Cover photo by John Wilkinson.

Find the Acacia Sprite in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Small size

Length up to 38mm; Wingspan attains 48mm.

The Acacia Sprite is one of a handful of ‘Reddish’ sprites found in the region. As with most other sprites, the colouration can be variable, and they tend to darken with age.

Males most resemble those of the Vaal Sprite (Pseudagrion vaalense) and especially younger males of the Cherry-eye Sprite (Pseudagrion sublacteum).

It is similar to Pseudagrion vaalense in that both species have greenish postocular spots, orange-red faces and eyes, and pale blue-green lower thorax sides. In Pseudagrion acaciae the thorax sides tend to be more green than blue and the pruinose blue markings on the end of the abdomen show distinct, incomplete black rings. There is also minimal overlap in the distribution of the two species.

Distribution overlaps widely with that of Pseudagrion sublacteum. In comparison, Pseudagrion sublacteum shows a purplish upper thorax and postocular spots, as well as bluer lower thorax sides and a bright cherry-red face and eyes.

Females are easily confused with those of other Pseudagrion species and are best identified by their association with the males.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Acacia Sprite frequents flowing rivers in hot, low-altitude savanna areas. It prefers sites with shallow, rocky sections and with sand and varied riverside vegetation, especially grass and woodlands. The Acacia Sprite is most numerous along larger rivers.

Behaviour

Males sit close to the water on a rock, sandbar or suitable reed or grass stem. The flight of the Acacia Sprite is fast and low over the water. They often return to the same perch after each foray to catch food or to chase off a rival. Females are seldom encountered.

The Acacia Sprite has been recorded throughout the year at some sites. It is most active from September to April (see Phenology below).

Status and Conservation

The Acacia Sprite is fairly common but localised. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. As a riverine species, it does not make much use of man-made habitats. The Acacia Sprite is restricted to undamaged savanna rivers.

Distribution

The Acacia Sprite ranges from East Africa down to South Africa. The South African distribution is centred upon the larger east-flowing rivers from central KwaZulu-Natal to Limpopo.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Acacia Sprite in the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Acacia Sprite in the OdonataMAP database as of December 2024.

The next map below is an imputed map, produced by an interpolation algorithm, which attempts to generate a full distribution map from the partial information in the map above. This map will be improved by the submission of records to the OdonataMAP section of the Virtual Museum.

Ultimately, we will produce a series of maps for all the odonata species in the region. The current algorithm is a new algorithm. The objective is mainly to produce “smoothed” maps that could go into a field guide for odonata. This basic version of the algorithm (as mapped above) does not make use of “explanatory variables” (e.g. altitude, terrain roughness, presence of freshwater — we will be producing maps that take these variables into account soon). Currently, it only makes use of the OdonataMAP records for the species being mapped, as well as all the other records of all other species. The basic maps are “optimistic” and will generally show ranges to be larger than what they probably are.

These maps use the data in the OdonataMAP section of the Virtual Museum, and also the database assembled by the previous JRS funded project, which was led by Professor Michael Samways and Dr KD Dijkstra.

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by John Wilkinson is acknowledged. Other photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Acacia Sprite Pseudagrion acaciae Förster, 1906

Other common names: Green-naped Sprite (Alt. English); Akasiagesie (Afrikaans).

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Acacia Sprite Pseudagrion acaciae.  Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/20/acacia-sprite-pseudagrion-acaciae/

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.

Similar Species

Vaal Sprite (Pseudagrion vaalense)

Cherry-eye Sprite (Pseudagrion sublacteum)

Cover photo by Christian Fry.

Find the Upland Sprite in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Small size

Length up to 44mm; Wingspan reaches 58mm.

Males most resemble Pseudagrion inopinatum (Balinskys Sprite) and Pseudagrion draconis (Mountain Sprite). Easily differentiated from Balinsky’s Sprite as that species has mauve terminal segments as opposed to blue in the Upland Sprite.

Upland Sprite males can be separated from those of Mountain Sprite by having a green, not black labrum and brighter green lower thorax sides. In male Mountain Sprites the lower thorax sides are duller greenish-blue.

Females are distinctive and brightly coloured. They are unlikely to be confused with others within its distribution range.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Upland Sprite is a mid-altitude species that inhabits clear, flowing streams and rivers. It prefers sites with vegetated and grassy banks. The Upland Sprite is most often found in hilly or mountainous areas at altitudes between 800m and 2000m above sea level.

Behaviour

The Upland Sprite is usually seen perched on vegetation close to or overhanging the water. It is sometimes also seen on rocks in the water. Interestingly, females are often more conspicuous than males and the two are usually found alongside one another.

