Red is a great colour! I like red. It is one of those bright, happy colours. A splash here and there can brighten up a lot of things, including brightening up your day!
Red is a strong colour and it can mean many different things. A red heart to symbolise love. A red flag to denote impending battle. Red is anger! Red is hot! Red is inspiring!
Red also represent fire and fortune, good luck, prosperity and joy. Red is associated with strong emotions - energy, courage, passion, aggression, life! I am sure you can think of many more... red skies, red sun, red roses.
And, of course, red dragonflies!
It is no wonder then that seeing red dragonflies gives me a sense of happiness! Bright specks of red dotting the green fields and blue skies. Nature gives us a million happy moments to savour each day!
The Rhodothemis rufa of the family Libellulidae is yet another red dragonfly that is commonly found in Langkawi. It is, in fact, widespread in tropical Asia.
Although I had thought it to be the Crocothemis servilia, I took photos anyway. It was only later when I studied the photos closely that I realised it was a different species. It was a lucky shot. Lucky me! The Rhodothemis rufa is distinguished from the red Orthetrum and the Crocothemis servilia by details in their wing venations. Yes, they look very much alike for three different species.
Rhodothemis rufa
Crocothemis servilia
The wing venations of the dragonflies are like thumbprints for us humans. The Orthetrum spp has complete antenodal crossvein on its forewings and the Crocothemis servilia has three cell rows throughout the cubital field of its forewings. The Rhodothemis rufa has two cell rows at some point along the cubital field and incomplete antenodal crossvein. Although there are a few other details that might differ here and there, the wing venation is the main feature for identification and differentiation of these species.
Red means celebration too. So, here's to another red dragonfly!
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