Ruddy Darter

Specialises in well vegetated ponds, lakes, canals etc.

Frequently in woodlands.

Will tolerate acidic waters.

Most common in south-east England and central Ireland but increasing its range.

May be confused with other Darter species, the most common other species being the Common Darter.

Ruddy Darter can be distinguished by:

• Black legs
• Black line marking extends part way down the side on the frons (face).
• Male: blood-red coloration and club-shaped abdomen.

• Length: 34-36mm
• Black legs.
• Black “T” shaped marking on the back of the thorax.
• Male: blood-red, club-shaped abdomen.
• Female: abdomen ochre-yellow with black markings; not club-shaped.
• Immature adults: Similar coloration to females. 

Darters have a squat, spider-like body-shape and a head that tapers back to the thorax.

15-17mm.

Very similar to Common Darter but has shorter lateral abdominal spines on segment 9 (S9 lateral spines slightly shorter than the length of S9).