several had occurred in Britain during the summer of 1995 so this individual may either have bred from that population or have been a recent migrant. The male and female of this species can be separated from other darters by large patches of yellow on both the fore and hind wings.

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