Cover photo by Gregg Darling.

Find the Blue-sided Sprite in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Small size

Length up to 39mm; Wingspan reaches 51mm.

Male Blue-sided Sprites are unmistakable and unlike any other South African species. The combination of chocolate brown eyes, large bright blue postocular spots, and bright blue thorax sides are diagnostic.

Females are also distinctive, being overall orange and black in colour. They are however, quite similar to the orange-form females of the Tropical Bluetail (Ischnura senegalensis). Female Blue-sided Sprites are larger and more elongate and have thin black antehumeral lines on the thorax. Older females are darker and can resemble males. They may develop a blue abdomen tip but lack the bright blue thorax sides.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Blue-sided Sprite inhabits fast-flowing rivers in hot savanna regions. It favours sites with an abundance of emergent grass, sedge, reeds, or papyrus.

Behaviour

The Blue-sided Sprite typically perches over the water on emergent vegetation.

It is on the wing from October to May but may fly all year in some places. See Phenology below.

Status and Conservation

The Blue-sided Sprite is generally an uncommon species. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Blue-sided Sprite frequents unaltered habitats and is not known to use man-made environments.

Distribution

The Blue-sided Sprite is a species of East and Southern Africa. Its distribution ranges from Sudan in the north down to South Africa. In South Africa, the Blue-sided Sprite is restricted to north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.

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

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

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

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

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

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Gregg Darling and John Wilkinson is acknowledged. All other photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Blue-sided Sprite Pseudagrion sudanicum Pinhey, 1955

Other common names: Sudan Sprite (Alt. English); Blousygesie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Blue-sided Sprite Pseudagrion sudanicum. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/22/blue-sided-sprite-pseudagrion-sudanicum/

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

Tropical Bluetail (Ischnura senegalensis)

Cover photo by Carel van der Merwe.

Find the Cherry-eye Sprite in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Small size

Length up to 41mm; Wingspan attains 48mm.

Male Cherry-eye Sprites are readily identified by the bright red front half of their eyes, combined with the purplish upper thorax and postocular spots. In older males, the colouration on the thorax, postocular spots, and terminal tail segments may become obscured by greyish pruinosity. In the hand, the shape of the male claspers is diagnostic.

Females are mainly dull brownish with darker markings and resemble those of many other Pseudagrion species. Best identified by their association with the males.

Males are most similar to Pseudagrion acaciae (Acacia Sprite). The two species often occur alongside one another and have similar habitat requirements. The Cherry-eye Sprite is told apart by having cherry-red eyes, rather than the orange-red eyes of the Acacia Sprite. In addition P. sublacteum has a purplish upper thorax and postocular spots. P. acaciae has greenish postocular spots and an orange upper thorax.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Cherry-eye Sprite inhabits flowing rivers and streams in savanna regions. It prefers sites with a healthy growth of grass and reeds along the banks. The cherry-eye Sprite is found up to 700m above sea level.

Behaviour

The Cherry-eye Sprite perches close to the water on rocks or on emergent, or overhanging vegetation, tree roots, sandbars, and floating vegetation. Males are often seen sitting on rocks in or near the midstream while females are usually found in long grass and reeds near the riverbank.

The Cherry-eye Sprite has been recorded throughout the year at some sites, mainly in warmer areas. It is most active from November to April (See Phenology below).

Status and Conservation

In South Africa the Cherry-eye Sprite is common in the north-eastern parts of the country but is uncommon elsewhere. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Distribution

The Cherry-eye Sprite’s range extends across Africa, including parts of North Africa and the Middle East.

In South Africa Pseudagrion sublacteum is found mainly in the North-East where it is most numerous. It is more sparsely distributed in the Eastern Cape and along the Orange River.

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

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Cherry-eye Sprite 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.

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Carel van der Merwe and Rowan Poortier is acknowledged.

Cherry-eye Sprite Pseudagrion sublacteum (Karsch, 1893)

Other common names: Kersieoog-gesie (Afrikaans).

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Cherry-eye Sprite Pseudagrion sublacteum. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/22/cherry-eye-sprite-pseudagrion-sublacteum/

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

Acacia Sprite (Pseudagrion acaciae)

Vaal Sprite (Pseudagrion vaalense)

Cover photo by John Wilkinson.

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

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Small size

Length up to 36mm; Wingspan attains 48mm.

The Variable Sprite is one of four predominantly ‘red’ sprite species in the region. The others being Pseudagrion massaicum (Masai Sprite), Pseudagrion acaciae (Acacia Sprite) and Pseudagrion vaalense (Vaal Sprite).

