Distributions/Ecchlorolestes/Odonata/Synlestidae

Queen Malachite (Ecchlorolestes nylephtha)

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

Cover photo by Desire Darling.

Find the Queen Malachite in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Synlestidae

Identification

Queen Malachite Ecchlorolestes nylephtha – Male
Storms River, Eastern Cape
Photo by Gregg Darling

Large size

Length up to 55mm; Wingspan attains 61mm.

The sexes are similar. Adults are dull metallic green when young turning slightly bronzy with age. They have a distinct pale blue-grey pruinescent ‘collar’ on the neck and two blue-grey spots between the wings. The face is dark metallic green with yellow markings. The thorax is dull metallic green becoming bronze-brown with age. The abdomen is dark brownish-green with a pale, narrow ring at the start of each segment. Females are duller and lack the dark metallic green face of the males. Females also have a broader abdomen and are not as elongated in appearance.

Queen Malachite Ecchlorolestes nylephtha – Female
Marloth Nature Reserve, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Within its restricted habitat and distribution, the Queen Malachite is only likely to be mistaken for an un-banded male Forest Malachite (Chlorolestes tessellatus) or non-pruinose White Malachite (Chlorolestes umbratus). The Queen Malachite is similar in size to Chlorolestes tessellatus but is more slender in appearance. The Queen Malachite can be further differentiated by having short, plain pterostigmas (not bi-coloured), and a pruinose blue collar (prothorax) and wing bases. Readily differentiated from male Chlorolestes umbratus, as that species is noticeably smaller and lacks the pruinose blue prothorax and wing bases.

The Queen Malachite is not known to co-occur with the closely related Rock Malachite (Ecchlorolestes peringueyi).

Click here fore more details on identification.

Habitat

Habitat – Milwood Creek, Western Cape
Photo by Sharon Stanton

The Queen Malachite has rather specific habitat needs. It inhabits closed-canopy indigenous forests, where it is found along shady, fern-lined streams. Requires clear, flowing water with pools and a rich growth of stream-side plants. The Queen Malachite is often found where there are large, moss-covered rocks and boulders. It is found from sea level up to altitudes of around 500m.

Habitat – Marloth Nature Reserve, Swellendam
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Behaviour

Ecchlorolestes nylephtha is a shade-loving species. It is unobtrusive and easily overlooked, spending long periods at rest. The Queen Malachite is most often seen hanging vertically from a perch over the water with wings outstretched. They also frequently perch on the side of large streamside boulders. Both sexes occur in the same area but females are even less conspicuous.

Queen Malachites are most active from November to May (see Phenology below).

Queen Malachite Ecchlorolestes nylephtha – Male
Marloth Nature Reserve, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Status and Conservation

The Queen Malachite is a common but highly localised endemic. Listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The loss of its natural forest habitat is a potential threat to the species, but populations are currently thought to be stable. The Queen Malachite is only known from pristine habitats and is unlikely to tolerate habitat degradation.

Queen Malachite Ecchlorolestes nylephtha – Freshly emerged teneral.
Marloth Nature Reserve, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Distribution

The Queen Malachite is endemic to South Africa, where it is known only from the Eastern and Western Cape provinces. Its distribution extends from near Swellendam in the west to near Kareedouw at the easternmost point in its range.

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

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Queen Malachite 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

The next two graphs shows how the occurrence of the Queen Malachite varies within the year, i.e. the phenology. There are 79 records in the database for this species, so these results ought to be starting to be fairly reliable. The first plot shows the number of records in each pentade, five-day periods, which start on 1 July and end on 30 June of the following year. Two pentades have the maximum number of records, six; they are in January and April. There are records in every month of the year, except August and September. 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.

The phenology plot shows a long flight period for the Queen Malachite, with a peak in observations From January to March. There seems to be a steady increase in abundance from October to November, and relatively rapid decline in April.

