Crocothemis Erythraea

Why in News?

Recently, the elusive dragonfly species Crocothemis erythraea, a relic from the Ice Age, was rediscovered in the high-elevation regions of the southern Western Ghats.

• Genus – Crocothemis.
• Common name – Scarlet dragonfly or broad scarlet.
• Family – Libellulidae.
• Size – 35-45 millimetres in length, with a wingspan of approximately 60-75 millimetres.
• Morphology –The adult male scarlet dragonfly has a bright scarlet red, widened abdomen, with small amber patches at the bases of the hindwings.
• The veins on the leading edges of the wings are red.
• Females and immatures are yellow-brown and have a conspicuous pale stripe along the top of the thorax.

• Habitat – It is often found slow-moving freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow rivers.
• Distribution – It is widely distributed across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia.
• Recent Rediscovery Location – Southern Western Ghats after decades of misidentification as Crocothemis servilia.
• It is also recorded in high ranges of Munnar, Wagamon, Rajakumari, Pampadum Shola, and Parambikulam.
• Diet – They are active hunters, preying on various small insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and other small arthropods. They catch their prey mid-air using their legs.
• Reproduction – Females lay their eggs by dipping the tip of their abdomen into the water while hovering above the surface.
• The eggs hatch into aquatic larvae (nymphs), which live in the water for several months to a few years before emerging as adults
• Conservation Status – Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

References

1. The Hindu| Ice Age’s winged relic.
2. Scarlet dragonfly| Crocothemis erythrea.