Males are characterised by their largely red head and thorax, including red postocular spots. The lower thorax is pale pruinose blue, while the dark abdomen ends with a bright blue terminal segment.
Females are drab brown and best recognised by their association with the males.
Masai SpritePseudagrion massaicum – Female Selinda, Botswana Photo by Ryan Tippett
Habitat
The Masai Sprite is found mostly at still-water habitats such as pans, dams, ponds, lakes and slow flowing parts of rivers and streams. Masai Sprites prefer well vegetated parts of water bodies, however they can also be found at water with bare gravelly or sandy banks provided there is at least some aquatic vegetation.
Habitat – Mkhuze Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Behaviour
The Masai Sprite perches on waterlilies and other emergent plants and twigs close to the water surface. It sometimes also sits on rocks or exposed sand at the waters edge. Flies low over the water when disturbed, hunting or changing perches. Females can be found near the males, but are frequently found away from the water in the surrounding bushes or woodlands.
The Masai Sprite has been recorded throughout the year at some sites, but is most active from September to April. See Phenology below.
Masai SpritePseudagrion massaicum – Male Carnarvon district, Northern Cape Photo by Ryan Tippett
Conservation and Status
The Masai Sprite is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Pseudagrion massaicum is an abundant and widespread species that has widely benefited from the use of man-made impoundments. It can be found in somewhat degraded habitats, including sewage treatment ponds and areas with alien plants.
Masai SpritePseudagrion massaicum – Mating pairs Muzi Pan, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Distribution
The Masai Sprite is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. It has been recorded from all provinces in South Africa and is likely to occur almost anywhere but is less numerous in arid regions.
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Masai Sprite in the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Masai 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
Masai SpritePseudagrion massaicum – Male Montagu, Western Cape Photo by Ryan Tippett
Further Resources
The use of photographs by Basil Boer is acknowledged. All other photographs by Ryan Tippett.
Masai SpritePseudagrion massaicumSjöstedt, 1909
Other common names: Masaigesie (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Masai Sprite Pseudagrion massaicum. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/03/04/masai-sprite-pseudagrion-massaicum/
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.
Masai SpritePseudagrion massaicum – Male Amakhosi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Find the Darting Cruiser in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Macromiidae
Identification
Darting CruiserPhyllomacromia picta – Male Mkuze River, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Medium to Large size
Length up to 58mm; Wingspan reaches 81mm.
The Darting Cruiser most resembles other Phyllomacromia species, particularly the Sable Cruiser (Phyllomacromia monoceros). Both species show a bold yellow and black banded thorax, but the Sable Cruiser is larger and has a mostly all-black abdomen.
The Darting Cruiser is readily told apart from the Two-banded Cruiser (Phyllomacromia contumax) which is far larger and has a plain glossy black, unmarked thorax.
The sexes are similar in appearance. Females are more robust and lack the yellow/white claspers of the males.
Click here for more details on identification of the Darting Cruiser.
Darting Cruiser Phyllomacromia picta – Female Near Parys, Free State Photo by Jaco Botes
Habitat
The breeding habitat of the Darting Cruiser is mostly along rivers, often with well-wooded areas above the banks. Phyllomacromia picta can also be found at large dams and lakes. They may be seen patrolling a length of river, but are far more frequently found away from water. Non-breeding individuals can be found in a wide range of habitats, from forest edge to fynbos and open Karoo scrub far from water.
Typical habitat – Mkuze River, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Behaviour
This species is seldom seen perched. The Darting Cruiser is most often found patrolling back and forth along a chosen flight path. It will periodically dart off to chase prey before settling back into its regular route. The flight is smooth and fast. When perched, the Darting Cruiser will hang from the underside of a twig or branch. The very long hind legs are likely a hindrance to perching horizontally.
The Darting Cruiser is most active from September to May, possibly year-round at warmer sites. See Phenology below.
Darting CruiserPhyllomacromia picta – Male Orange River near Prieska, Northern Cape Photo by Ryan Tippett
Status and Conservation
Phyllomacromia picta is a widespread and common species, although seldom seen in large numbers. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It has a fairly low sensitivity to habitat disturbance.
The Darting Cruiser is likely under-recorded in the OdonataMap database. This is due to its fast, aerial lifestyle that can make it difficult to photograph.
Darting CruiserPhyllomacromia picta – Female Shayamoya Game Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Distribution
The Darting Cruiser occurs throughout Southern Africa, and its range extends through to Central and East Africa. In South Africa, it is most commonly recorded in the North and East.
Darting CruiserPhyllomacromia picta – Male Mkuze River, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Darting Cruiser in South Africa. Taken from the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Darting Cruiser in South Africa. Taken from 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.