The Upland Sprite is most active from October to April (see Phenology below).

Status and Conservation

The Upland Sprite is locally Common. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This species makes little use of man-made habitats due to its reliance on flowing streams and rivers. The Upland Sprite can occupy slightly degraded rivers, such as those with some alien plants along the banks, provided the water is flowing and clean enough.

Distribution

Pseudagrion spernatum occurs mainly in the upland regions of Eastern and Southern Africa. Ranging in a broad band from Ethiopia in the North down to South Africa.

The South African distribution is centered around the escarpment from the central Eastern Cape up to the Soutpansberg in Limpopo. It is also found in and around Gauteng.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Upland Sprite in the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Upland Sprite in the OdonataMAP database as of December 2024.

The next map below is an imputed map, produced by an interpolation algorithm, which attempts to generate a full distribution map from the partial information in the map above. This map will be improved by the submission of records to the OdonataMAP section of the Virtual Museum.

Ultimately, we will produce a series of maps for all the odonata species in the region. The current algorithm is a new algorithm. The objective is mainly to produce “smoothed” maps that could go into a field guide for odonata. This basic version of the algorithm (as mapped above) does not make use of “explanatory variables” (e.g. altitude, terrain roughness, presence of freshwater — we will be producing maps that take these variables into account soon). Currently, it only makes use of the OdonataMAP records for the species being mapped, as well as all the other records of all other species. The basic maps are “optimistic” and will generally show ranges to be larger than what they probably are.

These maps use the data in the OdonataMAP section of the Virtual Museum, and also the database assembled by the previous JRS funded project, which was led by Professor Michael Samways and Dr KD Dijkstra.

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Christian Fry is acknowledged. All other photos by Ryan Tippett.

Upland Sprite Pseudagrion spernatum Hagen in Selys, 1881

Other common names: Powder Sprite (Alt. Englisg); Hooglandgesie (Afrikaans).

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Upland Sprite Pseudagrion spernatum.  Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/20/upland-sprite-pseudagrion-spernatum/

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

Similar Species

Mountain Sprite (Pseudagrion draconis)

Balinsky’s Sprite (Pseudagrion inopinatum)

Slate Sprite (Pseudagrion salisburyense)

Cover photo by Andrew & Heather Hodgson.

Find the Slate Sprite in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Small size

Length attains 43mm; Wingspan up to 53mm.

Male Slate Sprites are most similar to Pseudagrion spernatum (Upland Sprite) and Pseudagrion draconis (Mountain Sprite). The Slate Sprite is told from the aforementioned species by lacking pruinosity on the face and by its bronze-black abdomen that mostly lacks pale pruinosity. In addition, the 3 species all have differently shaped claspers.

Females are variably coloured from pale brownish to Blueish. They are best identified by association with the males.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Slate Sprite utilises a wide range of habitats, from rivers, streams, and marshes to ponds and the fringes of large lakes and dams. It requires emergent and fringing vegetation such as reeds, sedges, and grasses. The Slate Sprite is found from near the coast up to 1600m above sea level.

Behaviour

The Slate Sprite is usually seen perched on vegetation close to or overhanging the water. It is sometimes also seen on rocks in the water.

It is most active from September to May. Flies all year in some places (see Phenology below).

Status and Conservation

The Slate Sprite is common to abundant and is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It readily frequents suitable man-made habitats.

Distribution

The Slate Sprite inhabits East, South-Central, and Southern Africa. It occurs from Ethiopia in the North across to Angola in the west and down to South Africa.

In South Africa, the Slate Sprite is most common in the north and east, from Limpopo to KwaZulu-Natal. It is widespread but less numerous in the Eastern Cape, Free State, and Northern Cape.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Slate Sprite in the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Slate Sprite in the OdonataMAP database as of December 2024.

The next map below is an imputed map, produced by an interpolation algorithm, which attempts to generate a full distribution map from the partial information in the map above. This map will be improved by the submission of records to the OdonataMAP section of the Virtual Museum.

Ultimately, we will produce a series of maps for all the odonata species in the region. The current algorithm is a new algorithm. The objective is mainly to produce “smoothed” maps that could go into a field guide for odonata. This basic version of the algorithm (as mapped above) does not make use of “explanatory variables” (e.g. altitude, terrain roughness, presence of freshwater — we will be producing maps that take these variables into account soon). Currently, it only makes use of the OdonataMAP records for the species being mapped, as well as all the other records of all other species. The basic maps are “optimistic” and will generally show ranges to be larger than what they probably are.

