RXwildlife Sightings

On the evening of the 30th June while going through the days collection of Sympetrum exuviae, a surprise find was one Red-veined Darter. Although in late summer last year there was a large emergence of this species on the reserve, a repeat find of this species was hoped for but not expected. Mainly because this species struggles to overwinter in the larval stage, so fresh immigrants from the continent would be needed this year to continue a breeding population. But, taking into account the date of this years find its possible that overwintering took place, as breeding would have had to have taken place in early April from new arrivals. Given the weather conditions during late March and early April this seems unlikely. Below is a collection of pictures showing some ID features to seperate Red-veined Darter from Common and Ruddy Darter which both breed on the Nature Reserve. Common Darter is used for this example, Ruddy Darter is very similar.

Red-veined Darter very small lateral spines on segments 8 and 9

Lateral spines segments 8 and 9 Common Darter

Red-veined Darter, dorsal spines are replaced with setae (hairs)

Common Darter dorsal spines

Posted in Insects, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve | by Sam Smith