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Distributions/Libellulidae/Odonata/Palpopleura

Portia Widow (Palpopleura portia)

Posted on 11/05/2020 by Dragonfly Atlas: Megan Loftie-Eaton, Ryan Tippett, Rene Navarro & Les Underhill

Cover photo by Luelle Watts.

Find this species in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Libellulidae

Identification

**Portia Widow** *Palpopleura portia* – Male
Mkuze River, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Small size

Length up to 31mm; Wingspan attains 47mm.

Both sexes of the Portia Widow resemble Palpopleura lucia (Lucia Widow). Males are readily differentiated from that species by having a pale pruinose blue upper thorax. In addition, males show significantly less black in the wings.

Telling the females of the two species apart is more difficult. Separating the two visually in the field is unreliable; however, Palpopleura portia females generally show less black in the wings and lack the smoky shadow area in the lower part of the hind wings.

Click here for more details on identification.

**Portia Widow** *Palpopleura portia* – Female
Near White River, Mpumalanga
Photo by Gert Bensch

Habitat

The Portia Widow occupies a wide range of aquatic habitats, but prefers still water environments over flowing waters. It is most common at the grass and sedge fringes of lakes, ponds, pans, and marshes. The Portia Widow is less frequent at rivers and streams, where it prefers the slower-moving stretches and quiet backwaters. Portia Widows can sometimes be found at man-made habitats such as dams and ponds. This species is largely restricted to hot and humid savanna regions.

Behaviour

Portia Widows are perch hunters and spend as much time perched as they do darting off to intercept prey, or to chase off a rival. They like to sit in open, sunny positions, typically with the wings drooped forward in the ‘dropwing’ style.

The Portia Widow is on the wing from October to May, but flies year-round in warmer areas.

**Portia Widow** *Palpopleura portia* – Male
Kosi Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Status and Conservation

Palpopleura portia is fairly common in South Africa. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Portia Widow is a fairly adaptable species that does inhabit degraded or man-made habitats.

**Portia Widow** *Palpopleura portia* – Female
Ndumo Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Distribution

The Portia Widow is widespread throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and is absent only from the driest regions of north-east Africa and the arid and semi-arid parts of Southern Africa.

**Portia Widow** *Palpopleura portia* – Male
False Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

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

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Portia Widow 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.

**Portia Widow** *Palpopleura portia* – Immature male
Amakhosi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Gert Bensch and Luelle Watts is acknowledged. Other photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Portia Widow Palpopleura portia (Drury, 1773)

Other common names: Shadow-bridge Widow (Alt. English); Portia-weetjie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Portia Widow Palpopleura portia . Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/11/portia-widow-palpopleura-portia/

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.

**Portia Widow** *Palpopleura portia* – Male
National Botanical Gardens, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Similar Species

Lucia Widow (Palpopleura lucia)

Distributions/Libellulidae/Odonata/Pantala

Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens)

Posted on 11/05/2020 by Dragonfly Atlas: Megan Loftie-Eaton, Ryan Tippett, Rene Navarro & Les Underhill

Cover photo by Alan Manson.

Find the Wandering Glider in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Libellulidae

Identification

**Wandering Glider** *Pantala flavescens* – Male
Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Medium-large size

Length reaches 53mm; Wingspan up to 90mm.

Pantala flavescens is easily recognised by its distinctive, tapered abdomen shape, yellowish to orange-red colouration, and long, broad-based wings. Males turn increasingly red on the abdomen as they age and are more colourful than females.

The Wandering Glider most resembles Tramea basilaris (Keyhole Glider), Tramea limbata (Ferruginous Glider) and Tholymis tillarga (Twister). These species are all similar in size and shape but Pantala flavescens does not have coloured patches in the hind wings.

Click here for more details on identification of the Wandering Glider.

**Wandering Glider** *Pantala flavescens* – Female
Mpempe Pan, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Habitat

The favoured breeding habitats of the Wandering Glider are ephemeral or seasonal pools, pans and dams which it rapidly colonises after rain. The Wandering Glider occurs in all biomes in Southern Africa and is liable to turn up almost anywhere after a downpour. They are often found in large numbers hawking over lawns, sports fields, and any other open spaces.

