The first records of Trithemis annulata (Palisot de Beauvois, 1807) (Odonata: Libellulidae) in Croatia

In August 2022 the first individuals of the dragonfly species Violet dropwing, Trithemis annulata (Palisot de Beauvois, 1807), were observed in Croatia, at three localities in southern Dalmatia. Two males were observed at the Peračko Blato lake, while both males and females were recorded at two localities at the Baćinska Lakes. At the Baćinska Lakes, more than 10 individuals were observed indicating a possible established population. The nearest known reproducing population is located about 160 km to the south, in Montenegro. Due to the species expansion in Europe, and recent records as north as Slovenia, additional records and established populations are to be expected in Croatia. As the species is now known from Croatia, we propose a vernacular name for this species, “ljubičasta skitnica” meaning purple tramp, referring to its coloration, wandering behavior and dispersal potential.