Lead Scarlets

Five species on continental Africa and one endemic to Madagascar
There is 1 genus (Crocothemis) with 2 regularly seen species, one rarely seen and one possible species in the southern African region.

African species are medium-sized (hindwing 23-33 mm), have limited black markings (notably absent on legs), and mature males are often largely red.
May spend long periods away from water, being re-productively inactive, and are then duller, e.g. orange, brown or greyish
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 re-productively inactive they may spend long periods away from water and become duller, e.g. orange, brown or greyish.

C. erythraea (Broad Scarlet) 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.

Synopsis

Males only are shown To View Females follow the link to the description pages
A click on the species name will link to the main species description article and image gallery.