Behaviour

The Wandering Glider is a highly aerial species that spends much of the day on the wing. It is usually gregarious and frequently joins mixed species hunting swarms at dusk. They hunt in continuous aerial flight and do not hawk insects from a perch. Resting individuals hang vertically from an exposed twig or similar vantage point.

**Wandering Glider** *Pantala flavescens* – Male
Hluhluwe River Floodplain, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Wandering Gliders make an annual multi-generational migration of some 18,000 km from India to Africa, and back again. They use the prevailing winds and a branched and complex network of migratory routes, stopping over on island archipelagos like the Maldives and Seychelles to refuel and breed. Migrating swarms breed opportunistically as they go. To complete the journey, individual Wandering Gliders fly more than 6,000 km! This is one of the farthest known migrations of all insect species!

**Wandering Glider** *Pantala flavescens* – Male
Kuleni Game Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

African populations migrate erratically, or nomadically within the African continent before making the journey back across the Indian Ocean.

In South Africa (and elsewhere) Wandering Gliders are known to follow weather systems, appearing in areas in large numbers immediately before and after thunderstorms.

The Wandering Glider is on the wing from October to May in South Africa.

**Wandering Glider** *Pantala flavescens* – A pair during the egg-laying process.
Kuleni Game Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Status and Conservation

The Wandering Glider is abundant across much of South Africa. It is less common at the southern edge of its range in the winter rainfall regions of the Western, Eastern, and Northern Cape provinces. The Wandering Glider is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

**Wandering Glider** *Pantala flavescens* – Male
Hlabisa district, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Distribution

The Wandering Glider is considered to be the most widespread dragonfly species on the planet, occurring on every continent except Antarctica, although it is rare in Europe. The Wandering Glider has been recorded throughout South Africa. The relative paucity of records in the arid and semi-arid interior of South Africa (see maps below) is due to fewer observers in those areas as the Wandering Glider is common in in this region after summer rains.

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

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

**Wandering Glider** *Pantala flavescens* – Male
Ndumo Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Alan Manson is acknowledged. All other photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798)

Other common names: Globe Skimmer (Alternative English Name); Narbroekie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/11/wandering-glider-pantala-flavescens/

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.

**Wandering Glider** *Pantala flavescens* – Male
Carnarvon district, Northern Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Similar Species

Keyhole Glider (Tramea basilaris)

Ferruginous Glider (Tramea limbata)

Twister (Tholymis tillarga)

Chalcostephia/Distributions/Libellulidae/Odonata

Inspector (Chalcostephia flavifrons)

Posted on 11/05/2020 by Dragonfly Atlas: Megan Loftie-Eaton, Ryan Tippett, Rene Navarro & Les Underhill

Cover photo by Wil Leurs.

Find this species in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Libellulidae

Identification

**Inspector** *Chalcostephia flavifrons*
Linyanti, Botswana
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Small size

Length up to 35mm; Wingspan reaches 66mm.

The male Inspector is a small all-pale-blue dragonfly. They are easily mistaken for an Orthetrum species or with Hemistigma albipunctum (African Piedspot). The Inspector is easily distinguished by its yellow face and bright metallic green frons. The pale pterostigmas have a dark outline and are another good identification feature. The eyes are pale blue with dark maroon caps.

Females are quite brightly coloured in dark yellow and black. They resemble those of Notiothemis jonesi (Eastern Forestwatcher) but can be differentiated by their wing venation and the pale dark-edged pterostigmas.

Click here for more details on identification.

**Inspector** *Chalcostephia flavifrons* – Female
Muzi Pan, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Habitat

The Inspector inhabits humid forests where it frequents ponds and the still backwaters of streams and rivers. In KwaZulu-Natal, the Inspector is a typical species of swamp and coastal forest, and also occurs around the forested fringes of pans in low-lying areas. Inland it occurs in riverine and gallery forests along large savanna rivers.

Riverine forest habitat.
Mkhuze Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Behaviour

The Inspector is often found in the dappled light of forest sub-canopies where the males sit prominently on the tips of twigs and branches near water. They mostly sit between 1 to 3m above the ground or water. The females can be found in the same area as the males but are usually further away from the water. Females have been observed laying eggs in the water that collects at the centre of waterlily leaves, with the male hovering nearby.

