Broad Scarlet
Crocothemis erythraea
A flash of brilliant crimson against the summer sky, the Broad Scarlet is the crown jewel of the garden pond. This bold, sun-loving dragonfly is as much a fierce aerial hunter as it is a stunning backyard visitor.
Quick Identification
Size
Body length of 33-45 mm (1.3-1.8 inches); wingspan of 65-70 mm (2.5-2.8 inches)
Colors
Mature males are a brilliant, uniform scarlet red from head to tail, including red wing veins; females and immature males are a sandy yellowish-brown with a distinct pale stripe on the thorax.
Key Features
- Extremely broad and flattened abdomen
- Vivid red eyes and face in mature males
- Large amber-colored patch at the base of the hindwings
- Absence of black markings on the legs
When You’ll See Them
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Behavior
The Broad Scarlet is a highly territorial dragonfly known for its aggressive patrolling of pond margins. Unlike many other species that prefer to perch on tall reeds, the Broad Scarlet often settles on bare ground, flat rocks, or low-lying vegetation to soak up the sun's heat. When a rival male enters its territory, it will engage in rapid, darting aerial dogfights to defend its claim.
These dragonflies are sit-and-wait predators. They spend a significant portion of their day perched motionless on a favorite 'launching pad,' scanning the air for small insects. Once prey is spotted, they take off in a blur of red, snatching their meal mid-air with their legs before returning to the same spot to consume it. They are relatively bold and will often allow a careful human observer to get within a few feet.
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Camera Tips
To capture the Broad Scarlet on a backyard or trail camera, focus on their preferred 'perching posts.' These dragonflies are creatures of habit and will return to the same sun-warmed stone or horizontal twig dozens of times a day. Position your camera about 12 to 18 inches away from a prominent stick or rock near the water's edge. Because they are small, using a camera with a macro lens or a close-focusing filter is essential to get the detail of their intricate wing veins and compound eyes.
Lighting is your best friend with this species. They are most active in direct, bright sunlight. Angle your camera so the sun is behind you or to the side; this will make the male's scarlet body appear to glow against the background. If your camera allows for high-speed triggering, set it to the fastest possible mode, as their takeoff and landing are incredibly quick. Avoid placing the camera where tall grass might blow in the wind and trigger the sensor unnecessarily.
On particularly hot days, look for the 'obelisk' posture—where the dragonfly points its abdomen straight up toward the sun to minimize surface area and stay cool. This makes for a striking and unique photograph. If you are using a trigger-based AI camera, try placing a flat, dark grey rock in a sunny spot near your pond; the heat-absorbing property of the stone is an irresistible lure for a Broad Scarlet looking to regulate its body temperature.
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Broad Scarlet.
Common Darter
Has a slimmer abdomen and black stripes on its legs, which are absent on the Broad Scarlet.
Red-veined Darter
Distinguished by blue on the lower half of the eyes and more prominent black markings on the abdomen tip.
Southern Skimmer
Males are blue rather than red, though females can look similar; the Skimmer lacks the broad, flat tail shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
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