About Diplacodes haematodes (Burmeister, 1839)
Diplacodes haematodes, commonly known as the scarlet percher, is a dragonfly species belonging to the family Libellulidae. Its range covers most of Australia (excluding Tasmania), Timor, New Guinea, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. It is locally common in habitats with hot, sunny, exposed locations at or near rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. This species often prefers to rest on hot rocks instead of twigs or leaves, and is quite wary of disturbance. It is considered a spectacular small dragonfly species, with a total length of 35mm and a wingspan of 60mm. Mature males are a brilliant red, while females are yellow-ochre. Females have yellow infuscation that spreads across their outer wings, while males have the same yellow colouration at the bases of their wings.