**Inspector** *Chalcostephia flavifrons*
A female laying eggs on a waterlily leaf.
Hluhluwe district, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

The ‘Inspector’ name is derived from its habit of moving the head at different angles when surveying its surroundings.

**Inspector** *Chalcostephia flavifrons* – Male
Hluhluwe district, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Status and Conservation

Due to its choice of habitat, Chalcostephia flavifrons is very localised in its occurence. The Inspector seldom occurs in large numbers.

The Inspector is fairly sensitive to habitat degradation, but it does occur at some suitable man-made habitats and in places with some alien plant growth. Its habitat is threatened by agriculture in certain areas.

Chalcostephia flavifrons is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Distribution

The Inspector is native to tropical Africa, where it is widespread. It occurs from West Africa across to East Africa and down to South Africa. In South Africa, it is mainly found in coastal KwaZulu-Natal and less commonly along rivers in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Lowveld.

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

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

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Desire Darling is acknowledged. All other images by Ryan Tippett.

Inspector Chalcostephia flavifrons Kirby, 1889

Other common names: Opsigter (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Inspector Chalcostephia flavifrons. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/11/inspector-chalcostephia-flavifrons/

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.

**Inspector** *Chalcostephia flavifrons* – Female
Kosi Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Similar Species

Eastern Forestwatcher (Notiothemis jonesi)

African Piedspot (Hemistigma albipunctum)

Crocothemis/Distributions/Libellulidae/Odonata

Broad Scarlet (Crocothemis erythraea)

Posted on 11/05/2020 by Dragonfly Atlas: Megan Loftie-Eaton, Ryan Tippett, Rene Navarro & Les Underhill

Cover photo by Ronelle White.

Find this species in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Libellulidae

Identification

**Broad Scarlet** *Crocothemis erythraea* – Male
Near Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Small to medium sized

Length up to 44mm; Wingspan attains 71mm.

The Broad Scarlet is easily regognised due to their flattened and very broad abdomens. The adult male is bright red with small amber patches at the bases of the hindwings. The veins on the leading edges of the wings are red.

The Broad Scarlet most resembles the Little Scarlet (Crocothemis sanguinolenta). The Little Scarlet is smaller and more slender, with shorter, redder pterostigmas.

Females and immatures vary from yellow to brown and have a conspicuous pale stripe along the top of the thorax.

**Broad Scarlet** *Crocothemis erythraea* – Female
Ndumo Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

The Broad Scarlet most resembles the Little Scarlet Crocothemis sanguinolenta. The Broad Scarlet is readily differentiated by its larger size, broader abdomen, and longer, yellow pterostigmas. The two also occupy somewhat different habitats with Crocothemis sanguinolenta preferring habitats with running water and rocks.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Broad Scarlet occupies a wide range of habitats and can be found almost anywhere there is fresh water including roadside puddles. However, the Broad Scarlet prefers still-water habitats as opposed to flowing waters. It is most common at the grass and sedge fringes of lakes, ponds, pans, and marshes. They are less frequent at rivers and streams, where they prefer the slower-moving stretches and quiet backwaters. The Broad Scarlet is often found at man-made habitats like dams, reservoirs, ornamental ponds, and even swimming pools. The Broad Scarlet occurs at a range of altitudes from sea level to 1600m above sea level.

Behaviour

The Broad Scarlet mostly perches conspicuously on vegetation but will occasionally perch on the ground. It flies off from a perch to capture prey, usually returning to the same site or another perch nearby, and feeds on small aerial insects. The Broad Scarlet is on the wing from December to April but is active throughout the year in warmer areas.

**Broad Scarlet** *Crocothemis erythraea* – Mating pair
Hluhluwe District, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Status and Conservation

The Broad Scarlet is abundant and widespread. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Broad Scarlet is a very adaptable species and usually one of the most numerous dragonflies at any given site.

**Broad Scarlet** *Crocothemis erythraea* – Male
Hluhluwe District, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Distribution

Crocothemis erythraea is very widespread and occurs virtually throughout Africa and also occurs in the Middle East, Southern Europe and much of Western Asia.

The Broad Scarlet occurs throughout South Africa, including the arid regions of the Karoo and Kalahari.

