Ruddy vs Black Darters

Female and immature male Ruddy and Black Darters

Both these species have black down the side of the frons and black legs. On the thorax Black Darters have a distinctive black side panel containing three yellow dots compared with the plain sides of the Ruddy; On the top of the thorax Black Darters have a dark triangle (illustrated by an inset) while Ruddy Darters have a dark T; along the side of the abdomen Black Darters have more extensive black than do Ruddy; on S8/S9 Black Darter has inverted black Ts while Ruddy has thickish black dashes. Female Black Darters have a prominent vulvar scale under S9 whereas it is less obvious in Ruddy Darter.

Mature male Ruddy and Black Darters

These should not be confused.