These maps use the data in the OdonataMAP section of the Virtual Museum, and also the database assembled by the previous JRS funded project, which was led by Professor Michael Samways and Dr KD Dijkstra.

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Andrew & Heather Hodgson is acknowledged. All other photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Slate Sprite Pseudagrion salisburyense Ris, 1921

Other common names: Leiblougesie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Slate Sprite Pseudagrion salisburyense. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/20/slate-sprite-pseudagrion-salisburyense/

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.

Similar Species

Upland Sprite (Pseudagrion spernatum)

Mountain Sprite (Pseudagrion draconis)

Cover photo by Alan Manson.

Find the Harlequin Sprite in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Small Size

Length up to 32mm; Wingspan attains 40mm.

Male Harlequin Sprites are brightly coloured and are most similar to the Painted Sprite (Pseudagrion hageni). Pseudagrion newtoni is far smaller and the terminal segments are bright blue, extending from segment 10 up to segment 7. In Pseudagrion hageni, the terminal segments are purple-blue and do not extend onto segment 7. In addition, the two species occupy very different habitats.

Females are similar to those of many other Pseudagrion species. They are best identified by their association with the males.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Harlequin Sprite inhabits fast-flowing, rocky streams in upland areas. The preferred habitat consists of rich grasses, sedge and reeds overhanging clear, flowing water. The Harlequin Sprite occurs at altitudes ranging from 1250 to 1500m above sea level.

Behaviour

Although very localised, the Harlequin Sprite is often abundant where it occurs. Males sit in sunny locations among the stream-side grasses where they actively engage each other. Females occupy the shady recesses of nearby bushes.

The Harlequin Sprite is recorded from November to March (see Phenology below).

Status and Conservation

The Harlequin Sprite is a poorly known species. It is Endemic to South Africa where it is rare and highly localised. Pseudagrion newtoni is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This species is intolerant towards degradation of its habitat and is not known to occur at man-made environments. None of the known sites are formally protected and, in some cases, its habitat is at risk from overgrazing and trample damage.

Distribution

The Harlequin Sprite is Endemic to South Africa. It has only been found in a handful of localities in central KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Harlequin Sprite in the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Harlequin Sprite in the OdonataMAP database as of December 2024.

The next map below is an imputed map, produced by an interpolation algorithm, which attempts to generate a full distribution map from the partial information in the map above. This map will be improved by the submission of records to the OdonataMAP section of the Virtual Museum.

Ultimately, we will produce a series of maps for all the odonata species in the region. The current algorithm is a new algorithm. The objective is mainly to produce “smoothed” maps that could go into a field guide for odonata. This basic version of the algorithm (as mapped above) does not make use of “explanatory variables” (e.g. altitude, terrain roughness, presence of freshwater — we will be producing maps that take these variables into account soon). Currently, it only makes use of the OdonataMAP records for the species being mapped, as well as all the other records of all other species. The basic maps are “optimistic” and will generally show ranges to be larger than what they probably are.

These maps use the data in the OdonataMAP section of the Virtual Museum, and also the database assembled by the previous JRS funded project, which was led by Professor Michael Samways and Dr KD Dijkstra.

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Alan Manson and Andries de Vries is acknowledged.

Harlequin Sprite Pseudagrion newtoni Pinhey, 1962

Other common names: Newton’s Sprite (Alt. English); Harlekyngesie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Harlequin Sprite Pseudagrion newtoni. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/19/harlequin-sprite-pseudagrion-newtoni/

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

Similar Species

Painted Sprite (Pseudagrion hageni)

Cover photo by Eugene Troskie.

Find the Powder-faced Sprite in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Small size

Length up to 37mm; Wingspan reaches 49mm.

Male Powder-faced Sprites closely resemble Pseudagrion furcigerum (Palmiet Sprite). The two are best identified by the colour of the labrum on the face. Pseudagrion furcigerum has a bright, lime green labrum, while Pseudagrion kersteni has a blackish labrum.

Females are similar to those of many other Pseudagrion species and are best identified by their association with the males.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Powder-faced Sprite inhabits the grassy fringes of streams and rivers. It has a preference for flowing water and is often found in wooded areas with dappled light. The Powder-faced Sprite is found up to 1600m above sea level and is seldom encountered along the coast except for some areas in southern KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

Behaviour

The Powder-faced Sprite is a fairly conspicuous damselfly that perches prominently on grass or reed stems over the water. Females are usually a little further from the water among grass and bushes.

The Powder-faced Sprite is most active from September to May, but is active year-round at some sites. (see Phenology below).

