Broad Scarlet Crocothemis erythraea

Photo of Broad Scarlet (Crocothemis erythraea)

(c) Louis Aureglia, some rights reserved (CC BY)

OrderDragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata)
FamilySkimmers (Libellulidae)
GenusScarlet Skimmers (Crocothemis)

Brilliant scarlet coloring isn't mere decoration—it's a badge of health and dominance that becomes more vivid as males mature. These dragonflies get their explosive colors from pigments in their exoskeleton, which they flash during territorial disputes and courtship displays.

A single individual can catch hundreds of insects daily, making them voracious mosquito assassins. Their visibility across habitats makes them a favorite among dragonfly watchers.

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