Scarlet Dragonfly (Broad Scarlet or Scarlet Darter) Crocothemis erythraea
Suborder: Anisoptera
Family: Libellulidae
This large, red darter is a very rare migrant from southern Europe to Sussex with just one record (in 2019) up to 2020.
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immature female Photo: David Sadler
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female Photo: David Sadler
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male Photo: David Sadler
National status
A rare migrant that was first recorded in 1995. Records have come from the coasts of both southern England and East Anglia, and from the Solway Firth.
Status in Sussex
There is just one documented record of this dragonfly in Sussex: a male was photographed by Alan Kitson and Miou Helps at Pannel Valley, Icklesham on 21 July 2019.
Habitat
Found near shallow, still waters such as small pools and drainage channels.
Similar species
See Common Darter for a discussion of identification features of possible confusion darter species (and a photographic comparison). The large size, broad abdomen and bright red coloration should make this a relatively easy species to identify.
This large, red darter is a very rare migrant from southern Europe to Sussex with just one record (in 2019) up to 2020.
1 / 3
immature female Photo: David Sadler
2 / 3
female Photo: David Sadler
3 / 3
male Photo: David Sadler
National status
A rare migrant that was first recorded in 1995. Records have come from the coasts of both southern England and East Anglia, and from the Solway Firth.
Status in Sussex
There is just one documented record of this dragonfly in Sussex: a male was photographed by Alan Kitson and Miou Helps at Pannel Valley, Icklesham on 21 July 2019.
Habitat
Found near shallow, still waters such as small pools and drainage channels.
Similar species
See Common Darter for a discussion of identification features of possible confusion darter species (and a photographic comparison). The large size, broad abdomen and bright red coloration should make this a relatively easy species to identify.
