Ruddy Darter vs Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ruddy Darter | Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sympetrum sanguineum | Ischnura pumilio |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 34-39mm | 26-31 mm body length |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Wetlands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly
One of Europe's smallest damselflies, with a black body and a single blue segment near the tail tip. Females come in a remarkable variety of colour forms.
Did You Know?
It specialises in colonising new and temporary water bodies that other dragonflies avoid.