[1] The scarlet dragonfly is a common species in southern Europe and throughout Africa.

Its first record in the country was at Hayle Kimbro Pool, The Lizard, Cornwall, on 7 August 1995.

[2] A wide range of both running and standing waters, except those that are shaded.

Adults may be found some distance from water in habitats ranging from desert to open woodland; absent from dense forest.

Females and immatures are yellow-brown and have a conspicuous pale stripe along the top of the thorax.