Broad Scarlet

Afrikaans name: Bree Blosie

Above - Broad Scarlet

Photo © Steven Herbert

Crocothemis erythraea

The Broad Scarlet dragonfly is common over much of South Africa. It is also found in most of Africa through to southern Europe and the Middle East.

The male is a beautiful orange-red in colour while the female has an olive-brown colouration. They are around 4 cm in length with a wingspan of 6.5 cm.

They are normally found perched on grass, sedge or rocks near water. The males are territorial.

The Broad Scarlet is mainly seen during December to April but in some places it may be encountered all year round.

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 260

Sasol First Field Guide to Dragonflies of Southern Africa - Author: Warren and Vienessa Goodwin - Published: 0 - Page: 40

A Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of South Africa - Author: Warwick and Michele Tarboton - Published: 2015 - Page: 182

Freshwater Life - Author: C. Griffiths, J. Day & M. Picker - Published: 2015 - Page: 162

Pollinators, Predators and Parasites - Author: C. Scholtz, J. Scholtz, H. De Klerk - Published: 2021 - Page: 328

For more info: Dragonflies and Damselflies

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