One of the two very common red-bodied (♂) Sympetrum species resident in the UK, the other being the Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum). They are apt to cause confusion for some, the diagnostic distinguishing feature being the legs: plain black for S. sanguineum, striped in S. striolatum. There are other features but the legs clinch it.
[I have a couple of comparison charts that should help with Darter identification.]
ID Notes
- all black legs
- mature ♂ – blood-red clubbed abdomen
- mature ♂ – reddish frons
- ♀ – yellow abdomen
- small yellow patches at hind-wing base
| male | ||
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| female | ||
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| in tandem | ||
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| in cop | |
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