Red-veined Dropwing (Trithemis arteriosa)

Cover photo by Jaco Botes.

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

Family Libellulidae

Identification

Small size

Length up to 38mm; Wingspan reaches 60mm.

Male Red-veined Dropwings are readily identified in the field but may be confused with other small red or purplish dragonflies. It is most similar to the Russet Dropwing (Trithemis pluvialis) but that species is orange-red in colouration as opposed to bright red with a purple wash on the thorax.

Females are similar in appearance to several other small dragonfly females. However, they are easily identified by the distinctive black patterning on the abdomen.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Red-veined Dropwing inhabits a wide range of natural and man-made water bodies, including rivers, streams, lakes, pans, dams, concrete reservoirs, swimming pools and animal drinking troughs. They prefer, but are not limited to, vegetated habitats and can be found at both still and running water. The Red-veined Dropwing also makes use of temporary water bodies and is present at a wide range of altitudes.

Behaviour

Males are conspicuous at most water bodies, as they sit prominently on exposed perches over or near the water. They will often also perch on the ground. The Red-veined Dropwing is a very active and restless species. It hunts from a perch and frequently returns to the same site after each foray to catch prey or to chase off rivals. Males and females usually both occur in the same vicinity.

Red-veined Dropwings are on the wing year round in most areas. However, they are found in lower numbers during the cooler months. This species is most numerous from October to January.

Status and Conservation

The Red-veined Dropwing is very common and is probably the most frequently encountered dragonfly species in the region. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Trithemis arteriosa is a very adaptable species that readily makes use of degraded and man-made habitats.

Distribution

The Red-veined Dropwing is very widespread and is found virtually throughout Africa, including some of the driest regions. It also occurs around the Mediterranean Sea and in parts of the Middle East. The Red-veined Dropwing is found throughout southern Africa.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Red-veined Dropwing in the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Red-veined Dropwing 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.

Further Resources

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

Red-veined Dropwing Trithemis arteriosa (Burmeister, 1839)

Other common names: Rooinerfie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Red-veined Dropwing Trithemis arteriosa. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/12/red-veined-dropwing-trithemis-arteriosa/

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.

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