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

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Broad Scarlet in the OdonataMAP database as at December 2024.

**Broad Scarlet** *Crocothemis erythraea* – Female
Hluhluwe River Floodplain, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Ronelle White is acknowledged.

Broad Scarlet Crocothemis erythraea (Brullé, 1832)

Other common names: Breë Blossie (Afrikaans).

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Broad Scarlet Crocothemis erythraea. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/11/broad-scarlet-crocothemis-erythraea/

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

Little Scarlet (Crocothemis sanguinolenta)

Distributions/Gomphidae/Lestinogomphus/Odonata

Spined Fairytail (Lestinogomphus angustus)

Posted on 11/05/2020 by Dragonfly Atlas: Megan Loftie-Eaton, Ryan Tippett, Rene Navarro & Les Underhill

Cover photo by Desire Darling.

Find the Spined Fairytail in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Gomphidae

Identification

**Spined Fairytail** *Lestinogomphus angustus* – Female
Nwanedi Nature Reserve, Limpopo
Photo by Desire Darling

Medium sized, but one of the smallest members of its family.

Length up to 47mm; Wingspan attains 57mm.

The Spined Fairytail has the typical colouration of many gomphid species. It is best recognised by its small size, and very distinctive downward pointing abdomen.

The Spined Fairytail most resembles Silke’s Fairytail (Lestinogomphus silkeae). The two are very similar in terms of colouration and the only distinct difference is the shape of the male appendages. The Spined Fairytail is also similar in size and colouration to Microgomphus nyassicus (Eastern Scissortail), but Lestinogomphus angustus has a far more slender build and the two have very different clasper structures.

Click here for more details on identification of the Spined Fairytail.

Habitat

The Spined 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

The Spined Fairytail is unobtrusive and spends much time sitting on a shady perch over the water. It is usually found under trees and bushes that overhang the stream or river. The Spined Fairytail typically perches horizontally with the last segment of the abdomen pointing downwards.

The Spined Fairytail is on the wing from October to May.

Status and Conservation

The Spined Fairytail is uncommon in South Africa. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

**Spined Fairytail** *Lestinogomphus angustus* – Male
Kosi Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Distribution

Lestinogomphus angustus is found mainly in southern and East Africa. It occurs as far north as Kenya and down to north-eastern South Africa.

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

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

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

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Desire Darling is acknowledged. All other photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Spined Fairytail Lestinogomphus angustus Martin, 1911

Other Common Names: Common Fairytail (Alt. English); Towerfee (Afrikaans).

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Spined Fairytail Lestinogomphus angustus. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/11/spined-fairytail-lestinogomphus-angustus/

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

Eastern Scissortail (Microgomphus nyassicus)

Silke’s Fairytail (Lestinogomphus silkeae)

Distributions/Gomphidae/Neurogomphus/Odonata

Zambezi Siphontail (Neurogomphus zambeziensis)

Posted on 11/05/2020 by Dragonfly Atlas: Megan Loftie-Eaton, Ryan Tippett, Rene Navarro & Les Underhill

Cover photo by Bart Wursten.

Find the Zambezi Siphontail in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Gomphidae

Identification

**Zambezi Siphontail** *Neurogomphus zambeziensis* – Male
Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe
Photo by Bart Wursten

Large size

Length attains 57mm; Wingspan up to 73mm.

The Zambezi Siphontail is strikingly marked in lime-green and brown. The thorax is green with narrow brown lines on the top and sides. The abdomen is mostly brown with yellow-green ‘triangular’ markings down the sides. There is a diagnostic yellow band around the eighth segment on the abdomen. The males have modest foliations on segments eight and nine.

Females resemble the males but have reduced foliations on the abdomen and are more robust.

The Zambezi Siphontail is most similar to Phyllogomphus selysi (Bold Leaftail), but that species is noticeably larger and darker in appearance, with thicker black markings and larger foliations on the abdomen.

Click here for more details on identification of the Zambezi Siphontail.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Zambezi Siphontail is subtropical or tropical lowland savannas, where it inhabits the fringes of larger rivers. It favours rivers with well-wooded banks.