The quality of the phenology can be improved by actively searching for this species throughout the year. The August-September gap needs to be confirmed by getting lots more records in other months of the year. Although 78 records seem to provide a plausible phenology plot, additional records of Queen Malachites are needed in OdonataMAP to make it really reliable. If you have access to a locality where it occurs, the ideal would be to make a record in OdonataMAP for each five-day period in which they are seen and photographed.

Queen Malachite Ecchlorolestes nylephtha – Male
Marloth Nature Reserve, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Desire Darling, Gregg Darling, and Sharon Stanton is acknowledged.

Queen Malachite Ecchlorolestes nylephtha (Tillyard, 1917)

Other common names: Koninginmalagiet (Afrikaans).

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Queen Malachite Ecchlorolestes nylephtha.  Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/04/23/queen-malachite-ecchlorolestes-nylephtha/

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

Rock Malachite (Ecchlorolestes peringueyi)
White Malachite (Chlorolestes umbratus)
Forest Malachite (Chlorolestes tessellatus)
Chlorolestes/Distributions/Odonata/Synlestidae

Forest Malachite (Chlorolestes tessellatus)

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

Cover photo by Jean Hirons.

Find the Forest Malachite in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Synlestidae

Identification

Forest Malachite Chlorolestes tessellatus – Male banded form
Hogsback, Eastern Cape
Photo by Alan Manson

Large. Note that this species can be quite variable in size.

Length up to 57mm; Wingspan attains 72mm.

Males occur in two colour forms. There is a form with conspicuous black and white banding in the wings and a form without the wing bands. Both forms co-occur.

Most likely to be confused with other green malachites that also develop the black and white wing bands. Closest to Chlorolestes fasciatus (Mountain Malachite), from which it differs by having a broad, yellow-brown humeral stripe on the thorax. The Mountain Malachite shows a far thinner, and brighter yellow humeral stripe. The Mountain Malachite is also slightly smaller and generally occurs in more open habitats than the Forest Malachite.

The Forest Malachite is also similar to the Elegant Malachite (Chlorolestes elegans). The Elegant Malachite is larger and the two differ in the patterning of the pale lateral stripes on the thorax.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Forest Malachite is a shade-loving species found primarily at seeps and streams in forests. It is also known to inhabit wooded valleys in otherwise dry regions, such as the Swartberg Mountain range in the Western Cape.

Habitat – Ngome Forest, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Behaviour

The Forest Malachite is an attractive, eye-catching species. It is mostly seen hanging from plants over the water with wings outstretched. Mature males with banded wings are conspicuous in the dappled forest light. The Forest Malachite is seldom seen away from water. Females are found in the same vicinity as the males, but are far more cryptic in their behaviour.

The Forest Malachite is mostly active from October to May (See Phenology below).

Forest Malachite Chlorolestes tessellatus – Female
Seweweekspoort, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Status and Distribution

The Forest Malachite is generally scarce and localised but can be common in parts of the Eastern Cape. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Forest Malachite is moderately sensitive to habitat damage.

Forest Malachite Chlorolestes tessellatus – Teneral female
iXopo district, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Distribution

Chlorolestes tessellatus is endemic to South Africa. Its range closely follows the Afromontane forest belt that runs below the escarpment. It is distributed from the Riviersonderend Mountains in the Western Cape to the Soutpansberg in Limpopo.

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

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Forest Malachite 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.

Forest Malachite Chlorolestes tessellatus – Male un-banded form
iXopo district, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Phenology

The next two graphs shows how the occurrence of Forest Malachites varies within the year, i.e. the phenology. There are 268 records in the database for this species, so these results ought to be reliable. 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 in a pentade in March, with 16 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 Forest Malachite has a long flight period, and that it can be encountered throughout the year. However, the main flight period is from December to April. There seems to be a steady build up of numbers mainly in October and November, and rapid decrease in May. The plot is quite strongly bimodal, with two peaks: a main one in early January, and a smaller peak in mid-March.

