The scarlet dragonfly is bright red to attract mates and defend territory. This vivid coloration is exclusive to mature males, signaling sexual readiness.
Additionally, this bright hue acts as a highly reflective mechanism to prevent overheating during daytime. Female and immature scarlet dragonflies, by contrast, are a duller yellow brown. This helps them blend into their surroundings to avoid predators and avoid unwanted attention from hunting males.
The photographs of the scarlet dragonflies were taken recently at a pond in the ‘Three-Country-Corner’ where Switzerland, Germany and France meet.