29-8-2023 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, ALBUFERA - BROAD SCARLET DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

Small to medium sized

Length up to 44mm; Wingspan attains 71mm.

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.