Dragonfly id (1 Viewer)

Hello All,
This is my first posting in this area of the site. I have attached a couple of photos I took on 27.10.05 along the River Stort in Hertfordshire. I thought i had them id'd but now not too sure. My first efforts with dragonflies and so virtually clueless and happy to be learning all the time. Just bought Field guide by Steve Brooks and illustrated by Richard Lewington. Very useful for a beginner, I thought. Anyhow, any suggestions on these 2. Thought the blue was either common or migrant hawker but now can't see any yellow spots as advised in the book. Is this because it's late in the season or what? Love to learn on this. Red one, common darter?
Thanks for any factual tips regarding these as I am looking forward to next season and thought this would be a good time to read up some basic facts.
Jono

I am a total novice at these things - but I should make a fool of myself and improve.
1. I'm pretty sure is a migrant hawker - that blue blob on the side just behind the wing is distinctive - I know this has a proper name

2 is also a Hawker - I briefly wondered if it might be a Southern, though odds are its another migrant. T

he next two are Darters. I think male Commons.

Right - let's see what the real answers are!

Jane Turner said:

I am a total novice at these things - but I should make a fool of myself and improve.
1. I'm pretty sure is a migrant hawker - that blue blob on the side just behind the wing is distinctive - I know this has a proper name

2 is also a Hawker - I briefly wondered if it might be a Southern, though odds are its another migrant. T

he next two are Darters. I think male Commons.

Right - let's see what the real answers are!

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Hi,
Thanks for the comments. Just to clear it up, 1 and 2 are same dragonfly, as are 3 and 4. Sorry should have made that clear.
Jono

Migrant Hawker (yellow triangle on 2nd segment, and lack of yellow antehumeral stripes [Common]).
Ruddy Darter (all black legs, Common tends to be more orange, also note pinching of waist).

walwyn said:

Migrant Hawker (yellow triangle on 2nd segment, and lack of yellow antehumeral stripes [Common]).
Ruddy Darter (all black legs, Common tends to be more orange, also note pinching of waist).

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Hi Walwyn and Jane,
Thanks for the details. They're most informative and useful.
Jono

That's a Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum). The closeup clearly shows the diagnostic pale stripes along the legs. Also male Ruddy Darter is a much richer, deeper red and the abdomen has a 'waisted' area. There is a pic of a male Ruddy Darter (as well as a female Common) here:
http://thenaturalstone.blogspot.com/2004/08/tanholt-insects.html

I agree with Migrant Hawker.

Just remembered this thread has a good summary of Common/Ruddy Darter differences:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=39267

brianhstone said:

Just remembered this thread has a good summary of Common/Ruddy Darter differences:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=39267

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Hi Brian,
Thanks for the info and the lead to the thread. This will undoubtedly prove useful in the future due to my complete amateurishness re odonata.
Have now relabelled my photos as mig hawker and common darter. This is correct, yes?
Jono