CLOSED: Female Common Darter?

Lincoln, United Kingdom(Zone 8a)

I am having trouble with a definite ID on this one, I only managed the one shot.

The pic on the British Dragonfly Soc of the female Common Darter is just too good and doesn't look like mine, only showing the head end. There are yellow patches on the side of the thorax, mine could have them as there looks to be some yellowish colour. I can just make out red tabs where the wings join on the top pair.

You will need to click on the 'species' link for pics.

http://www.dragonflysoc.org.uk/frameset.htm?home&home

The only other one I think it could be is the female Ruddy Darter and there is no pic of it on that site. When searching I am seeing too much variaton, and in some instances I do think they have been incorrectly named. I don't wish to further misinformation.

The main differences between the two I read is that one has yellow stripes on the legs, that being on the back edges and vertically, not horizontally, that is impossible to see.

The other main difference I can see is the Common Darter does appear to have a darker tail end section than the Ruddy darter. Mine has a darker end section, so I am leaning toward the female Common Darter. It's the pictures I am seeing that make me hesitate.

If anyone has better pics and information please help me out on this.

Thumbnail by wallaby1
Lincoln, United Kingdom(Zone 8a)

I have found another site with better pics, and comparing the finer details I have come to the conclusion that mine is a Common Darter.

The female has red wing tabs, I can see those on the upper pair on mine.

It does not have a black line down the centre of the tail section, neither does mine. The Ruddy Darter has a black line.

It does have some red marking near the upper tail section, I can see some on mine.

The tail section is continuous in width as opposed to the Ruddy Darter, which is waisted.

The thorax appears to be more hairy on the Common Darter, mine does have a fuzzy appearance.

http://www.brocross.com/dfly/species/striol.htm

http://www.brocross.com/dfly/species/sangui.htm

I am going to close this, if anyone else would like to agree or disagree please feel free.

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