Lots more records of Forest Malachites in OdonataMAP would confirm whether the bimodality is genuine, or whether it is merely an artefact, attributable to the large number of records in a single pentade in March. If you live anywhere within its large range, please be alert to this species throughout the year, and submit records to OdonataMAP.

Forest Malachite Chlorolestes tessellatus – Female
Seweweekspoort, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Alan Manson and Jean Hirons is acknowledged. Other Photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Forest Malachite Chlorolestes tessellatus Burmeister, 1839

Other common names: Woudmalagiet (Afrikaans).

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Forest Malachite Chlorolestes tessellatus. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/04/23/forest-malachite-chlorolestes-tessellatus/

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

Forest Malachite Chlorolestes tessellatus – Male un-banded form
Seweweekspoort, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Similar Species

Mountain Malachite (Chlorolestes fasciatus)
Elegant Malachite (Chlorolestes elegans)
Chlorolestes/Distributions/Odonata/OdonataMAP/Synlestidae

Mountain Malachite (Chlorolestes fasciatus)

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

Cover photo by Gerhard Diedericks.

Find the Mountain Malachite in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Synlestidae

Identification

Mountain Malachite Chlorolestes fasciatus – Male banded form
Sani Pass, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Medium to Large size

Length up to 54mm; Wingspan attains 64mm.

Male Mountain Malachites occur in two colour forms. About 70% of males develop striking black and white bands in the wings. The other 30% or so of males do not develop these wing markings.

Mountain Malachite Chlorolestes fasciatus – Unbanded Male
Near Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

The Mountain Malachite is easily confused with a handful of other green malachite species, especially the ones that also develop the black and white wing bands. The Mountain Malachite is closest to the Forest Malachite (Chlorolestes tessellatus), from which it differs by having a thin, yellow humeral stripe on the thorax. This stripe peters out before the wing bases. The Forest Malachite shows a broad, yellow humeral stripe that reaches the wing bases. The Mountain Malachite is also slightly smaller and generally occurs in more open habitats than the Forest Malachite.

The Mountain Malachite is also similar to the Elegant Malachite (Chlorolestes elegans). The Elegant Malachite is distinctly longer, and the two differ in the pattern of the pale lateral stripes on the sides of the thorax.

Click here for more details on identification.

Mountain Malachite Chlorolestes fasciatus – Female
Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Habitat

The Mountain Malachite frequents grassland streams and rivers in hilly or mountainous areas. It favours running streams with pools, and with fringing reeds, bushes, tall grasses and rocks. The Mountain Malachite is usually found in open, sunny environs. However, along the coast and in the northern parts of its range the Mountain Malachite also occurs in forested habitats.

The Mountain Malachite can be found from sea level up to 2400m above sea level.

Habitat – Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Behaviour

The Mountain Malachite is mostly seen as it sits on a grass stem or branch over the water and often spends long periods at rest. When perched it hangs vertically with its wings outstretched. Banded form males are very striking and conspicuous, and are dominant over un-banded males.

The Mountain Malachite is most active from October to May (See Phenology below).

Mountain Malachite Chlorolestes fasciatus – Banded males perched over a stream.
Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Status and Conservation

The Mountain Malachite is a common species where it occurs. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Mountain Malachite is a fairly hardy species that sometimes inhabits slightly degraded streams and occasionally frequents farm dams adjoining its usual habitat.

Mountain Malachite Chlorolestes fasciatus – Unbanded Male
Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Distribution

The Mountain Malachite is endemic to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.

Its distribution ranges along the length of the escarpment from the Soutpansberg in Limpopo, down through Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal through to the Eastern and Western Cape provinces. The Mountain Malachite also inhabits the mountainous areas of Gauteng and the eastern Free State. This species is considered rare in the Western Cape.

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

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Mountain Malachite 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.