Behaviour

The Zambezi Siphontail hunts from a perch and has a relatively slow, weak flight. Hunting is done from bushes and other low vegetation. The Zambezi Siphontail is often found some distance from the water.

Status and Conservation

The Zambezi Siphontail is a rare species in South Africa. It is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Distribution

Neurogomphus zambeziensis is found over a relatively small area of south-eastern Africa where it has been recorded in Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and possibly Tanzania.

In South Africa it occurs marginally along larger, east-flowing rivers in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and extreme northern KwaZulu-Natal.

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

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

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Bart Wursten is acknowledged.

Zambezi Siphontail Neurogomphus zambeziensis Cammaerts, 2004

Other Common Names: Zambezihewelstert (Afrikaans).

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Zambezi Siphontail Neurogomphus zambeziensis. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/11/zambezi-siphontail-neurogomphus-zambeziensis/

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

Bold Leaftail (Phyllogomphus selysi)

Aeshnidae/Anax/Distributions/Odonata

Orange Emperor (Anax speratus)

Posted on 08/05/2020 by Dragonfly Atlas: Megan Loftie-Eaton, Ryan Tippett, Rene Navarro & Les Underhill

Cover photo by Kate Braun.

Find the Orange Emperor in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Aeshnidae

Identification

**Orange Emperor** *Anax speratus* – Male
False Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Very large

Length up to 84mm; Wingspan attains 122mm.

The Orange Emperor is the second largest dragonfly in Southern Africa. Males are entirely bright orange, including the eyes and wing veins. Females are similar but have a pale greenish-orange thorax.

In South Africa, the combination of its large size and distinctive colouration renders both sexes of the Orange Emperor unmistakable.

The Orange Emperor is very similar to the Swamp Emperor (Anax bangweuluensis). The Swamp Emperor is a rare species found only in the Okavango Delta (Botswana), the Caprivi Strip (Namibia), and the Bangweulu Swamp (Zambia). The Orange Emperor is larger and frequents flowing rivers and streams. The Swamp Emperor inhabits large, tropical marshlands. The ranges of the two species are not known to overlap.

Click here for more details on identification.

**Orange Emperor** *Anax speratus* – Female
Amakhosi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Habitat

The Orange Emperor inhabits flowing rivers and streams, often in hilly or mountainous areas. It favours river stretches that are interspersed with pools or rapids, and with well vegetated banks. In South Africa, the Orange Emperor is found in the Fynbos, Grassland, Forest, and Savanna biomes. It is found from sea level to over 1700m.

Habitat – Mkuze River, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Rowan Poortier

Behaviour

Orange Emperors are most often seen in flight as they patrol back and forth along a chosen stretch of river. Flies low over the water, occasionally darting to tree-top height to intercept prey. When at rest, the Orange Emperor hangs vertically from a perch. It is a bold hunter and frequently preys on other dragonfly species.

The Orange Emperor is most active from October to April, but is on the wing year round at some sites. See Phenology below.

Status and Conservation

The Orange Emperor is common within its southern African range. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. As a riverine species, Anax speratus does not usually make use of man-made habitats.

**Orange Emperor** *Anax speratus* – Male
Amakhosi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Distribution

Anax speratus is widespread throughout most of Southern, central and East Africa. In South Africa it is restricted to the higher rainfall regions in the south and East. The Orange Emperor avoids the arid to semi-arid central interior.

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

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

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

**Orange Emperor** *Anax speratus* – Male
Dassieshoek Nature Reserve, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Kate Braun and Rowan Poortier is acknowledged. All other photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Orange Emperor Anax speratus Hagen, 1867

Other common names: Oranjekeiser (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Orange Emperor Anax speratus. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/08/orange-emperor-anax-speratus/

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

Blue Emperor (Anax imperator)

Aeshnidae/Anax/Distributions/Odonata

Vagrant Emperor (Anax ephippiger)

Posted on 08/05/2020 by Dragonfly Atlas: Megan Loftie-Eaton, Ryan Tippett, Rene Navarro & Les Underhill

Cover photo by Jaco Botes.

Find the Vagrant Emperor in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Aeshnidae

Identification

**Vagrant Emperor** *Anax ephippiger* – Male
Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Large size

Length up to 67mm; Wingspan attains 110mm.

