Find Silke’s Fairytail in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Gomphidae
Identification
Medium sized, but one of the smallest members of its family.
Silke’s Fairytail was only recently described in 2012. It has the typical colouration of many gomphid species. It is best recognised by its small size, and very distinctive downward pointing abdomen.
The Silke’s Fairytail most resembles the Spined Fairytail (Lestinogomphus angustus). The two are very similar in terms of colouration, and the only distinct difference is the shape of the male appendages. Silke’s Fairytail is also similar in size and colouration to Microgomphus nyassicus (Eastern Scissortail), but Lestinogomphus silkeae has a far more slender build and the two have very different clasper structures.
Habitat
The Silke’s Fairytail inhabits the well-wooded banks of perennial streams and rivers in both savanna and forested regions. It is usually found in areas with shade or dappled light.
Behaviour
Little is known about the habits of Silke’s Fairytail but it is probably very similar to that of the Spined Fairytail. It is believed to emerge later in the season than the Spined Fairytail. Silke’s Fairytail is unobtrusive and spends much time sitting on a shady perch over or near the water.
Status and Conservation
The status of Silke’s Fairytail is presently undetermined in South Africa. More data is required.
Distribution
Lestinogomphus silkeae has so far only been recorded from the Okavango panhandle, Botswana, and from near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. A record from the Sabie River in South Africa is also thought to be of this species.
Further Resources
Silke’s Fairytail Lestinogomphus silkeae Kipping, 2012
Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Silke’s Fairytail Lestinogomphus silkeae. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/08/24/silkes-fairytail-lestinogomphus-silkeae/
References: Tarboton, M; Tarboton, W. (2019). A Guide to the Dragonflies & Damselflies of South Africa. Struik Nature.
Samways, MJ. (2008). Dragonflies and Damselflies of South Africa. Pensoft
Samways, MJ. (2016). Manual of Freshwater Assessment for South Africa: Dragonfly Biotic Index. Suricata 2. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria
Martens, A; Suhling, F. (2007). Dragonflies and Damselflies of Namibia. Gamsberg Macmillan.