Mountain Malachite Chlorolestes fasciatus – Banded male
Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Phenology

The next two graphs shows how the occurrence of Mountain Malachites varies within the year, i.e. the phenology. There are only 425 records in the database for this species, so these results ought to be definitive. 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 in a pentade is 25, in mid-February. 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.

The phenology plot shows that, over the range of the Mountain Malachite, this damselfly is in flight from November to April, with December to March being the months of most frequent occurrence. The peak abundance is in February. There seems to be a long, six-month build up to this peak, starting in September. The decrease in abundance is steeper, from March to mid-June. Between late-June and the end of August, the cold winter months, there are only two records for this species.

This might well be a species for which two altitude classes could be defined, with phenology plots for each altitude. To do this reliably, larger sample sizes would be helpful.

Mountain Malachite Chlorolestes fasciatus – Unbanded male
Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Gerhard Diedericks is acknowledged. All other Photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Mountain Malachite Chlorolestes fasciatus Burmeister, 1839

Other common names: Bergmalagiet (Afrikaans).

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Mountain Malachite Chlorolestes fasciatus. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/04/23/moutain-malachite-chlorolestes-fasciatus/

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

Mountain Malachite Chlorolestes fasciatus – Male banded form
Sani Pass, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Similar Species

Forest Malachite (Chlorolestes tessellatus)
Elegant Malachite (Chlorolestes elegans)
Conspicuous Malachite (Chlorolestes conspicuus)
Agriocnemis/Coenagrionidae/Distributions/Odonata

Gracious Wisp (Agriocnemis gratiosa)

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

Cover photo by Rob Dickinson.

Find the Gracious Wisp in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Gracious Wisp Agriocnemis gratiosa – Male
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Very small size

Length up to 26mm; Wingspan attains 28mm.

The Gracious Wisp is most similar to Agriocnemis falcifera (White-masked Wisp). The Gracious Wisp can be told apart by its round postocular spots that are not joined by a thin line. Additionally, the male Gracious Wisp lacks the white moustache of the White-masked Wisp. These two species are the largest Southern African wisps, which helps to separate them from the other smaller species.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Gracious Wisp is associated with the fringes and clearings of riverine, coastal, swamp, and dune forests. It occupies damp, grassy areas linked to slow-moving streams, pools, pans, and marshes. The Gracious Wisp favours sites with a rich growth of tall grasses, ferns, and other herbaceous plants. It is often found in shady areas with dappled light.

Habitat – Near Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Behaviour

Due to its small size, the Gracious Wisp is an unobtrusive species that hides low down among rank vegetation.

It is most active from October to April (See Phenology below).

Status and Conservation

The Gracious Wisp is scarce and very localised in South Africa. It is listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as Vulnerable in South Africa, but of Least Concern overall.

Gracious Wisp Agriocnemis gratiosa – Female
Kosi Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Distribution

The Gracious Wisp is a species of East and Southern Africa. It has been recorded in Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and possibly Burundi.

In South Africa, the Gracious Wisp is restricted to the coastal region of north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, reaching as far south as Amanzimtoti. It is also found locally at a few scattered sites in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

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

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Gracious Wisp in the OdonataMAP database as of Decewmber 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 Rob Dickinson is acknowledged. Other photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Gracious Wisp Agriocnemis gratiosa Gerstäcker, 1891

Other common names: Grasieuse Soetjie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Gracious Wisp Agriocnemis gratiosa. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/04/22/gracious-wisp-agriocnemis-gratiosa/

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

Agriocnemis/Coenagrionidae/Distributions/Odonata

White-masked Wisp (Agriocnemis falcifera)

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

Cover photo by John Wilkinson.

Find the White-masked Wisp in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

White-masked Wisp Agriocnemis falcifera – Young Male
Kromme River, Eastern Cape
Photo by Gregg Darling

Very small size

Length up to 25mm; Wingspan attains 30mm.

There are two subspecies of the White-masked Wisp in southern Africa, Agriocnemis falcifera falcifera and Agriocnemis falcifera transvaalica.

