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There is 1 genus (Crocothemis) and 2 regularly seen species, 1 rarely seen and 1 possible species in the southern African region.

General appearance:

  • C. erythraea (Broad Scarlet) is Africa’s most widespread Odonata, found at any open habitat and is rapidly expanding in Europe.
  • Crocothemis (Scarlets) species have limited black markings (notably absent on legs). Mature males are often largely red.
  • When reproductively inactive they may spend long periods away from water and become duller, e.g. orange, brown or greyish.

Species identification information:

  • C. erythraea perches mainly on vegetation.
  • C. sanguinolenta (Little Scarlet) likes to perch flat on vertical surfaces such as rocks, walls and exposed buttresses.
  • C. sanguinolenta favours running water over standing water.
  • C. sanguinolenta has small black dashes on the lateral sides of the abdomen. Pterostigmas generally coloured similarly to abdomen, i.e. red with maturity.
  • C. divisa (Rock Scarlet) and C. saxicolor (Granite Scarlet). Limited records of C. divisa in South Africa. C. saxicolor being found in the northern region of South Africa is possible.

Click on all images to enlarge.
A click on the species name will link to the main species description article and image gallery.

119 519 Broad scarlet male I5A7385Male
Broad Scarlet, (Breë Blossie)
Crocothemis erythraea100 780 Crocothemis erythraea Broad Scarlet Teneral Female Kromdraai GP RSA Nov 2016r 4Teneral Female
Broad Scarlet, (Breë Blossie) 
Crocothemis erythraea

















 

 

100 1162 Crocothemis sanguinolenta Little Scarlet Male Mooinooi NWP RSA Jan 2016r 2Male,
Little Scarlet, (Klein Blossie)
Crocothemis sanguinolenta, 100 1169 Crocothemis sanguinolenta Little Scarlet Mooinooi Teneral Female NWP RSA Dec 2015r 2Teneral Female,
Little Scarlet, (Klein Blossie)
Crocothemis sanguinolenta,