Insects diurnal

Scarlet Skimmer

Crocothemis servilia

A flash of fire in the garden, the Scarlet Skimmer is one of the most vibrant dragonflies you can encounter. Renowned for its bold red hue and expert hunting skills, it is a fascinating visitor for any backyard pond owner.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 1.5–1.8 inches (38–46 mm); Wingspan: 2.5–3.1 inches (65–80 mm)

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Colors

Males are a brilliant, uniform scarlet red with matching red wing veins; females are golden-yellow or sandy brown with a dark stripe on the abdomen.

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Key Features

Vivid scarlet red body and eyes (males)
Amber tint and red veins at the base of the wings
Thin dark mid-dorsal stripe along the top of the abdomen
Classic perching posture on the tips of vegetation

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 10 AM - 4 PM

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Season April-October (Year-round in tropical regions)

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Diet Strictly carnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of small flying insects including mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and occasionally smaller dragonflies or moths.

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Habitat Slow-moving or still water environments, including ponds, marshes, drainage ditches, and backyard water features.

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Behavior

The Scarlet Skimmer is a classic "percher" dragonfly, characterized by its habit of sitting on a prominent twig or garden stake to survey its territory. They are highly territorial insects, with males frequently engaging in high-speed aerial chases to drive away rivals or pursue potential mates. Unlike many more skittish species, the Scarlet Skimmer is relatively bold and will often return to the exact same perch even if briefly disturbed.

These dragonflies are expert hunters that rely on their incredible vision to spot movement. Once prey is identified, they launch into a swift, acrobatic flight to snatch the insect mid-air before returning to their station to consume it. In backyard settings, they are often seen near water features, where they act as an effective natural pest control by keeping small flying insect populations in check.

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Camera Tips

To capture the Scarlet Skimmer on an AI-powered backyard camera, focus on their preferred "launching pads." These dragonflies almost always return to a favorite perch, such as the tip of a bamboo stake, a tall reed, or the edge of a garden ornament near water. Mount your camera on a tripod or stable post about 3 feet from one of these perches. Aim for a side-profile angle to highlight the brilliant red abdomen and the delicate structure of the wing veins, which are key for identification.

Lighting is the most critical factor for showcasing this species' vibrant color. Ensure your camera is positioned so the sun is behind it or at a 45-degree angle to the subject. Direct midday sun, while harsh, actually works well for Scarlet Skimmers as they are most active during the heat of the day. If your camera has adjustable trigger settings, set it to "High Sensitivity" and use the shortest possible trigger delay, as their take-offs and landings are lightning-fast. Using a "zone-focus" feature centered on the end of a perch will ensure the AI captures a sharp image of the insect rather than the background foliage.

If you don't have a natural pond, you can easily create a "studio" for Scarlet Skimmers by placing a birdbath in a sunny spot and sticking a few 4-foot tall vertical sticks into the ground nearby. They prefer perches that offer a clear 360-degree view. Because they are cold-blooded, you might catch them in a unique posture called "obelisking" during the hottest hours—where they point their abdomen straight up toward the sun to minimize surface area and stay cool. This makes for a spectacular and unique photo that many casual observers never see.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Scarlet Skimmer.

Neon Skimmer

The Neon Skimmer is a more solid, 'electric' red without the dark dorsal stripe found on the Scarlet Skimmer.

Roseate Skimmer

The Roseate Skimmer has a distinct pinkish or purplish-lavender tint on the thorax, whereas the Scarlet Skimmer is fiery red throughout.

Flame Skimmer

Flame Skimmers have much larger orange-brown patches covering significantly more of the wing area compared to the Scarlet Skimmer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scarlet Skimmers are most active during the warmest part of the day, typically from mid-morning to late afternoon (10 AM to 4 PM), when the sun is brightest.

You can attract them by providing a source of still water, like a garden pond or birdbath, and installing tall, vertical perches such as garden stakes or tall grasses for them to hunt from.

They are voracious insectivores that primarily eat mosquitoes, gnats, and small flies, which they catch mid-air using their legs like a basket.

Yes, they are very common in suburban landscapes in Florida, Hawaii, and their native Asian range, often appearing near swimming pools, drainage canals, and ornamental ponds.

While both are red, the Scarlet Skimmer has a thin dark line running down the top of its abdomen and red veins at the base of its wings, which the Neon Skimmer generally lacks.

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