Neurothemis taiwanensis
This dragonfly was recognized as its own species only in 2016, when researchers separated it from a widespread reddish brown winged group using detailed wing and genital comparisons.
| Where | Lowland ponds and marshes of Taiwan |
|---|---|
| Size | 34 to 42 mm body length |
| When | April to November |
Mature males are deep red from head to tail, with wings that are red veined and reddish brown at the base but clear at the tips. Females and young males show duller yellowish brown tones with thicker black stripes down the abdomen.
It breeds in still or slow moving water below about 1500 meters elevation, including ponds, rice paddies, marshes and streams, and was only described as a distinct species in 2016 after being separated from similar reddish winged skimmers found elsewhere in the region.
Traits
Habitat
Wetland
Colour
Red, Black, Brown
Active
Day
To people
Not aggressive towards people; can be watched safely at close range near ponds.
Activity through the year
Often confused with
Wing color extends further toward the tip and varies more in extent, while this species keeps a consistently clear tip beyond a reddish brown inner half of the wing.
Males have mostly clear wings with only a small amber patch at the base, not the broad reddish brown wing base seen in this species.
Questions
Is Neurothemis taiwanensis dangerous to people?
Not aggressive towards people; can be watched safely at close range near ponds.
When can you see Neurothemis taiwanensis?
Neurothemis taiwanensis can be seen from April to November, by day.
Plate retouched from a photo by hosino_nagisa, CC0, iNaturalist Licence
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Dragonflies and damselflies›Skimmers›Neurothemis
Last updated 2026-09-27. Every entry is checked against published sources.