Rambur's Forktail vs Ruddy Darter

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rambur's Forktail Ruddy Darter
Scientific Name Ischnura ramburii Sympetrum sanguineum
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Coenagrionidae Libellulidae
Size 26-36 mm 34-39mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Blood Feeders
Regions North America, South America Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rambur's Forktail

A widespread New World damselfly where males are green and black with a blue tail tip. Females come in orange, olive, and male-mimic color forms.

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Did You Know?

It tolerates brackish and even slightly saline water, unlike most freshwater damselflies.

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.

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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.