When immature, White-masked Wisp males are initially all orange-red. Later stages are orange-red on the terminal segments of the abdomen only. When mature, only the terminal segments are orange-red. In old males the green colouration on the thorax and head turns pruinose white.

The forehead has a whitish band or ‘mask’ that runs from eye to eye and this is a diagnostic feature. The shape of the small green post-ocular spots are also diagnostic. They are tapered along the inner edge and connected across the back of the head in subspecies falcifera. In subspecies transvaalica the postocular spots are not connected.

Females are highly variable and range from all red or orange to green and black.

The White-masked Wisp is most similar to Agriocnemis gratiosa (Gracious Wisp). The White-masked Wisp can be told apart by its tapered and joined postocular spots and the white moustache stripe in the males. These two species are the largest Southern African wisps which helps to separate them from the other smaller species.

Click here for more details on identification.

White-masked Wisp Agriocnemis falcifera – Female
iXopo district, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Habitat

This tiny damselfly is found along the fringes of ponds, lakes, pools, and dams. The White-masked Wisp favours marshy sites with thick stands of grasses, sedges, and reeds. It can also be found on occasion along suitable, slow-moving sections of rivers.

Habitat – Middelburg, Mpumalanga
Photo by Andries De Vries

Behaviour

The White-masked Wisp is inconspicuous due to its tiny size and its habit of sitting low down among the grass stems, where it is well hidden. It is often gregarious, and males and females occur in the same vicinity.

The White-masked Wisp is on the wing from September to April (See Phenology below).

White-masked Wisp Agriocnemis falcifera – Male
iXopo district, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Status and Conservation

The White-masked Wisp is locally common. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The White Masked Wisp has adapted to the marshy fringes of dams and other man-made habitats.

Distribution

The White-masked Wisp is endemic to South Africa. The subspecies Agriocnemis falcifera falcifera occurs in a broad strip along the east coast from northern KwaZulu-Natal to the Western Cape. Agriocnemis falcifera transvaalica occurs inland in parts of Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and Limpopo.

White-masked Wisp Agriocnemis falcifera – Female
iXopo district, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for White-masked Wisp in the OdonataMAP database as at February 2020.

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for White-masked Wisp 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

White-masked Wisp Agriocnemis falcifera – Female
iXopo district, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Andries De Vries, Gregg Darling, and John Wilkinson is acknowledged. Other photographs by Ryan Tippett.

White-masked Wisp Agriocnemis falcifera Pinhey, 1959

Other common names: Witmaskersoetjie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. White-masked Wisp Agriocnemis falcifera. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/04/22/white-masked-wisp-agriocnemis-falcifera/

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

Gracious Wisp (Agriocnemis gratiosa)
Agriocnemis/Coenagrionidae/Distributions/Odonata

Little Wisp (Agriocnemis exilis)

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

Cover photo by John Wilkinson.

Find the Little Wisp in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Little Wisp Agriocnemis exilis – Male
Selinda, Botswana
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Very small size

Length up to 20mm; Wingspan attains 27mm.

The Little Wisp is most like Agriocnemis pinheyi (Pinhey’s Wisp). They are similar in size and are, in fact the two smallest damselflies in the region. Pinhey’s Wisp has an unbroken green line across the face and an incomplete green line across the prothorax. The Little Wisp shows the exact opposite, having a broken green moustache and an unbroken green line on the prothorax.

Females are variable and best told by their association with the males.

Click here for more details on identification.

Little Wisp Agriocnemis exilis – Female
Linyanti, Botswana
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Habitat

The Little Wisp inhabits the dense grass and sedge margins of pools, dams, marshes, and floodplains, as well as the fringes of slow-moving streams. Little Wisp is generally found at lower altitudes than Agriocnemis pinheyi.

Habitat – Near Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Behaviour

Little Wisps usually perch vertically on a sedge or grass stem, typically low down near the water. UDue to their small size, they are unobtrusive and easily overlooked.

