Alder Leaf Beetle vs Ruddy Darter
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alder Leaf Beetle | Ruddy Darter |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agelastica alni | Sympetrum sanguineum |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 6-7 mm | 34-39mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Herbivores | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Alder Leaf Beetle
A metallic dark violet-blue beetle that feeds on alder trees. Heavy infestations can completely defoliate alder trees along waterways.
Did You Know?
After being absent from Britain for decades, it dramatically recolonised southern England in the early 2000s.
Ruddy Darter
A small dragonfly where mature males turn deep blood-red with a distinctly club-shaped abdomen. Females remain golden-yellow. It has entirely black legs unlike similar species.
Did You Know?
Pairs mate in flight, forming a heart-shaped wheel, then the female flicks eggs onto water while still attached to the male.