# Scarlet Skimmer

> Scarlet Skimmer (Crocothemis servilia). Scarlet skimmers are native to East and Southeast Asia with introductions elsewhere; red males do not represent every age or sex.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/crocothemis-servilia/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/crocothemis-servilia/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Scarlet Skimmer (*Crocothemis servilia*) is an invertebrate in the family Libellulidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Nusa Tenggara, Yogyakarta, Central Java. Diet: insect predator (both adults and aquatic nymphs are predators); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Crocothemis servilia* |
| Indonesian name | Capung-Sambar Garis-Hitam |
| Group | Invertebrates |
| Family | Libellulidae |
| Observation records | West Nusa Tenggara, Yogyakarta, Central Java |
| Taxonomic group | Odonata |
| GBIF records | 817 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/1427734) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insect predator (both adults and aquatic nymphs are predators) · [Australian Museum](https://australian.museum/learn/animals/insects/dragonflies-and-damselflies-order-odonata/) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Australian Museum](https://australian.museum/learn/animals/insects/dragonflies-and-damselflies-order-odonata/) |
| Venom or poison | Not venomous · [British Dragonfly Society: Frequently Asked Questions (Do Dragonflies Bite or Sting?)](https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/odonata/frequently-asked-questions/) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [Crocothemis servilia (Drury, 1773), Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board Singapore](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/fauna/5/6/5611) |

## What is the Scarlet Skimmer?

Scarlet Skimmer refers to Crocothemis servilia, in the genus Crocothemis, family Libellulidae, and order Odonata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/1427734)

## What is known about the Scarlet Skimmer?

Scarlet skimmers are native to East and Southeast Asia with introductions elsewhere; red males do not represent every age or sex.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crocothemis%20servilia)

## How many Indonesian records name the Scarlet Skimmer?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 817 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=1427734&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include West Nusa Tenggara, Yogyakarta, Central Java. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=1427734&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Scarlet Skimmer?

Record body or wing pattern, age and sex differences, and the plant or water body where the animal was seen. Leave nests and immature stages intact; one image may not support a certain identification. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Scarlet Skimmer with Slender Skimmer, Straight-edge Red Parasol, Red Percher. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Scarlet Skimmer

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae |
| Genus | *Crocothemis* |
| Species | *Crocothemis servilia* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Scarlet Skimmer

### What is the scientific name of the Scarlet Skimmer?

The scientific name of the Scarlet Skimmer is *Crocothemis servilia*, in the family Libellulidae and the order Odonata. In Indonesian it is called Capung-Sambar Garis-Hitam.

### What kind of animal is the Scarlet Skimmer?

The Scarlet Skimmer is an invertebrate in the family Libellulidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insect predator (both adults and aquatic nymphs are predators).

### Where does the Scarlet Skimmer live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Scarlet Skimmer summarised in this guide mainly come from West Nusa Tenggara, Yogyakarta, Central Java. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Scarlet Skimmer eat?

The Scarlet Skimmer is a insect predator (both adults and aquatic nymphs are predators). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [Australian Museum](https://australian.museum/learn/animals/insects/dragonflies-and-damselflies-order-odonata/).

### How does the Scarlet Skimmer reproduce?

The Scarlet Skimmer reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Australian Museum](https://australian.museum/learn/animals/insects/dragonflies-and-damselflies-order-odonata/).

### Is the Scarlet Skimmer venomous?

No. The Scarlet Skimmer is not venomous. Dragonflies do not sting; the tip of the abdomen is an egg-laying tube, not a stinger. Source: [British Dragonfly Society: Frequently Asked Questions (Do Dragonflies Bite or Sting?)](https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/odonata/frequently-asked-questions/).

Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.

### Is the Scarlet Skimmer nocturnal?

The cited source records the Scarlet Skimmer as diurnal (active by day). Source: [Crocothemis servilia (Drury, 1773), Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board Singapore](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/fauna/5/6/5611).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Scarlet Skimmer?

Scientific classification of the Scarlet Skimmer: kingdom Animalia, phylum Arthropoda, class Insecta, order Odonata, family Libellulidae, genus *Crocothemis*, species *Crocothemis servilia*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Scarlet Skimmer endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Scarlet Skimmer is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/1427734), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Scarlet Skimmer is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/1427734)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=1427734&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/52055)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crocothemis%20servilia)
5. [Australian Museum](https://australian.museum/learn/animals/insects/dragonflies-and-damselflies-order-odonata/)
6. [Crocothemis servilia (Drury, 1773), Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board Singapore](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/fauna/5/6/5611)
7. [British Dragonfly Society: Frequently Asked Questions (Do Dragonflies Bite or Sting?)](https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/odonata/frequently-asked-questions/)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Slender Skimmer](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/orthetrum-sabina/)
- [Straight-edge Red Parasol](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/neurothemis-terminata/)
- [Red Percher](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/neurothemis-ramburii/)
- [Chalky Percher](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/diplacodes-trivialis/)
- [Wallace's golden birdwing](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/wallaces-golden-birdwing/)
- [Yellow fever mosquito](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/yellow-fever-mosquito/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Scarlet Skimmer. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/crocothemis-servilia/