What is the Vermilion Forester dragonfly?

The Vermilion Forester is a medium-sized, endemic dragonfly species found only in Sri Lanka. It is characterised by its striking red colouration and distinctive body shape, and was first formally reported from Sinharaja Forest Reserve in the southwestern wet zone.

Where can I find the Vermilion Forester in Sri Lanka?

The species is most reliably observed in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, where it inhabits marshy areas within the lowland rainforest understorey. It has also been recorded at other wet-zone forest sites in southwestern Sri Lanka, though Sinharaja remains the best-documented location.

Is the Vermilion Forester endangered?

The species is considered to be of high conservation concern among Sri Lankan odonatologists, largely because it is a forest-dependent endemic with a restricted range. A formal IUCN Red List assessment has not yet been published, and its biology remains poorly understood, complicating conservation planning.

How do I identify the Vermilion Forester compared to other Sri Lankan dragonflies?

Its vivid vermilion red abdomen, combined with a characteristic body shape and wing venation, makes it one of the easier Sri Lankan dragonflies to identify in the field. No other species in the wet-zone forests closely resembles it in the combination of colour and form.

What habitat does the Vermilion Forester prefer?

Adults are found in marshy interiors of intact lowland rainforest, typically perching on exposed vegetation about one metre above the ground. The species' larval habitat has not yet been formally documented, though slow or standing water within the forest is suspected.

Can I see the Vermilion Forester without a guide?

Entry to Sinharaja Forest Reserve requires a registered guide as a legal condition of access, so independent visits without a guide are not permitted. Local naturalist guides familiar with odonate habitats significantly improve the chances of locating the species.

What is the best time of year to visit Sinharaja to see dragonflies?

The inter-monsoon periods around March to April and October to November tend to offer stable warm and humid conditions that favour dragonfly activity. That said, the wet zone receives rain year-round, and sightings are possible in any month with appropriate preparation.

How recently was the Vermilion Forester discovered?

The species was reported relatively recently in the scientific literature, with first records from Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Despite continuous field observations spanning roughly fifteen years since its initial documentation, much of its biology — including its breeding ecology — remains unknown.

Vermilion Forester — Lakpura®

This brightly coloured, medium-sized dragonfly was recently discovered in Sri Lanka. It was first reported from the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and later observed in other lowland rainforest habitats in the southwestern wet zone.

Identification: The species is easily distinguishable from other Sri Lankan dragonflies due to its unique colour patterns and body shape, making it a distinct member of the region’s dragonfly fauna.

Habitat & Behavior: This dragonfly is typically found in marshy rainforest areas, where adults are seen perched on exposed vegetation about a meter above the ground. However, its exact breeding habitat remains unknown.

Conservation: As an endemic species of high conservation importance, its biology remains largely unknown despite continuous observations over the past fifteen years.