Ruddy Darter has been expanding its range northwards in the UK in recent years but is still pretty much restricted to the southern half of England and eastern Wales. It is common throughout most of continental Europe except the Iberian peninsula.
Males are relatively easy to identify. The combination of pillar-box red, waisted abdomen and all black legs separates them from all other British species.
Females are harder to identify, but the all black legs and lack of a prominent vulvar scale that bridges the underside of the joint between abdominal segments 8 and 9 differentiate it from the similar female Common Darter.
On hot days, dragonflies prevent themselves from overheating when at rest by pointing their abdomens towards the sun. This tail-up posture reduces the surface area of the insect's body that is directly absorbing the sun's heat and also increases the chance of being exposed to cooling breezes or draughts.
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