Darting Cruiser Phyllomacromia picta – Male Photo by Arnold van der Westhuizen
Phenology
Darting CruiserPhyllomacromia picta – Male Carnarvon district, Northern Cape Photo by Ryan Tippett
Further Resources
The use of photographs by Gary Brown and Jaco Botes is acknowledged. All other photographs by Ryan Tippett.
Darting CruiserPhyllomacromia picta (Hagen, 1871)
Other common names: Pyltjieswalker (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Darting Cruiser Phyllomacromia picta. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/03/04/darting-cruiser-phyllomacromia-picta/
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.
Find the Graceful Slim in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Coenagrionidae
Identification
Graceful SlimAciagrion gracile – Immature Male Near Tshipise, Limpopo Photo by John Wilkinson
Small size
Length up to 39mm; Wingspan around 46mm.
Aciagrion gracile has a noticeably slender and elongate build. Males have a bright green upper thorax with greenish-blue sides. The long, slender abdomen is black above and brownish below. The terminal segments are bright blue. The postocular spots are bright greenish-blue.
The Graceful Slim is most similar to the Opal Slim (Aciagrion dondoense). The two species are best told apart in the hand by the shape of the claspers.
The Graceful Slim inhabits the thick bushy verges of shallow grassy pans and marshes. It is found in hot, humid woodland and forest regions.
Habitat at Kosi Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Behaviour
Aciagrion gracile is a crepuscular species, that is most active at dusk and is easily overlooked. The males are most often found between thick bush and grasses at the edge of the wetland. Females are usually found among emergent grasses and reeds further out into the water.
The Graceful Slim is active from January to April (see Phenology below).
Status and Conservation
The Graceful Slim is uncommon and highly localised in South Africa. It has likely been under-recorded due to its secretive, crepuscular behaviour. In South Africa, Aciagrion gracile is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed globally as of Least Concern as it has a wide distribution within the rest of Africa. The Graceful Slim is sensitive to habitat degradation and, for the most part, occurs only in undisturbed habitats.
Distribution
The Graceful Slim is found from South Africa, up through East Africa to Uganda and Ethiopia. It also occurs in West Africa from Congo to Guinea. In South Africa, the Graceful Slim has only been recorded from Limpopo and the north-east of KwaZulu-Natal.
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Graceful Slim in South Africa. Taken from the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Graceful Slim in South Africa. Taken from 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 and Walter Neser is acknowledged.
Graceful SlimAciagrion gracile(Sjöstedt, 1909)
Other common names: Emerald-striped Slim (Alt. English); Sierskraaltjie (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Graceful Slim Aciagrion gracile. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/03/03/graceful-slim-aciagrion-gracile/
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
Find the Common Threadtail in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Platycnemididae
Identification
Common ThreadtailElattoneura glauca – Male Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Small size
Length up to 39mm; Wingspan attains 46mm
Male Common Threadtails are recognised by their elongate and slender build, grey-blue, black and white colouration, and by their turquoise eyes.
Females are easily confused with those of Elattoneura frenulata (Sooty Threadtail). In areas of overlap the two are best told by their association with the males.
Common ThreadtailElattoneura glauca – Female Ndumo Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Habitat
The Common Threadtail inhabits rank bush and grass alongside rivers and streams. It is usually found among tall grass in shady areas near the water. The Common Threadtail is most often associated with slow-flowing water. Individuals, especially females, can at times be found further from water, in thickets and other rank growth.
Habitat – Pongola River, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Behaviour
The Common Threadtail is sluggish and often reluctant to fly. Females are frequently found alongside the males. The Common Threadtail most often perches low down among grass stems where it remains inconspicuous.
The Common Threadtail is active from September to April, but flies all year round at many sites (See Phenology below).
Common ThreadtailElattoneura glauca – Male Amakhosi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Status and Conservation
Elattoneura glauca is a common species throughout its range. The Common Threadtail is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This species is quite resistant to habitat change and frequently makes use of man-made habitats.
Common ThreadtailElattoneura glauca – Female Amakhosi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Distribution
The Common Threadtail is native to the southern half of the African continent, where it is widespread, avoiding only the driest regions.
Common ThreadtailElattoneura glauca – Male iXopo district, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Common Threadtail in the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Common Threadtail 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.
Common ThreadtailElattoneura glauca – Male Near Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Common ThreadtailElattoneura glauca – Male Gamka River, Western Cape Photo by Ryan Tippett
Further Resources
The use of photographs by Alan Manson is acknowledged. All other photographs by Ryan Tippett.
