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Darter I.D Req, Northants (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter string boozel
- Start date
Andy Adcock
Worst person on Birdforum
I'd say Ruddy on the body shape and red patch at the base of the hindwing..
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StuartReeves
Local rarity
The red veining in the wings and the yellowish pterostigmata with a dark border make me think these are Red-veined Darter. It's also pretty early for Common/Ruddy to be on the wing in the UK.
Both Common + Ruddy Darters are on the wing now- certainly down south, with the latter probably more numerous. I believe Andy is correct. Not the best of photos but they do show the all black legs typical of Ruddy (RVD would show some yellow as well as blue underside to the eyes). The pterostigma look different to those of RVD which are pale with strong dark borders.
Andy Adcock
Worst person on Birdforum
Have Red-veined reached Northants?
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string boozel
Well-known member
Thanks to everyone for your input. Both of the regular species of darter are beginning to appear in numbers in Northants particularly Ruddies. I put this series of images on the Northants Dragonflies Facebook page at the same time as I did here and Mark was also of the opinion that they were Ruddy Darters. Red-veined has been recorded in the past in Northants but is a rare vagrant. Thanks again,
James.
James.
Certainly a good year to look for them as it's turning out to be a good year for RVD. At least 5 sites in the London recording area have now recorded them with Round Pond in central London producing up to c15 individuals.
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