The scarlet dragonfly belongs to the family of large dragonflies (Anisoptera). It was originally found in the warm regions of Southern Europe, Africa, and the Near East. In the 1990s, it was also discovered north of the Alps. In recent years, it has continued to spread northward, presumably due to global warming.
The scarlet dragonfly has a body length of up to 45 mm and a wingspan of up to 66 mm. Fully colored males are fiery red, while females are ochre-colored. The pterostigma (wing mark) is yellowish to brown.