Scarce Chaser vs Scarlet Skimmer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Scarce Chaser Scarlet Skimmer
Scientific Name Libellula fulva Crocothemis erythraea
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Libellulidae
Size 55-60 mm wingspan 52-60 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Europe Europe, Africa, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Scarce Chaser

A medium-sized dragonfly where mature males develop a powdery blue abdomen. It is associated with clean, slow-flowing rivers with abundant marginal vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name, the scarce chaser has become increasingly common in parts of Europe as water quality in rivers has improved.

Scarlet Skimmer

A medium-sized dragonfly where males are entirely vivid scarlet red, including the veins of the wings. It is one of the most recognizable dragonflies in the Old World.

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Did You Know?

The scarlet skimmer has been expanding rapidly into northern Europe, establishing breeding populations in countries where it was previously unknown.