Common ThreadtailElattoneura glauca(Selys, 1860)
Other common names: Gewone Draadstertjie (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Common Threadtail Elattoneura glauca. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/03/03/common-threadtail-elattoneura-glauca/
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.
Common ThreadtailElattoneura glauca – Pair Wilge River, Free State Photo by Ryan Tippett
Find the Southern Fingertail in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Gomphidae
Identification
Southern FingertailGomphidia quarrei – Male Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Large size
Length up to 61mm; Wingspan reaches 75mm.
The Southern Fingertail is a striking and boldly marked yellow and black species.
It most resembles the Common Tigertail (Ictinogomphus ferox) but the Southern Fingertail is noticeably smaller and with a more slender build. Additionally, the Southern Fingertail lacks foliations on the terminal segments of the abdomen.
Females closely resemble the males but have more robust abdomens.
Click here for more details on identification of the Southern Fingertail.
Southern FingertailGomphidia quarrei – Female Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Habitat
The Southern Fingertail frequents rivers and streams in hot, low lying savanna and forest regions. They require reed-lined and/or wooded banks for perching on. They are not reliant on rocky stretches of river and appear to favour shallow, flowing water over sand. Non-breeding individuals can often be found in grassy clearings within a hundred or so meters of the river.
Typical habitat with shallow, slow-flowing water over sand. Ndumo Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Behaviour
The Southern Fingertail is a perch hunter. They return to their perch after each foray to chase down prey or a potential rival. The flight is swift and agile. Territorial males often perch low down on vegetation overhanging the water. At other times and especially during the heat of the day the Southern Fingertail can be found away from the water on trees and bushes above the riverbank. Females and non-breeding males are often found further away from the river.
The Southern Fingertail is most active from November to February (see Phenology below)
Southern FingertailGomphidia quarrei – Male Ndumo Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Status and Conservation
The Southern Fingertail is an uncommon and localised species and its presence, even at known sites, is erratic. Due to its marginal occurrence within South Africa, Gomphidia quarrei is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed globally as of Least Concern as it has a wide distribution within the rest of Africa. The Southern Fingertail is sensitive to habitat degradation and, for the most part, occurs only in undisturbed habitats.
Southern FingertailGomphidia quarrei – Female Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Distribution
The Southern Fingertail is widely distributed over much of Central and East Africa. Its range extends into South Africa where it is restricted to the warmer northern and eastern regions in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for the Southern Fingertail. Taken from the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for the Southern Fingertail. Taken from the OdonataMAP database as at 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.
Southern FingertailGomphidia quarrei Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Phenology
The next two graphs shows how the occurrence of Southern Fingertail varies within the year, i.e. the phenology. There are 50 records in the database for this species, so these results are still likely to change as the same size increases. 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 maximum number of records is at the beginning of December, with 12 records. 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 that the Southern Fingertail has a short flight period, lasting about three months, from November through to January, with a December peak.
We are needing lots more records of Southern Fingertails in OdonataMAP to help confirm the seasonality of this species. If you live anywhere within its large range, please be alert from October to February, and submit records to OdonataMAP. The number of records throughout the flight period, even during the December peak, needs to be increased.
Southern FingertailGomphidia quarrei – Male Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Further Resources
The use of photographs by Gregg Darling is acknowledged. Other photographs by Ryan Tippett.
Other Common Names: Quarre’s Fingertail (Alt. English); Suidelike Vingerstert (Afrikaans).
Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Southern Fingertail Gomphidia quarrei. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/03/02/southern-fingertail-gomphidia-quarrei/
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.
Southern FingertailGomphidia quarrei – Male Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Find the Goldtail in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Platycnemidide
Identification
GoldtailAllocnemis leucosticta – Male Moordkuil River, Western Cape Photo by Ryan Tippett
Small to medium sized
Length up to 46mm; Wingspan reaches 57mm.
The Goldtail is a distinctive and easily recognised damselfly. It is unlike any other species in the region.
Largely black above and pale below with light blue-green stripes on the thorax. The diagnostic features include amber-washed wings with large white pterostigmas, and the males have golden-yellow terminal segments on the abdomen.
Females are similar but lack the golden yellow abdomen tips.
GoldtailAllocnemis leucosticta – Female Everton, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Rob Dickinson
Habitat
The Goldtail is a shade-loving species of forested or well-wooded streams and rivers. It prefers streams that have clear, shallow water. The Goldtail mostly inhabits mid to high altitude areas, but occurs at sea level in some places in KwaZulu-Natal and the Southern Cape. Allocnemis leucosticta is occasionally found at more open streams surrounded by grass and bushes, particularly in fynbos and montane grassland habitats.
