Oriental scarlet

Crocothemis servilia

A medium-sized dragonfly with a body length of 36-45 mm and a hindwing length of 23-33 mm, characterised by purplish-red eyes, a bright scarlet red thorax (olivaceous-brown in females), and a thin black line along the mid-dorsal abdomen. Also called the “ruddy marsh skimmer,” this dragonfly lives near ponds, lakes, canals, ditches, marshes, and open swamps. This species flies June through August, has nomadic habits, and spends much of its time perched on the water’s edge.

Photographs

male