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Common Name : Oriental Scarlet     -       Scientific Name : Crocothemis servilia servile       -       Other Name : Scarlet Skimmer
Kali Villu
08/31/2013
Kali Villu
08/31/2013
Kali Villu
08/31/2013
Wilpattu
Wilpattu

This is a very common species that is found in water-associated habitats throughout the country from lowlands to mid hills.

The fiery red colour of the male makes him quite noticeable and easy to detect, whereas the olive green female is much harder to detect.

This is an extremely widespread species that is found is Afghanistan, Armenia, Cambodia, china, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordon, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey and Vietnam. It has been accidentally introduced in to Hawaii and Florida in USA.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

Oriental Skimmer is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species at most localities in the lowlands close to weedy tanks, ponds, marshes and paddy fields. It is a common species that can be seen even around the city of Colombo.

In Wilpattu this species can be seen close to most water bodies throughout the park. Kali Villu is a good place to photograph this species.