Typical habitat – Ngome Forest, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Behaviour
The males are rather noticeable as they sit in exposed positions over the stream in dappled sunlight. The Goldtail’s white pterostigmas and yellowish wings are conspicuous in flight, even in poor light conditions. The females are often found near the males, but are less numerous and not as conspicuous. Allocnemis leucosticta almost always perches on twigs, stems, or vegetation over or close to the water.
The Goldtail is most active from October to April (See Phenology below).
GoldtailAllocnemis leucosticta – Male Seweweekspoort, Western Cape Photo by Ryan Tippett
Status and Conservation
The Goldtail is common but localised due to its habitat requirements. It is listed as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Goldtails are fairly sensitive to habitat degradation. They are intolerant of dirty water, but can be found on streams with some alien vegetation.
GoldtailAllocnemis leucosticta – Female Ferncliffe Forest, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Distribution
The Goldtail is endemic to South Africa and eSwatini (Swaziland). It is found in mid to high altitude escarpment areas, ranging from Table Mountain in the Western Cape to the Soutpansberg in Limpopo.
GoldtailAllocnemis leucosticta – Male Mtunzini, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Goldtail in the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Goldtail 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
GoldtailAllocnemis leucosticta – Male Ferncliffe Forest, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Phenology
GoldtailAllocnemis leucosticta – Male National Botanical Gardens, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Further Resources
The use of photographs by Corrie du Toit and Rob Dickinson is acknowledged. All other photographs by Ryan Tippett.
GoldtailAllocnemis leucostictaSelys, 1863
Other common names: Goudstertjie (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Goldtail Allocnemis leucosticta. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/03/02/goldtail-allocnemis-leucosticta/
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.
GoldtailAllocnemis leucosticta – Female iXopo district, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Find the Boulder Jewel in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Chlorocyphidae
Identification
Boulder JewelPlatycypha fitzsimonsi – Male Moordkuil River, Western Cape Photo by Ryan Tippett
Small size
Length up to 34mm; Wingspan attains 54mm.
Adult males are distinctive, easily recognised, and unlike any other South African species. The bright red and black colouration is diagnostic. Only the upper parts of the last four abdominal segments are vivid blue. Females are drab beige-brown with darker brown and black markings.
Females and immature males are very similar to those of the Dancing Jewel Platycypha caligata. They are best identified by their association with the males.
Boulder JewelPlatycypha fitzsimonsi – Female Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Western Cape Photo by Corrie Du Toit
Habitat – Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Western Cape Photo by Sharon Stanton
The Boulder Jewel frequents swift, rocky streams and rivers in both open and wooded habitats. It is most common in fynbos and grassland in cooler, mid-altitude areas. Often found alongside the more common Dancing Jewel (Platycypha caligata), but the Boulder Jewel generally prefers more open habitats. The Boulder Jewel is the only Platycypha species in the Western Cape.
The Boulder Jewel is found up to 500m above sea level in the Western Cape but occurs up to 1500m above sea level in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga.
Habitat – Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Behaviour
Territorial males perch low down, close to the water. Boulder Jewels sit predominantly on rocks but will also rest on overhanging or emergent twigs, reeds and grass. The females are usually found alongside the males. Boulder Jewels are perch hunters, taking short, low flights across the water. Platycypha fitzsimonsi males are well noted for having an eye-catching courtship display. The male hovers in front of a perched female. His legs hang down vertically as he twists or waves them, alternately flashing red and white.
Active from October to May (See Phenology below).
Boulder JewelPlatycypha fitzsimonsi – Female Tradouws Pass, Western Cape Photo by Ryan Tippett
Status and Conservation
The Boulder Jewel is fairly common but localised and is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is moderately sensitive to habitat change as it does occur on rivers with some alien plant growth. However, the Boulder Jewel is intolerant of polluted or turbid, dirty water.
Boulder JewelPlatycypha fitzsimonsi – Male Moordkuil River, Western Cape Photo by Ryan Tippett
Distribution
The Boulder Jewel is endemic to South Africa. Its range follows the escarpment, from the Cedarberg in the Western Cape up to Mpumalanga.
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Boulder Jewel in the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Boulder Jewel in the OdonataMAP database as at 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
Further Resources
The use of photographs by Bertie Brink, Corrie du Toit, and Sharon Stanton is acknowledged.
Other common names: Fitzsimon’s Jewel (Alt. English); Klipjuweeltjie (Afrikaans).
Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Boulder Jewel Platycypha fitzsimonsi. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/03/02/boulder-jewel-platycypha-fitzsimonsi/
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
Dancing JewelPlatycypha caligata – Female Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Christopher Willis
Habitat
The Dancing Jewel is a species of perennial streams and rivers. They prefer shallow, flowing and rocky stretches that are flanked by overhanging trees, bushes, and less often reeds. The Dancing Jewel is often found in shaded places under overhanging vegetation, especially during the heat of the day.
Typical habitat Pongola River, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Behaviour
Territorial males are normally found low down, on a rock or twig close to the waters edge. The females are usually found alongside the males. The Dancing Jewel frequently sits in the sun but retreats into the shade when it gets too hot. Dancing Jewels are perch hunters, taking short, low flights across the water. Immature males often sit higher up, away from the territorial males. Platycypha caligata males are well noted for having an eye-catching courtship display. The male hovers in front of a perched female, his legs hanging vertically as he twists or waves them, alternately flashing red and white.
The Dancing Jewel is recorded all year round in places, but is most active from October to May (See Phenology below).
Dancing JewelPlatycypha caligata – Mating pair Mkuze River, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Status and Conservation
Platycypha caligata is a common and widespread species of the eastern parts of South Africa. The Dancing Jewel is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is reasonably resistant to habitat degradation and is not confined to pristine habitats.
Dancing JewelPlatycypha caligata – Male Amakhosi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Distribution
The Dancing Jewel is found in eastern, central, and southern Africa from Ethiopia to Angola and South Africa.
It is widespread in the northern and eastern regions of South Africa. Its range extends down the east and southern coastline, marginally reaching the Western Cape. The Dancing Jewel is mostly absent from the drier central and western regions but is present on the Orange/Vaal system and its major tributaries.
Dancing JewelPlatycypha caligata – Immature male Mkuze River, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Dancing Jewel in the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Dancing Jewel 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.
Dancing JewelPlatycypha caligata – Male Pongola River, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Phenology
Dancing JewelPlatycypha caligata – Males are conspicuous even in low light conditions. Mseleni River, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Further Resources
The use of photographs by Christopher Willis and Gert Bensch is acknowledged. All other photographs by Ryan Tippett.
Dancing JewelPlatycypha caligata(Selys, 1853)
Other common names: Dancing Broad-legged Jewel (Alt. English); Dansende Juweeltjie (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Dancing Jewel Platycypha caligata. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/03/02/dancing-jewel-platycypha-caligata/
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.
Dancing JewelPlatycypha caligata – Male Palmiet Nature Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
First BDI Citizen Science Conference, Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve, Hanover
The really important things at conferences happen outside of the formal programme. The First BDI Citizen Science Conference took this idea to its limits. The formal programme consisted of two talks and a song at the braai on Friday evening (14 February), and a series of presentations and discussions from 11h00 to 15h30 on Saturday. The programme was designed not to disrupt the biodiversity activities! People started gathering from Wednesday, most had arrived by Thursday, and the last few came on Friday.
The most important thing that conference organizers need to provide is opportunities for people to engage with each other, to form friendships, to learn from each other, and to make plans for activities to do together. If you read the “highlights” paragraphs written by the people who attended, we achieved these things in abundance.
The Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve is 700 km from Cape Town and 700 km from Johannesburg, and this makes it the perfect overnight stop for exodus to the coast every summer. Even though, for most people, it is far to travel to a conference, the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve is not only a great place to spend a night, it is a biodiversity paradise. It was a fantastic venue for us, and we are grateful to PC and Marisca Ferreira, and their team, for the amazing hospitality.
Being in the centre of the country it also attracted some of the key citizen scientists who live here, and who are generally neglected. Rick Nuttall came from Bloemfontein, Tino Herselman from Middelburg, Ryan and Jana Tippett from Carnarvon, and Altha Liebenberg from Danielskuil. From farther afield was Itxaso Quintana, our intern this year from the Global Training Programme of the Basque Country in Spain, and Laban Njoroge, who is firstly passionate about dragonflies and secondly is Head of Entomology at the National Museums of Kenya in Nairobi, in charge of a collection of three million insects.
PC and his gameviewer full of citizen scientists
We asked PC, our host at the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve, how he felt about the invasion of his property by a crowd of citizen scientists: “My first reaction was that it brought a lot of awesome people together to contribute to science and thus to conservation. It seemed to me that people who love nature and are conservation-minded are calm and in balance. They were easy going and laughed a lot. Is this the difference that nature gives back to us for looking after it? The Citizen Science Conference and the involvement of the BDI is already having a positive impact on the area around Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve. Given time, it will grow and have a dramatic outcome.”