Status and Conservation

The Powder-faced Sprite is a very common species over much of South Africa, but it is scarce in the Western Cape. The Powder-faced Sprite is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Distribution

Pseudagrion kersteni is found virtually throughout sub-Saharan Africa, occurring wherever there is suitable habitat. In South Africa, the Powder-faced Sprite is distributed widely in the north, east, and south of the country. It largely avoids the drier central regions but is known to occur along parts of the Orange River.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Powder-faced Sprite in the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Powder-faced Sprite in the OdonataMAP database as of December 2024.

The next map below is an imputed map, produced by an interpolation algorithm, which attempts to generate a full distribution map from the partial information in the map above. This map will be improved by the submission of records to the OdonataMAP section of the Virtual Museum.

Ultimately, we will produce a series of maps for all the odonata species in the region. The current algorithm is a new algorithm. The objective is mainly to produce “smoothed” maps that could go into a field guide for odonata. This basic version of the algorithm (as mapped above) does not make use of “explanatory variables” (e.g. altitude, terrain roughness, presence of freshwater — we will be producing maps that take these variables into account soon). Currently, it only makes use of the OdonataMAP records for the species being mapped, as well as all the other records of all other species. The basic maps are “optimistic” and will generally show ranges to be larger than what they probably are.

These maps use the data in the OdonataMAP section of the Virtual Museum, and also the database assembled by the previous JRS funded project, which was led by Professor Michael Samways and Dr KD Dijkstra.

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Eugene Troskie is acknowledged. Other photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Powder-faced Sprite Pseudagrion kersteni (Gerstäcker, 1869)

Other common names: Kersten’s Sprite (Alt. English); Poeiergesiggie (Afrikaans).

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Powder-faced Sprite Pseudagrion kersteni. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/19/powder-faced-sprite-pseudagrion-kersteni/

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

Similar Species

Palmiet Sprite (Pseudagrion furcigerum)

Cover photo by Alan Manson.

Find the Balinsky’s Sprite in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Small to medium sized

Length up to 42mm; Wingspan reaches 53mm.

Male Balinsky’s Sprites most resemble Pseudagrion spernatum (Upland Sprite) and Pseudagrion draconis (Mountain Sprite). The three species are similar. Balinsky’s Sprite males are readily differentiated from the Upland and Mountain Sprites as those species lack the purple-mauve terminal segments of Pseudagrion inopinatum.

Females are pale greenish-yellow and black. They show light blue postocular spots, a buff forehead and a pale blue labrum, the combination of which is diagnostic.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

Balinsky’s Sprite inhabits fast-flowing rivers and streams in mid-altitude areas around 1000m above sea level. It prefers rivers with emergent rocks and a rich growth of grasses or sedges along the banks.

Behaviour

Balinsky’s Sprite perches on emergent and overhanging grass stems near fast-flowing water.

It is most active from early October until late March (see Phenology below).

Status and Conservation

Balinsky’s Sprite is a rare and localised endemic. It is listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Distribution

Balinsky’s Sprite is endemic to South Africa, where it is highly localised. It is known from two widely separated areas, one around Badplaas and Machadodorp in Mpumalanga, and the other near Bulwer in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Balinsky’s Sprite in the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Balinsky’s Sprite in the OdonataMAP database as of December 2024.

The next map below is an imputed map, produced by an interpolation algorithm, which attempts to generate a full distribution map from the partial information in the map above. This map will be improved by the submission of records to the OdonataMAP section of the Virtual Museum.

Ultimately, we will produce a series of maps for all the odonata species in the region. The current algorithm is a new algorithm. The objective is mainly to produce “smoothed” maps that could go into a field guide for odonata. This basic version of the algorithm (as mapped above) does not make use of “explanatory variables” (e.g. altitude, terrain roughness, presence of freshwater — we will be producing maps that take these variables into account soon). Currently, it only makes use of the OdonataMAP records for the species being mapped, as well as all the other records of all other species. The basic maps are “optimistic” and will generally show ranges to be larger than what they probably are.

These maps use the data in the OdonataMAP section of the Virtual Museum, and also the database assembled by the previous JRS funded project, which was led by Professor Michael Samways and Dr KD Dijkstra.

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Alan Manson and Sharon Stanton is acknowledged. Other photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Balinsky’s Sprite Pseudagrion inopinatum Balinsky, 1971

Other common names: Badplaas Sprite (Alt. English); Balinsky-gesie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Balinsky’s Sprite Pseudagrion inopinatum. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/19/balinskys-sprite-pseudagrion-inopinatum/

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

Similar Species

Upland Sprite (Pseudagrion spernatum)

Mountain Sprite (Pseudagrion draconis)