The Vagrant Emperor is unlike any other species in Southern Africa. The yellow brown colouration and bright blue saddle of the males render them unmistakable.

Females in flight may be mistaken for Pantala flavescens (Wandering Glider), the two species often occur side by side. The wandering glider is smaller, often orange to red in colour and has a distinctive, tapered body shape.

Click here for more details on identification.

**Vagrant Emperor** *Anax ephippiger* – Female
Amakhosi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Habitat

The favoured breeding habitat of the Vagrant Emperor is seasonal pools, pans and dams which it rapidly colonises after rain. This species is liable to turn up almost anywhere after rain.

Behaviour

The Vagrant Emperor is a highly nomadic and opportunistic species. It typically appears in an area shortly before or after rain, where it may breed if conditions are favourable, before moving on.

The Vagrant Emperor is highly aerial and spends long periods on the wing. It often forms or joins mixed species hunting swarms at dusk. The Vagrant Emperor is often seen singly but is also frequently gregarious. As with other Anax species, the Vagrant Emperor rests by hanging vertically from a perch.

Most active from September to May (see Phenology below).

**Vagrant Emperor** *Anax ephippiger* – Male
Mkuze River, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Status and Conservation

The Vagrant Emperor is common to abundant when present. It often inhabits degraded and ephemeral habitats and is therefore listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Distribution

The Vagrant Emperor is distributed widely across Africa, Europe, and central and southern Asia. It also occurs on many of the Indian Ocean islands.

The South African range is centered around the wetter northern and eastern regions, although vagrants can turn up almost anywhere.

**Vagrant Emperor** *Anax ephippiger* – Male
Muzi Pan, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

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

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

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.

**Vagrant Emperor** *Anax ephippiger* – Male
Carnarvon district, Northern Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Phenology

**Vagrant Emperor** *Anax ephippiger* – Female
False Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Jaco Botes is acknowledged. All other photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Vagrant Emperor Anax ephippiger (Burmeister, 1839)

Other common names: Blourugkeiser (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Vagrant Emperor Anax ephippiger. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/08/vagrant-emperor-anax-ephippiger/

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

Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens)

Blue Emperor (Anax imperator)

Coenagrionidae/Distributions/Odonata/Pseudagrion

Springwater Sprite (Pseudagrion caffrum)

Posted on 08/05/2020 by Dragonfly Atlas: Megan Loftie-Eaton, Ryan Tippett, Rene Navarro & Les Underhill

Cover photo by Gregg Darling.

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

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

**Springwater Sprite** *Pseudagrion caffrum* – Male
Near Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Alan Manson

Small size

Length reaches 36mm; Wingspan attains 47mm.

Pseudagrion caffrum is one of three ‘yellow-faced’ sprites in the region. The other two are The Yellow-faced Sprite (Pseudagrion citricola) and the Great Sprite (Pseudagrion gamblesi). The Great Sprite is easily distinguished by its significantly larger size and bright blue terminal segments. The Springwater Sprite is most similar to the Yellow-faced Sprite, but is differentiated by lacking postocular spots and bright blue terminal segments on the abdomen.

Female Springwater Sprites are among the more distinctive in the genus. They can be told by the combination of bright green thorax sides and red-brown upper thorax.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Springwater Sprite inhabits shallow, rocky streams in grasslands where it is found mostly in hilly uplands along the escarpment. The Springwater Sprite favours sites with rich sedges and grass growth, and soggy ground. It occurs at medium to high altitudes, mostly between 1400 and 2200m above sea level.

Behaviour

The Springwater Sprite is a cryptic species and is easily overlooked. It mostly sits low down among dense grass and is normally reluctant to fly.

The Springwater Sprite is most active from October to May (see Phenology below).

Status and Conservation

The Springwater Sprite is fairly common but localised. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is sensitive to habitat degradation and only occurs in pristine, undisturbed habitats.

Distribution

Pseudagrion caffrum is endemic to South Africa. It is distrubuted along the eastern side of the Drakensberg escarpment from the central Eastern cape, up through KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Marginally into Limpopo.

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

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

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Alan Manson and Gregg Darling is acknowledged.

Springwater Sprite Pseudagrion caffrum (Burmeister, 1839)

Other Common Names: Fonteingesie (Afrikaans).