Itxaso Quitana, intern from the Basque Country, Spain: “The overall experience in the Karoo was amazing. It wasn’t just because of the landscape and the biodiversity you can find at area, but also because we were treated with so much care. PC gave us so much information about the history, biodiversity and management of the farm. What I really enjoyed about the week was meeting all the citizen scientists, people passionate about nature and with so much knowledge about it. The week was about caring for nature and learning about it. I noticed that a network was created between people that have interest for nature which has a lot of potential. For me personally, I have learnt so much by joining different people going out to the field; I learnt about the habitat, behaviour, identification and interesting facts of so many species that were new for me. Definitively, my interest about the ecosystems of this country increased so much during that week. I am looking forward to the next meeting. Thank you so much for inviting me!”
Itxaso Quitana, intern from the Basque Country, Spain
Alouise Lynch, Director of Bionerds. “The Great Karoo has always been one of my favourite destinations in South Africa. The solitude and large open spaces speak to my soul, and echo my feelings that silence is more powerful than words. The BDI Citizen Science Conference at Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve refreshed these feelings for me. PC, with his novel outlook on life and conservation, was a breath of fresh air – to me it felt completely surreal to finally meet a farmer who is actually a conservationist at heart. The Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve is a beautiful expanse of grassy-karoo that hides its biodiversity under the veil of ‘the land of thirst’. I knew we were definitely going to have some interesting experiences on this property, but I never expected the diversity I encountered during our stay. It was also wonderful to put names to faces that I have been communicating with via social media for years. It was wonderful to see that, although everyone had their own VM project and species focus, there was this common thread of a passion for life and biodiversity that linked us all together. What was striking to me was that everyone had the freedom to do what they felt important at any specific time period which meant we could cover a variety of biological disciplines over a short period of time. Many bioblitz-style surveys rely on people banding together in one group. So it was refreshing to be able to head off on my own to do some botanizing without feeling that I was withholding anything from anyone. The biodiversity on Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve was mind-blowing; it was great to see so many nocturnal predators so relaxed in a farming environment. I found the botanical diversity particularly striking and could have spent a whole week amongst the grassland and shrubland areas. The BDI surely chose a sterling spot for the first BDI Citizen Science Conference. Thank you to PC and his whole team for making us feel like we have been friends for years!”
Ryan Tippett, hosting the BDI Carnarvon BioBash in April 2020, said: “The conference was a fantastic event. Jana and I booked for only three nights at first. We did not know what to expect. Right from the moment we arrived we felt at ease, the friendliness and enthusiasm that we felt from everyone involved was amazing! To be surrounded by such like-minded and passionate people was infectious and everyone was so eager to share their finds with the group. The venue and the hospitality of PC and his team played a huge part in the success of this event. So we stayed a fourth night!
“In terms of the nature, we could not have been there at a better time. All the rain meant that the biodiversity was out in full display. Everyone found and saw new creatures that they had never seen before. Being out in the veld surrounded by enthusiasm was definitely my highlight!
“The conference was a great success. A lot of networking and idea sharing was done. Solid friendships were made all around. Our upcoming BioBash in April, is proof!”
BioMAPping in action, Karis Daniel (left) and Itxaso Quitana (right)
Karis Daniel, MSc student at UCT: “I was deeply impressed by the contagious enthusiasm within our citizen science community. One of my favourite moments from the conference took place when we were driving in convoy to a dam on PC’s property. Though the distance was short, we took quite some time to reach the dam because halfway, we all stopped our vehicles to admire a Pantala dragonfly. (Several people also climbed out to take photographs!) To me, moments like this captured the heart of the BDI Citizen Science Conference. Though many attendees specialized in one or two taxa, all were equally happy to dedicate their mornings, afternoons, or evenings to learning about a different organisms, or to engage in discussions of natural history, species identification, conservation management, and more. Group outings became treasure hunts, with each participant bringing and sharing incredible knowledge and excitement for some aspect of the natural world. The remarkable shared passion we experienced as well as the shared joy of understanding nature allowed meaningful connections between attendees to rapidly form and flourish. I truly believe many of these connections will continue beyond the conference to last a lifetime.”
