View the above photo record (by N Hart) in OdonataMAP here.
Family Coenagrionidae
Proischnura subfurcata – FORK-TAILED BLUET
Identification
Very small size
Length up to 30mm; Wingspan attains 38mm.
Most similar to Azuragrion nigridorsum. Readily differentiated from that species by its highly distinctive claspers, teardrop-shaped postocular spots and the blue abdomen base with a black dumbell-shaped marking above.
Click here for more details on identification.
Makungwa River, Rwanda
Photo by Desire Darling
Habitat
The Fork-tailed Bluet frequents the grassy fringes of forested pools and ponds.
Behaviour
Perches low down among the grass in damp areas.
Status and Conservation
The current status of Proischnura subfurcata in South Africa is uncertain. Only known from a few old records (Pre. 1951), from KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Distribution
There is currently no map available for this species. More data is required.
Mainly an East African species that ranges from Ethiopia in the North down to Zimbabwe and Neighbouring Mozambique in the South. Its continued presence in South Africa requires confirmation.
