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Wednesday, 19 August 2020

19-8-2020 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - BROAD SCARLET DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

19-8-2020 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - BROAD SCARLET DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)


The scarlet dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea) is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Its common names include broad scarlet, common scarlet-darter, and scarlet darter.

The scarlet dragonfly is a common species in southern Europe and throughout Africa. It also occurs across western Asia as far as southern China. It is a very rare vagrant in Britain. Its first record in the country was at Hayle Kimbro Pool, The Lizard, Cornwall, on 7 August 1995. Since then there have been a few further records at scattered locations throughout Britain.


A wide range of both running and standing waters, except those that are shaded. Adults may be found some distance from water in habitats ranging from desert to open woodland; absent from dense forest.

Crocothemis erythraea can reach a length of 33–44 millimetres (1.3–1.7 in). These dragonflies haves a flattened and rather broad abdomen. The adult male scarlet dragonfly has a bright scarlet red, widened abdomen, with small amber patches at the bases of the hindwings. Also 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.


The Broad Scarlet (Crocothemis erythraea), also known as the Scarlet Darter, is a distinctive dragonfly known for the male's vibrant scarlet-red, flattened, and broad abdomen. Found near still or slow-flowing water, these 33-44 mm insects are aggressive predators of flying insects like mosquitoes. They are easily identified by amber patches at the base of their wings and, in males, red vein edges. 

Key Facts about the Broad Scarlet:

Appearance & Sexual Dimorphism: Males are unmistakable, featuring a brilliant scarlet red body, red head, red legs, and amber spots at the base of the hindwings. Females and immatures are yellow-brown with a distinct pale, yellowish stripe along the top of the thorax and a thin black line on the abdomen.

Body Structure: They possess a notably flattened and broad abdomen, which is a key identification feature. They are medium-sized, with a body length of 33-44 mm and a wingspan that can reach up to 71 mm.

19-8-2020 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

19-8-2020 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (MALE) (Carduelis carduelis)

Sunday, 16 August 2020

16-8-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - BROAD SCARLET DRAGONFLY (Crocothemis erythraea)

16-8-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - EPAULET SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Orthetrum chrysostigma)

16-8-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)

16-8-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - EPAULET SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Orthetrum chrysostigma)

16-8-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - COPPER DEMOISELLE DAMSELFLY (MALE) (Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis)

16-8-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster)

16-8-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - WOODCHAT SHRIKE (JUVENILE)

15-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED SULPHUR MOTH (Acontia trabealis)