Karoo sunset – photo by Karis Daniel
Laban Njoroge, Head of Entomology, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi: “The first time I heard the name Karoo was in geography and history classes in Kenya many years ago. It appeared to me like a great place full of history. Because I never expected to visit it, I put the Karoo out of my mind. So when an invitation came towards end of 2019 to attend the BDI Citizen Science Conference in the heart of the Karoo, I thought this was a dream come true. I was lucky enough to get facilitation from a CEPF (Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund) grant to attend this, and to share about my dragonflies research in the highlands of Kenya. The experiences of the Karoo were overwhelming to me. My mind tried so hard to relate what I read to what I was now experiencing first hand. First impression when I got there, I thought our teachers lied to us about the Karoo. The place was lush green with many different and colourful flowers. There was so much life, unlike what I expected. My phone has never before taken so many photos. However, I was informed that what I was experiencing was an exception rather than the norm. I felt lucky to have been able to see Karoo insect species that most locals have probably never seen. I found myself spending lots of time at night around the lights to see as many insects as possible. I was eager to see the dragonflies of the Karoo. So early mornings and before the brunch, we would go in a team to make trips to nearby water points. An encouraging number of about 12 species was sighted. These will all go into the OdonataMAP section of the Virtual Museum. The storms, the thunder, the lightening and the smell of the rain made a lasting impression in me. My last late afternoon was spent watching the drops from a light drizzle make ripples in Seekoei river as the noisy weaver birds came back to roost. How will I ever forget the Khoi rock engravings and the stone tools that the Khoi used back in the days? I have seen many stars at night in Kenya but those in the Karoo seemed exaggerated. The conference team was great. Everyone was kind and helpful. They took keen interest in what I do back in Kenya and they also shared their stories. What thrilled me most is the enthusiasm with which everyone did they work. It mattered little if one was into birds, scorpions, aardvarks or lizards. This was a Eureka moment to me. What I am now telling Kenyans back home is that now I know why every guidebook comes from South Africa.”
Laban in his entomology collection in Nairobi, with the drawer of Black Emperors, Africa’s largest dragonfly!
Upcoming Events
The Second BDI Citizen Science Conference is tentatively planned to be back at the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve. The core dates are the weekend of 26–28 February 2021, but everyone will be welcome from a few days earlier to a few days after. Please put these dates in your diary.
There’s a move afoot to have an event in between the 1st and the 2nd conferences. If we pull it off, it will be the 1.5th BDI Citizen Science Conference. The dates are already firm: Wednesday 12 August 2020 to Wednesday 19 August 2020, with the weekend 14-16 as core.
The 1.5th conference is driven by the need to do a big data collection drive in the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve in late winter/early spring. In addition, PC’s neighbour has invited us to visit his farm, and he has a boat on the Vanderkloof Dam. So there the potential exists to visit islands in the dam. How cool is that!? Please let Megan Loftie-Eaton (megan@thebdi.org) know if you are interested in the 1.5th conference.
For both the 1.5th and 2nd conferences, the “formal” programme will be similar to 1st: Friday evening and then Saturday 11h00 to 15h30. The 1st conference was a great demonstration that the “real” business takes place outside of the sessions.
And before all of these, there is a BDI Carnarvon BioBash from Wednesday 15 April to Wednesday 22 April 2020. If you would like more information on this, contact Les Underhill (les@dragonflyatlasthebdi.org).
OdonataMAP – Shoot The Dragons Week 6
OdonataMAPpers managed to snap and map 839 dragonflies and damselflies from 6 countries: Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zambia.
Corrie du Toit OdonataMAPped this beautiful Tropical Bluetail Ischnura senegalensis (photo below) at New Holme Guest Farm on Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve during the BDI’s Citizen Science Conference.
Overall, for the week, Jean Hirons submitted the most OdonataMAP records with 107, followed by Chris Small on 78 and Andries and Joey de Vries with 77 records. Awesomely well done OdonataMAPpers! http://vmus.adu.org.za/
FrogMAP in the news
The FrogMAP database played a key role at the start of Peta Brom’s Master’s project. Part of her thesis has been summarized into this paper: The role of cultural norms in shaping attitudes towards amphibians in Cape Town, South Africa. The paper is in the Open Access journal PLOS ONE, and anyone can download it: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0219331
Here is the Abstract: “Urban ecosystems are increasingly viewed as an important component within strategies for wildlife conservation but are shaped as much by natural systems as they are by social and political processes. At the garden scale, attitudes and preferences govern design and maintenance choices including the decision to encourage or discourage specific faunal presence. At the global scale, charismatic taxa that are well-liked attract more conservation funding and volunteer stewardship. Amphibians are a class of animals that are both loved and loathed making them a suitable subject for comparing and unpacking the drivers of preference and attitudes towards animals. We conducted a mixed methods survey of 192 participants in three adjacent neighbourhoods in Cape Town, South Africa. The survey included both quantitative and qualitative questions which were analysed thematically and used to explain the quantitative results. The results revealed that attitudes formed during childhood tended to be retained into adulthood, were shaped by cultural norms, childhood experiences and the attitudes of primary care-givers. The findings are significant for environmental education programmes aimed at building connectedness to nature and biophilic values.”
