Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Scarlet dragonfly

Scarlet dragonfly

Crocothemis erythraea

A species of Scarlet skimmers, Also known as Scarlet darter

Crocothemis erythraea can reach a length of 3.5 - 4.5 cm. These dragonflies haves a flattened and rather broad abdomen. The adult male scarlet dragonfly has a bright scarlet red, widened abdomen, with small amber patches at the bases of the hindwings. Also the veins on the leading edges of the wings are red. Females and immatures are yellow-brown and have a conspicuous pale stripe along the top of the thorax.

General Info About Scarlet dragonfly
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Scarlet dragonfly
Colors
Brown
Red
Habitat
forest; savanna; shrubland; wetland; artificial/aquatic area
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, butterflies, moths, smaller dragonflies
Larva Food Source
Aquatic insect larvae, tadpoles, small fish, aquatic worms, crustaceans
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Scarlet dragonfly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Scarlet dragonfly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Scarlet dragonfly
It is a common species in southern Europe and throughout Africa. It also occurs across western Asia as far as southern China.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Scarlet dragonfly
Southern Europe, throughout Africa, western Asia as far as southern China
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Scarlet dragonfly
Egg The egg of scarlet dragonfly is typically laid in water or on vegetation near water. During this stage, the embryo inside the egg undergoes development and prepares to hatch into the next stage.
Naiad After hatching, the naiad of scarlet dragonfly looks like a smaller version of the adult but without wings. The naiad moults several times as it grows, developing external wing buds that enlarge with each stage.
Adult Emerging from the last moult, the adult scarlet dragonfly possesses fully formed wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is elongated with a distinctively hardened exoskeleton, and the adult focuses on mating and laying eggs.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Scarlet dragonfly
3.5 - 4.5 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Scarlet dragonfly Larvae
Aquatic beetles, water bugs, fish, tadpoles, other dragonfly nymphs
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Scarlet dragonfly
Birds, frogs, spiders, larger dragonflies, wasps
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Scarlet dragonfly
Scarlet dragonfly can accelerate rapidly, reaching speeds that rival the fastest of terrestrial animals relative to their body length.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Scarlet dragonfly
Tips for Finding Scarlet dragonfly
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Scarlet dragonfly
Freshwater Habitats
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Scarlet dragonfly
Freshwater Habitats, Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Savannas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Scarlet dragonfly
People generally do not use traps or specific foods to attract scarlet dragonfly as they are predatory insects that hunt live prey such as mosquitoes, flies, and other small insects. Instead, finding scarlet dragonfly typically requires seeking out their natural habitats.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Scarlet dragonfly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of scarlet dragonfly are typically laid in still or slow-moving waters, such as ponds, lakes, or calm streams. naiads, known as naiads, inhabit the benthic regions of these water bodies among aquatic plants, detritus, or submerged logs. On reaching maturity, they climb onto adjacent vegetation to undergo metamorphosis into adults. Adult scarlet dragonfly favor open areas with abundant sunlight and can often be found near the edges of water bodies from where they emerged, as well as in agricultural fields and gardens. When searching for the various stages, one should explore aquatic environments for eggs and naiads, while open, sunny areas near water are best for observing adults.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Scarlet dragonfly
The most suitable time to find scarlet dragonfly is during the daytime, especially from late morning to early afternoon, when the sun is shining and temperatures are warmer. This is when scarlet dragonfly are most active and visible while flying or perching in sunny spots.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Scarlet dragonfly
Warm, sunny, and windless weather conditions are ideal for finding scarlet dragonfly. Scarlet dragonfly are less likely to be active during cold, rainy, or overly windy conditions. Therefore, calm and sunny days are best for observing scarlet dragonfly.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Scarlet dragonfly at Different Life Stages
Egg Scarlet dragonfly eggs are usually laid on or near water bodies. To find them, carefully inspect aquatic plants, the surface of still or slow-moving water, and muddy or sandy banks where scarlet dragonfly might deposit their eggs.
Naiad Scarlet dragonfly naiads are aquatic and can be found in ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams. Look for them by gently sifting through water vegetation or examining the substrate in shallow water areas.
Adult Scarlet dragonfly emergence occurs near water bodies. This is when the naiad transitions to an adult. To observe this stage, search around the edges of water bodies in the morning for scarlet dragonfly that have recently emerged and are drying their wings.
Scarlet dragonfly adults are commonly seen flying around water bodies or perching on vegetation, especially on sunny days. Look for scarlet dragonfly along the banks of rivers, lakes, and wetlands. You can spot them resting on reeds, stones, or other objects near water.
Are Scarlet dragonfly harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of Scarlet dragonfly
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Small Insects
Scarlet dragonfly is an aerial predator known for its hunting skill. During its naiad stage, it ambushes prey in water, while adults capture their food on the wing. The primary goal is to feed itself, although naiad predation also decreases future competition for adult feeding. Scarlet dragonfly's hunting prowess helps regulate pest populations, providing ecological balance.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow