Meenakshi Mallik
Ruddy Darter Dragonflies mating (Sympetrum sanguineum)
This photograph was taken at Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) is a European species of dragonfly of the family Libellulidae. The Ruddy Darter can be found between the months of July and November.
The Ruddy Darter attains a wingspan of up to 6 cm. The head, thorax and abdomen of the male are vivid red, while the female is slightly smaller, and is a golden-yellow colour with black markings. The abdomen widens for the final third of its length and shows a marked pinched section where it joins the thorax. The all-black legs of the Ruddy Darter distinguish it from the otherwise very similar Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) and Vagrant Darter (Sympetrum vulgatum), both of which show yellow stripes on their legs.
During mating the male dragonfly grasps the female's head to pull her into the wheel position in order to copulate. Once mated, these dragonflies will remain in tandem. This prevents other males from mating with the female and provides her with some protection against predation and drowning. Mating takes place on the wing, with the coupled pair performing a dipping flight over the water. The female jettisons her fertilised eggs at the water surface by alternating movements of the abdomen.
Ruddy Darter Dragonflies mating (Sympetrum sanguineum)
This photograph was taken at Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) is a European species of dragonfly of the family Libellulidae. The Ruddy Darter can be found between the months of July and November.
The Ruddy Darter attains a wingspan of up to 6 cm. The head, thorax and abdomen of the male are vivid red, while the female is slightly smaller, and is a golden-yellow colour with black markings. The abdomen widens for the final third of its length and shows a marked pinched section where it joins the thorax. The all-black legs of the Ruddy Darter distinguish it from the otherwise very similar Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) and Vagrant Darter (Sympetrum vulgatum), both of which show yellow stripes on their legs.
During mating the male dragonfly grasps the female's head to pull her into the wheel position in order to copulate. Once mated, these dragonflies will remain in tandem. This prevents other males from mating with the female and provides her with some protection against predation and drowning. Mating takes place on the wing, with the coupled pair performing a dipping flight over the water. The female jettisons her fertilised eggs at the water surface by alternating movements of the abdomen.