In Europe the Scarlet Dragonfly has a predominantly mediterranean distribution. During the last decade it has expanded in a northerly direction. In 1993 it reappeared in The Netherlands, after an absence of 27 years, in the south-western province of Zeeland. From 1995 onwards it has also been recorded regularly in the south-eastern province of Limburg. Until now it is known from five localities in the latter province. Two sites in Limburg (De Doort and Weustenrade) are discussed in more detail. Both areas posess enough potential for a possibly viable population of the Scarlet Dragonfly in the future.