Symp. danae or sanguineum (1 Viewer)

jonafly

Well-known member

• Jul 28, 2005

• #1

I can't figure out which one it is. Can you?

André

 

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Colin

Axeman (Retired)

• Jul 28, 2005

• #2

Andre,
I think this is sanguineum as there is more black on the side of the thorax on danae in a sort of yellow/black/yellow pattern. The black on the top of the thorax would be wider in the latter (danae) so I will plump for sanguineum. However I will bow to the experts opinion when they have had a look.

 

harry eales

Ancient Entomologist

• Jul 28, 2005

• #3

jonafly said:

I can't figure out which one it is. Can you?

André

Click to expand...

Hello Andre,
In my opinion it's an immature female Ruddy Darter S.sanguinium.

S.danae or Black Darter is considerably smaller than most of the other darters but looking at the side thorassic markings give it away immediately.

Harry

 

A

Angus T

Well-known member

• Jul 28, 2005

• #4

harry eales said:

Hello Andre,
In my opinion it's an immature female Ruddy Darter S.sanguinium.

S.danae or Black Darter is considerably smaller than most of the other darters but looking at the side thorassic markings give it away immediately.

Harry

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While I agree with sanguineum, surely the anal appendages in the last picture tell us it's a male, or perhaps you just had that sex on your mind.....

 

harry eales

Ancient Entomologist

• Jul 28, 2005

• #5

Angus T said:

While I agree with sanguineum, surely the anal appendages in the last picture tell us it's a male, or perhaps you just had that sex on your mind.....

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Hello Angus,
I must admit I was going more on the colouring and markings, than the anal appendages. When you get to my age, Sex is something you get Coal or Potatoes delivered in. lol.

Harry

 

P

puffinboy

Active member

• Jul 28, 2005

• #6

The legs have it........!

In a confused penalty box - Harry and Colin are on the ball....!!

Let's be honest - it can be extremely difficult to tell these species apart...

Especially female/immature Common/Ruddy Darter...

Here is a photo I have of (99% sure) a female Common Darter and looking at the thorax/abdomen markings they are VERY similar..!

BUT look at the legs - Brooks/Lewington quotes: (Of the Common Darter) 'At a distance, the species may be confused with the Ruddy Darter. In the latter, however, the legs are all black.'

Also the 'club-shaped' abdomen is diagnostic..

So Sanguineum for me too....

Cheers Tom

(By the way - as a 2005 Dragonfly newbie - these discussions are extremely helpful......)

 

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jonafly

Well-known member

• Jul 29, 2005

• #7

Sanguineum it is.

Thanks

André