Ornate Coraltail
About the Ornate Coraltail in Singapore
Last updated 29 May 2026
The Ornate Coraltail (Ceriagrion cerinorubellum), sometimes called the Bi-colored Damsel, is one of the most common and easily recognizable damselflies in Singapore. They are common residents found in urban drains, park ponds, and nature reserves alike.
Identifying features
Check out some identifying features of the Ornate Coraltail!
The Ornate Coraltail features a striking "bi-colored" abdomen, with the first and last few segments being bright orange-red, while the middle section is black. It possesses a distinct bluish-green thorax and eyes that beautifully contrast its red tail. Unlike many odonates, the males and females of this species look incredibly similar.
Interested to learn more about how to identify Dragonflies? Check out our simple guide on identifying Dragonflies!
Habitat and ecology
The Ornate Coraltail is a fierce predator known to attack and eat other damselflies of similar size.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How do I tell the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly?
Dragonflies and damselflies can generally be distinguished by their resting posture and anatomy. Generally, dragonflies hold their wings flat and completely outstretched horizontally, whereas damselflies fold their wings back tightly along their abdomen. Damselflies also generally feature much thinner, stick-like bodies and eyes that are separated on the sides of their heads. However, there are exceptions to these rules; for instance, some dragonflies, such as those in the Gomphid family, also possess separated eyes.
Join us at Dragonfly Watch!
Enjoy spotting dragonflies, or interested to learn more about the ones you see in our parks and gardens? Join us for the Dragonfly Watch to collect valuable data about local species, which contributes to their conservation.
Learn more about the Ornate Coraltail!
Curious about the Ornate Coraltail? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.
