Broad scarlet

Introduction: Broad Scarlets (Crocothemis erythraea) inhabit almost any freshwater body. The largest rivers with backwaters are also used as are temporary waters. Their usual micro-habitat is rushes, where they generally colonize the local waters in great numbers.

Distribution: Widespread and common throughout the country.

Colouration: Dark red abdomen, reddish-brown thorax. Yellowish to orange pterostigma. Erythraea is Greek for red.

Breeding: Emergence to eggs is less than 90 days.

Flight season: The rainy season.

Max size: 40mm.

Conservation: Not threatened.