The Little Wisp is on the wing from November to March (see Phenology below).

Little Wisp Agriocnemis exilis – Male
Selinda, Botswana
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Status and Conservation

Agriocnemis exilis is fairly common but localised in South Africa. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Distribution

The Little Wisp is widespread throughout most of Sub-Saharan Africa.

In South Africa, the Little Wisp is restricted to the north-east, where it ranges from Limpopo down to north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal.

Little Wisp Agriocnemis exilis – Female
Selinda, Botswana
Photo by Ryan Tippett

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

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Little Wisp 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

Little Wisp Agriocnemis exilis – Male
Linyanti, Botswana
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Further Resources

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

Little Wisp Agriocnemis exilis Selys, 1872

Other common names: Kleinsoetjie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Little Wisp Agriocnemis exilis. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/04/22/little-wisp-agriocnemis-exilis/

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.

Little Wisp Agriocnemis exilis – Male
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Similar Species

Pinhey’s Wisp (Agriocnemis pinheyi)
Africallagma/Coenagrionidae/Distributions/Odonata

Swamp Bluet (Africallagma glaucum)

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

Cover photo by Neels Jackson.

Find the Swamp Bluet in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Swamp Bluet Africallagma glaucum – Male
Near Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Very Small

Length up to 31mm; Wingspan attains 40mm.

The Swamp Bluet most resembles the Slender Bluet Africallagma fractum, but is smaller and less elongate. Africallagma fractum also differs in having large, round postocular spots and a unique keyhole shaped marking at the top of the abdomen on segment 7.

Females are tawny and nondescript. They are best identified by their association with the males.

Click here for more details on identification.

Swamp Bluet Africallagma glaucum – Mating pair
Carnarvon district, Northern Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Habitat

The Swamp Bluet inhabits marshes, seeps and the fringes of ponds, lakes, dams and slow-moving rivers or streams. It favours still water environments with fringing and emergent grass, sedge or reeds. The Swamp Bluet is recorded from all biomes in southern Africa.

Habitat – Bainskloof, Western Cape
Photo by Sharon Stanton

Behaviour

The Swamp Bluet is fairly conspicuous despite its small size. It perches on plant stems close to the water and is often gregarious. Both sexes are usually found in the same vicinity, although females can also be found away from water in tall grass.

Most active from September to May, but flies year round in some places. See Phenology below.

Swamp Bluet Africallagma glaucum – Male
Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Status and Conservation

The Swamp Bluet is very common throughout southern Africa and is the most frequently recorded Bluet in the region. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Species. The Swamp Bluet is a hardy and adaptable species. This has enabled it to use man-made waterholes and animal watering points, allowing it to spread into arid areas.

Swamp Bluet Africallagma glaucum – Male
Amakhosi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Distribution

The Swamp Bluet occurs widely in Southern, central, and East Africa. It is found throughout southern Africa, including arid areas.

Swamp Bluet Africallagma glaucum – Male
Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

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

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Swamp Bluet 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.

Swamp Bluet Africallagma glaucum – Male
Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Phenology

Swamp Bluet Africallagma glaucum – Male
Mkuze River, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Neels Jackson is acknowledged. All other photographs by Ryan Tippett.

Swamp Bluet Africallagma glaucum (Burmeister, 1839)

Other common names: Vleibloutjie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Swamp Bluet Africallagma glaucum. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/04/21/swamp-bluet-africallagma-glaucum/

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.

Swamp Bluet Africallagma glaucum – Male
Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Similar Species

Slender Bluet (Africallagma fractum)
Africallagma/Coenagrionidae/Distributions/Odonata

Slender Bluet (Africallagma fractum)

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

Cover photo by Alan Manson.

Find the Slender Bluet in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

Slender Bluet Africallagma fractum – Male
Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Geoff Prosser

Small size

Length up to 32mm; Wingspan reaches 39mm.