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Springwater Sprite Pseudagrion caffrum. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/08/springwater-sprite-pseudagrion-caffrum/

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

Yellow-faced Sprite (Pseudagrion citricola)

Great Sprite (Pseudagrion gamblesi)

Distributions/Lestes/Lestidae/Odonata

Highland Spreadwing (Lestes plagiatus)

Posted on 08/05/2020 by Dragonfly Atlas: Megan Loftie-Eaton, Ryan Tippett, Rene Navarro & Les Underhill

Cover photo by Peter Webb.

Find the Highland Spreadwing in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Lestidae

Identification

**Highland Spreadwing** *Lestes plagiatus* – Male
Lake Naverone, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Medium sized

Length up to 48mm; Wingspan reaches 60mm.

The Highland Spreadwing is most similar to Lestes virgatus (Smoky Spreadwing). The two differ in the amount of metallic green on the thorax, with Lestes virgatus having larger and broader green stripes. Lestes plagiatus has plain coloured, brownish pterostigmas, while L. virgatus has pale pterostigmas with dark borders. The two species also have very different clasper structures.

Click here for more details on identification.

**Highland Spreadwing** *Lestes plagiatus* – Female
Amakhosi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Habitat

The Highland Spreadwing inhabits the edges of still water habitats such as ponds, pools, dams, and slow-moving sections of rivers and streams. It favours sites with emergent and fringing grass, sedges, or reeds.

The Highland Spreadwing occurs near the coast in some places but is mostly found from 700 to 1400m above sea level.

Habitat – Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga
Photo by Rowan Poortier

Behaviour

The Highland Spreadwing flits between emergent grass and sedge stems. It perches on plant stems with its wings outstretched, usually with the abdomen pointed downwards. Both sexes are found in the same vicinity.

The Highland Spreadwing is most Active from October to May (See Phenology below).

**Highland Spreadwing** *Lestes plagiatus* – Male
Elands River, Boston, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Status and Conservation

The Highland Spreadwing is common and widespread in South Africa. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Highland Spreadwing is an adaptable species that has widely benefited from suitable man-made habitats like dams and ponds.

**Highland Spreadwing** *Lestes plagiatus* – Immature male
iXopo district, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Distribution

Lestes plagiatus is widespread in eastern and southern Africa. In south Africa it is found primarily in the east where it is common. Marginal in the Northern and Western Cape.

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

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

**Highland Spreadwing** *Lestes plagiatus* – Immature female
Lake Naverone, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Phenology

The next two graphs shows how the occurrence of the Highland Spreadwing varies within the year, i.e. the phenology. There are 873 records in the database for this species, so these results are likely to be reliable. They show the overall phenology within the range. The first plot shows the number of records in each pentade, five-day periods, which start on 1 July and end on 30 June the following year. The blue line is generated by a smoother, an algorithm which aims to separate the “signal” from the “noise”, and shows the pattern of seasonality for this species. The second plot shows only the blue line, and it is scaled to lie between zero and one, for easy comparison between species.

This phenology plot shows, reliably because of the large sample size, that Highland Spreadwings are mainly in flight from October to May. This is well-known; what is new is the shortness of the period of peak abundance, in December. The plot suggests a rapidly and accelerating build up of numbers, starting slowly in September. After the December peak, the decrease through late-summer, autumn and early winter is slower than the increase in spring. The numbers of Highland Spreadwings per pentade in the late-winter months are tiny.

With its large range, this species is a candidate for regional phenology plots. The more data available, the larger the number of regions, especially altitudinal bands, that can be reliably compared. Please keep submitting Highland Spreadwings to the OdonataMAP database.

**Highland Spreadwing** *Lestes plagiatus* – Male
Amakhosi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Peter Webb and Rowan Poortier is acknowledged. All other photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Highland Spreadwing Lestes plagiatus (Burmeister, 1839)

Other common names: Gewone Spanvlerkie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Highland Spreadwing Lestes plagiatus. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/08/highland-spreadwing-lestes-plagiatus/

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.

**Highland Spreadwing** *Lestes plagiatus* – Male
Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Similar Species

Smoky Spreadwing (Lestes virgatus)