14-7-2023 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - BROAD SCARLET DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

These dragonflies are easily regognised due to their flattened and very broad abdomens. The adult male is bright red with small amber patches at the bases of the hindwings. 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.

Most similar to Crocothemis sanguinolenta, the Little Scarlet. The Broad Scarlet is readily differentiated by its larger size, broader abdomen, and longer, yellow pterostigmas. The two also occupy somewhat different habitats with Crocothemis sanguinolenta preferring habitats with running water and rocks.