Pseudagrion sjoestedti is best told apart from the others by the morphology of the male claspers. However, the distinctive wedge-shaped blue markings on the terminal segments and the broad humeral stripe are also diagnostic.

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

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Variable Sprite is a riverine species, favouring sheltered sites with large overhanging trees, along flowing savanna rivers. It is often found in shaded spots with dappled light.

Behaviour

The Variable Sprite perches on emergent and overhanging reeds near the water.

On the wing from September to May (see Phenology below).

Status and Conservation

The Variable Sprite is uncommon and localised in South Africa. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Distribution

The Variable Sprite is sparsely distributed throughout much of tropical Africa. It is found only in the Northern parts of South Africa, in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. There are also a couple of new records from northern KwaZulu-Natal (see maps below).

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

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

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

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

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

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by John Wilkinson is acknowledged.

Variable Sprite Pseudagrion sjoestedti Förster, 1906

Other common names: Rufous Sprite (Alt. English); Verneukertjiegesie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Variable Sprite Pseudagrion sjoestedti. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/22/variable-sprite-pseudagrion-sjoestedti/

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

Masai Sprite (Pseudagrion massaicum)

Acacia Sprite (Pseudagrion acaciae)

Vaal Sprite (Pseudagrion vaalense)

Cover photo by John Wilkinson.

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

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Small size

Length up to 39mm; Wingspan reaches 50mm.

The Swarthy Sprite shows considerable variation in colouration, depending on age.

Males most closely resemble Pseudagrion commoniae (Black Sprite). Both species may show a uniformly pruinescent black upper thorax, blue sides on the thorax, and blue between the wings. P. hamoni has red and black eyes, with the red being visible on both the top and front of the eyes. The eyes of P. commoniae are black above and in front, only showing a small amount of red on the undersides.

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

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Swarthy Sprite occupies still or slow-moving sections of rivers, as well as the vegetated fringes of dams, pans, and pools. It is often found on patches of floating aquatic plants. The Swarthy Sprite is mainly a species of the Savanna biome.

Behaviour

Swarthy Sprites perch on vegetation or rocks near the water. Males and females are frequently found side by side. They feed on small aerial insects like mosquitoes and moths.

Most active from October to April but recorded year round at some sites. See Phenology below.

Status and Conservation

The Swarthy Sprite is a common resident and is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is an adaptable species that can make use of man-made dams and somewhat degraded habitats.

Distribution

The Swarthy Sprite is widespread across much of Sub-Saharan Africa.

In South Africa, it is restricted to the north-east and is found in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North-West, and Gauteng.

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

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

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

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

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

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by John Wilkinson and Rowan Poortier is acknowledged.

Swarthy Sprite Pseudagrion hamoni Fraser, 1955

Other common names: Drab Sprite, Hamon’s Sprite (Alt. English); Donkergesie (Afrikaans).

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Swarthy Sprite Pseudagrion hamoni. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/21/swarthy-sprite-pseudagrion-hamoni/

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

Black Sprite (Pseudagrion commoniae)

Cover photo by Desire Darling.

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

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Small size

Length up to 39mm; Wingspan attains 51mm.

Male Black Sprites are most similar to the dark form Swarthy Sprite (Pseudagrion hamoni). Pseudagrion commoniae can be told by its eyes, which are black above and in front, with dark red below. In Pseudagrion hamoni, the eyes are red in front.

Females are easily confused with those of several other sprite species. They are best identified by their association with the males.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Black Sprite inhabits the grass and reed-lined verges of streams and rivers, mainly in hot savanna areas. It prefers slow-moving stretches and pools, often where the water is fairly turbid. It is occasionally also found at dams and ponds. The Black Sprite is largely restricted to the Savanna Biome.

Behaviour

The Black Sprite perches near the water among reeds and grass and is usually quite reluctant to fly. The Black Sprite feeds on small flying insects.

Most active from January to May but recorded year round in warmer areas. See Phenology below.

Status and Conservation

The Black Sprite is a common species in South Africa. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Black Sprite often frequents man-made and degraded habitats, especially those with turbid water.

Distribution

Pseudagrion commoniae is found in Southern and East Africa, ranging from Ethiopia in the North to South Africa. In South Africa it is restricted to the savanna regions of the north-east.

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

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

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

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

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

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by John Wilkinson and Rowan Poortier is acknowledged.

Black Sprite Pseudagrion commoniae Pinhey, 1950

Other common names: Swartgesie (Afrikaans).

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Black Sprite Pseudagrion commoniae. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/05/21/black-sprite-pseudagrion-commoniae/

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

Swarthy Sprite (Pseudagrion hamoni)