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Ruddy Darter

Sympetrum sanguineum

The Ruddy Darter is a bright red dragonfly that loves to fly around ponds and lakes. They are fast and can often be seen darting through the air on sunny days.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Ruddy Darter has a vibrant, deep red body in males, while females are yellowish-brown. They feature clear wings with red veins in males and a distinctive, club-shaped abdomen, setting them apart from other darters.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyLibellulidaeGenusSympetrum
Ruddy Darter
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Ruddy Darter

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A Ruddy Darter can catch over a hundred mosquitoes in just one hour!

Baby darters are fierce underwater hunters, even eating small fish!

Their huge eyes have tens of thousands of lenses, giving them incredible vision!

They can fly backwards and even upside down with ease!

Special abilities

Ability

Super Sight

Ruddy Darter has nearly 360-degree vision with its enormous compound eyes that helps them spot tiny prey and predators.

Ability

Aerial Acrobatics

Ruddy Darter can hover, fly backward, and change direction instantly because of its independently moving wings.

Ability

Nymph's Snapping Jaw

Ruddy Darter nymphs have a hinged, extendable lower lip (labium) that helps them snatch aquatic prey in a flash.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
50-60 mm
Size
35-45 mm
Lifespan
30-60 days
Flight Speed
25 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults feast on flying insects, while the young hunt in water.

Age differences: Nymphs hunt aquatic insects and larvae underwater, while adults catch flying insects in the air.

Primary Foods

  • Midges
  • Mosquitoes
  • Flies
  • Mayflies
  • Tadpoles
  • Small fish

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Plumed Midge

Chironomus plumosus

as a key food source for adults

hunts

Common House Mosquito

Culex pipiens

reducing mosquito populations

eaten by

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

as prey by ducks near water

eaten by

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

nymphs fall prey to fish

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Dragonflies are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ruddy Darter's wingspan?

50-60 mm

How big is Ruddy Darter?

35-45 mm

How long does Ruddy Darter live?

30-60 days

How fast can Ruddy Darter fly?

25 km/h

What does Ruddy Darter eat?

Adults feast on flying insects, while the young hunt in water.

Where is Ruddy Darter usually found?

Wetlands

How does Ruddy Darter hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does Ruddy Darter have?

6

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