Ruddy darter  (Sympetrum sanguineum)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

The UK range of the ruddy darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and Eastern England. Worldwide, the species is found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to North Africa.

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

Ruddy darters seem to prefer water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and are known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals and ditches. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water.

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