Scarlet Skimmer Crocothemis servilia

Photo of Scarlet Skimmer (Crocothemis servilia)

(c) Fathurrahman Sidiq, some rights reserved (CC BY)

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

This stunning scarlet dragonfly has become a global traveler, spreading from its native Asian home to establish thriving populations in Florida, Hawaii, and Jamaica. The bright red coloring isn't just eye-catchingβ€”it's a powerful signal of health and dominance.

Scientists are still studying whether it will compete with native species or coexist peacefully. Success as an invasive species often comes with ecological costs, but this skimmer's full impact remains uncertain. Its rapid spread across continents shows how resilient some species are in our warming world.

Think you can identify this one in the wild?

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