Peta is now a PhD student, researching monkey beetles.
LacewingMAP
Palpares speciosus – LacewingMAP record by Ryan Tippett Mervyn Mansell writes: This is a Cape endemic, widespread in the Western Cape and parts of Northern and Eastern Cape Provinces. Frequently found in fynbos and Karoo biomes. Extends about as far eastwards as Grahamstown and is then replaced by its adelphotaxon (sister-species) Palpares caffer to the north as far as Zimbabwe. This was the first antlion to be described from Africa, by Linnaeus. The large black larvae live in soil among grass tussocks.
LacewingMAP seems a bit of a Cinderella section of the Virtual Museum. Only 0.7% of the 2019 records into the Virtual Museum were for LacewingMAP (compared with 32% for LepiMAP!!). And no citizen scientist embraces the lacewings as their main taxon of interest. For all of us, lacewings constitute a minor by-catch. In spite of this, Mervyn Mansell, who does the IDs for LacewingMAP, and who would describe himself as a “lacewinger”, is passionately enthusiast about what we are achieving. Mervyn says: “Please keep up the enthusiasm for the LacewingMAP project. It is certainly enhancing our distribution knowledge for many taxa, besides sensitizing the general public to these incredible creatures.”
The map below shows the numbers of species of lacewing per quarter degree grid cell in the KwaZulu-Natal. This map is counting species only (not genus or family). Clearly, there is a huge amount of lacewinging to be done; but it is impressive how few grid cells in KwaZulu-Natal have no data.
One great tip from Mervyn on being a lacewinger. When you stop and buy fuel at night, these places are invariably well lit. Do a close scrutiny of all the windows, window sills, pillars, etc, at these places for lacewings (and for moths!).
Find the Spotted Spreadwing in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Lestidae
Identification
Spotted SpreadwingLestes tridens Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Small and slender
Length up to 42mm; Wingspan up to 46mm
The Spotted Spreadwing is very similar to Lestes dissimulans (Cryptic Spreadwing). Males of the two are best seperated by the shape of the claspers. The pale pruinose blue terminal segments of Lestes tridens only extend half way up segment 9, whereas it extents to the top of segment 9 in Lestes dissimulans. The Spotted Spreadwing also shows a more distinctive pattern on the upper thorax.
Females of the two are closely similar and best recognised by their association with the males.
Spotted SpreadwingLestes tridens Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Habitat
The Spotted Spreadwing frequents both perennial and ephemeral, still-water habitats. They prefer shallow areas of pans, dams and ponds. The Spotted Spreadwing favours tall emergent or flooded grass but also inhabits areas with sedges and reeds. They can often be seen perched on waterlily flowers when they grow close to or among the flooded grass.
Habitat – Near Hluhluwe, Kzn Photo by Ryan Tippett
Behaviour
During the hottest and coolest times of the day, Spotted Spreadwings are mostly inactive and spend long periods hanging vertically from emergent grass stems. At mid-morning, the males are often very active as they chase each other from stem to stem. The females are frequently seen with the males. Spotted Spreadwings are easily overlooked. Their blue-grey colouration and slender bodies blend perfectly with the grass and glare from the water.
The Spotted Spreadwing is most active from September to May, but flies all year at some sites (See Phenology below).
Spotted SpreadwingLestes tridens – pair Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Status and Conservation
Lestes tridens is a rather localised species, but it is often fairly common where it occurs. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Spotted Spreadwing has adapted to utilise suitable man-made dams and waterholes and is fairly resistant to habitat degradation.
Spotted SpreadwingLestes tridens – Male Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Distribution
The Spotted Spreadwing is native to much of the southern half of Africa, where it is widespread, but localised. Its range also extends to East and Central Africa, and parts of West Africa. In South Africa, the Spotted Spreadwing is found in the warmer northern and eastern areas, extending down the east coast to near Mossel Bay.
Spotted SpreadwingLestes tridens – Female Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Spotted Spreadwing in the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.
Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Spotted Spreadwing 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.
Spotted SpreadwingLestes tridens – Male Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Phenology
Spotted SpreadwingLestes tridens – Male Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
Further Resources
The use of photographs by Felicity Grundlingh is acknowledged. All other photographs by Ryan Tippett.
Spotted SpreadwingLestes tridensMacLachlan, 1895
Other common names: Gevlekte Spanvlerkie (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Spotted Spreadwing Lestes tridens. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/02/28/spotted-spreadwing-lestes-tridens/
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.
Spotted SpreadwingLestes tridens – Male Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Ryan Tippett