The Slender Bluet is most like Africallagma glaucum (Swamp Bluet). The Slender Bluet is distinguishable from that species by its conspicuous, large, and connected postocular spots, and by the unique black notch-shaped marking on the top of segment seven.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

The Slender Bluet frequents the fringes of streams, pools, and dams where there is a thick growth of tall grasses and forbs. It is usually found in fairly well-wooded areas.

The Slender Bluet is a mid-altitude species. It is generally found between 600 and 1200m above sea level.

Behaviour

The Slender Bluet perches near the top of grass stems over the water, where it is fairly conspicuous.

On the wing mainly from September to April, but may fly all year in places. See Phenology below.

Status and Conservation

The Slender Bluet is scarce and localised in South Africa. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Distribution

The Slender Bluet has been found in Angola, the southern Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and eastern South Africa.

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

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

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

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

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

Phenology

Further Resources

The use of photographs by Alan Manson and Geoff Prosser is acknowledged.

Slender Bluet Africallagma fractum (Ris, 1921)

Other common names: Slanke Bloutjie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Slender Bluet Africallagma fractum. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/04/21/slender-bluet-africallagma-fractum/

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

Swamp Bluet (Africallagma glaucum)
Aciagrion/Coenagrionidae/Distributions/Odonata

Opal Slim (Aciagrion dondoense)

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

Find the Opal Slim in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Coenagrionidae

Identification

There are currently no photographs of this species in the OdonataMAP database.

Aciagrion dondoense is a small, elongate, and slender damselfly with a small head. Males are bright greenish-blue on the upper thorax. The sides of the thorax are bright blue. The long, slender abdomen is black above and brownish below. The terminal segments are bright blue, as are the postocular spots.

The Opal Slim is most similar to the Graceful Slim (Aciagrion gracile), which occurs in the same areas. The two species are best differentiated in the hand by the shape of the male claspers.

Habitat

The Opal Slim is found in coastal grassland and forest mosaic, where it inhabits flooded, marshy areas and the grassy fringes of pans.

Habitat – Cape Vidal, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Behaviour

The Opal Slim is found low down, close to the water, where it moves about among the grass stems. It is also recorded away from the water in the shade of fringing bush and forest.

In South Africa, the Opal Slim has thus far only been recorded in February (See Phenology below).

Status and Conservation

Very little is currently known about the Opal Slim. It is seemingly rare and erratic in occurrence. The Opal Slim is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Distribution

Aciagrion dondoense is only known from central and southern Mozambique, southern Zimbabwe, and north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

In South Africa, the Opal Slim has only been recorded from Cape Vidal in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Records show that it was abundant there following strong cyclonic weather in the early 2000’s. The Opal Slim has not been recorded in South Africa since.

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

Below is a map showing the distribution of records for Opal Slim 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

Opal Slim Aciagrion dondoense Dijkstra, 2007

Other common names: Opaalskraaltjie (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Opal Slim Aciagrion dondoense. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/04/21/opal-slim-aciagrion-dondoense/

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

Graceful Slim (Aciagrion gracile)
Distributions/Odonata/Platycnemididae/Spesbona

Spesbona (Spesbona angusta)

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

Cover photo of Spesbona by Gregg Darling.

Find the Ceres Streamjack in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Platycnemididae

Identification

Spesbona
Spesbona Spesbona angusta – Male
Theewaterskloof, Western Cape
Photo by Desire Darling

Very Small Size

Length up to 30mm; Wingspan reaches 38mm.

Spesbona angusta is the only member of its genus. The Spesbona is unique in that both sexes are photochromatic. This means that their colour and saturation change in response to light exposure and the resultant increase in body temperature.

Spesbona Spesbona angusta – Female
Kouerivier, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

The postocular markings on the head, the broad black band on top of the thorax, and most of the abdomen (except the last 3 abdominal segments) are always black. The rest of the head, thorax sides and the terminal segments of the abdomen vary in colour, shifting from blackish to pale grey, then blue, and finally vivid mauve or purple when in full sun.

