Ruddy Darter
Sympetrum sanguineum
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Ruddy Darter has colonised the Sefton Coast — a single male was recorded in 1989, and by the mid-1990s it was an established breeder at Ainsdale NNR. The male is blood-red with a constricted 'waisted' abdomen, brighter red than the Common Darter. It's a perching dragonfly, resting on prominent stems and returning to the same perch. The dune slack ponds at Ainsdale are one of the best northwest England sites for this species.
At a Glance
| Order | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae |
| Habitat | Dune slack pond · Sheltered open water · Ditch with emergent vegetation |
| Diet | Flying insects — catches prey in aerial pursuit |
| UK population | Common in southern and central England; now well-established in northwest England |
| Sefton Coast | Established breeding species at Ainsdale NNR since the mid-1990s. First recorded 1989. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Dune slack ponds at Ainsdale NNR. Perches on exposed stems and bare ground near water.
Identification
Male: vivid blood-red with distinctly waisted abdomen (narrower at the base). Redder and more waisted than Common Darter. Female: yellow-brown with same waisted shape. Red veins at base of wings.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Visit Ainsdale slack ponds in August. Ruddy Darters perch prominently on dead sticks and bare ground near the water, returning repeatedly to the same spot.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell Ruddy Darter from Common Darter?
Both are red dragonflies but the Ruddy Darter is brighter blood-red and has a distinctly waisted abdomen — clearly narrower at the base, creating a club-shaped look. Common Darter is duller brownish-red without the waisting. Female Ruddy Darter is yellow-brown with the same waisted shape, while female Common Darter is buffier-brown. Leg colour also differs: Ruddy Darter has largely black legs; Common Darter has yellow legs with black stripes.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.