What is the scientific name of the Scarlet Darter?

The scientific name of the Scarlet Darter is Crocothemis erythraea, and it is also commonly known as the Broad Scarlet. It is a medium-sized dragonfly belonging to the Libellulidae family.

What does a male Scarlet Darter look like?

Adult male Scarlet Darters are easily identified by their brilliant, bright red bodies and reddish veins on their transparent wings. They also have striking red eyes and a very broad, flattened abdomen that distinguishes them from similar red-colored species.

Where does the Scarlet Darter live?

The Scarlet Darter is widely distributed across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. It favors warm climates and typically inhabits areas near still or slow-moving water, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes, often resting on the bare ground nearby.

When does the Scarlet Darter fly?

In its European range, the Scarlet Darter generally flies from May through to October, being most active during the peak heat of summer. Because it favors warm weather, it can often be seen flying very late into the autumn months in warmer climates.

How does Scarlet Darter compare to competitors?

Lunoo provides objective, AI-powered comparisons. Use the comparison tool to see Scarlet Darter side-by-side with any alternative.

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Scarlet Darter

8.34

Great

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description Scarlet Darter Overview

The Scarlet Darter (Crocothemis erythraea), also known as the Broad Scarlet, is a species of dragonfly belonging to the family Libellulidae. It is found across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, typically inhabiting areas near still or slow-moving water such as ponds and marshes. The species is strongly dimorphic; mature males develop a striking, uniform scarlet-red coloration across their bodies, while females and immature males display a paler yellowish-brown hue. They are relatively large dragonflies with a flattened abdomen and broad hindwings.

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How good is Scarlet Darter?

Scarlet Darter scores 8.34/10 (Great) on Lunoo, making it a well-rated option in the Dragonfly category. Brilliant scarlet males, broad distribution, conspicuous behavior, and abundant photographic coverage support a strong international reputation.

What are the best alternatives to Scarlet Darter?

See our alternatives page for Scarlet Darter for a ranked list with scores. Top alternatives include: Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum), Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum), Carolina Saddlebags (Tramea carolina).

How does Scarlet Darter compare to Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum)?

See our detailed comparison of Scarlet Darter vs Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) with scores, features, and an AI-powered verdict.

Is Scarlet Darter worth it in 2026?

With a score of 8.34/10, Scarlet Darter is highly rated in Dragonfly. See all Dragonfly ranked.

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