Spesbona Spesbona angusta – Female
Janswartskraal River, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

The sexes are similar in general size and appearance. Females are more robust and less colourful than males and have browner eyes and slightly smoky wings. Males have elongate claspers on segment 10, which females lack.

Spesbona Spesbona angusta – Male
Kouerivier, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Male Spesbonas are most likely to be mistaken for the Male Mauve Bluet (Proischnura polychromatica). Both show violet and black colouration, but the Spesbona is larger and more robust. The head of the Spesbona is violet with black postocular markings, while the head of the Mauve Bluet is black with purple postocular markings.

Click here for more details on identification.

Habitat

Spesbona habitat
Habitat – A marshy, well-vegetated pool adjoining a stream.
Theewaterskloof, Western Cape
Photo by Sharon Stanton

The Spesbona inhabits small, still-water pools and marshy places connected to streams and meandering rivers. It is sometimes also found along shallow, slow-moving sections of streams. The Spesbona favours sites with an abundance of overhanging grasses or sedge, and with fynbos plants along the banks. It is partial to pools with emergent and floating vegetation, especially Common Waterblommetjie (Aponogeton distachyos) and sometimes also waterlilies Nymphaea and/or Nymphoides spp.

Habitat – A quiet backwater pool with floating Aponogeton distachyos and sedge-lined banks.
Kouerivier, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

The Spesbona is found mainly at altitudes of around 60 to 400m above sea level.

Behaviour

The Spesbona typically sits lengthwise along a grass or reed stem, usually low down close to the water. They may also perch on a low rock or on floating leaves. The Spesbona is relatively confiding and often reluctant to move. When disturbed, they fly low over the water to a new perch. Males and females are frequently found together, and non-breeding individuals can be found in dry grass a short distance from the water.

Spesbona
Spesbona Spesbona angusta – Female
Nuwejaars Wetland, Western Cape
Photo by Les Underhill

The Spesbona is on the wing from late August until the end of December. It is mainly an early-season species (see Phenology below).

Spesbona Spesbona angusta – Male
Janswartskraal River, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Status and Conservation

The Spesbona is rare and very localised. It is currently listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It was previously assessed as data deficient in 1996 and vulnerable in 2007 and 2010.

The species was first described in 1886 and, for a time, was thought to be possibly extinct until its rediscovery in 2003. The Spesbona is no longer present at the type locality in Ceres, probably due to over-extraction of water for the fruit industry. Spesbona angusta is threatened by the construction of dams, invasive plants such as Acacia mearnsii, and several invasive fish species.

Spesbona Spesbona angusta – Female
Janswartskraal River, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Distribution

Spesbona angusta is endemic to the Western Cape, South Africa. Originally, the species was only known from near Ceres south to Franschhoek. However, additional populations have now been found to occur near Riversdale and in the Overberg between Bredasdorp and Elim, and in the Sedgefield/Knysna area. The Spesbona is likely to be more widespread than current records show.

Spesbona Spesbona angusta – Female
Kouerivier, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

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

Distribution map of Spesbona 2020

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

Distribution map 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.

Imputed distribution of Spesbona
quality of imputed distribution

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.

Spesbona Spesbona angusta – Female
Kouerivier, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Phenology

Spesbona Spesbona angusta – Male
Kouerivier, Western Cape
Photo by Ryan Tippett

Further Resources

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

Spesbona Spesbona angusta (Selys, 1863). This species was moved from the genus Metacnemis in 2013.

Other common names: Ceres Streamjack, Ceres featherlegs, Ceres stream-damsel (Alt. English); Spesbona (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M; Navarro R; Tippett RM; Underhill L. 2025. Spesbona Spesbona angusta. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2020/04/21/ceres-streamjack-spesbona-angusta/

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

Mauve Bluet (Proischnura polychromatica)