Dragonflies and Damselflies (Order Odonata)

Dragonflies and damselflies develop from aquatic "nymphs", which resemble pale, squat adults, with wings developing externally. All are accomplished predators in both life stages; nymphs preying on aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles and small fish, and adults preying primarily on other flying insects. This list is comprised entirely of species recorded in November 2018 and February-March 2019, and there are certainly many more species present that are yet to be added here.

Emperor Dragonflies, Family Aeshnidae

Large to enormous, long-lived and strong-flying dragonflies, often conspicuous but rarely abundant. Species recorded include Anax ephippiger (Vagrant Emperor), Anax speratus (Orange Emperor), and Gynacantha villosa.

Clubtail Dragonflies, Family Gomphidae

Generally large dragonflies, in Zambia usually most conspicuous on larger bodies of water among woodland. Species recorded include Notogomphus praetorius (Yellowjack Longleg), Paragomphus cognatus (Rock Hooktail), and Lestinogomphus cf. angustus (Spined Fairytail).

Skimmer Dragonflies, Family Libellulidae

Small (for dragonflies) to large, usually the most common and conspicuous dragonflies over much of Zambia. Species recorded include Aethiothemis solitaria (Pearly Flasher), Nesciothemis farinosa (Eastern Blacktail), Nesciothemis fitzgeraldi (Lesser Peppertail), Orthetrum abbotti (Little Skimmer), Orthetrum angustiventre, Orthetrum chrysostigma (Epaulet Skimmer), Orthetrum machadoi (Highland Skimmer), Orthetrum macrostigma (Sharkfin Skimmer), Palpopleura jucunda (Yellow-Veined Widow), Palpopleura portia (Portia Widow), Bradinopyga cornuta (Horned Rockdweller), Crocothemis divisa (Rock Scarlet), Crocothemis erythraea (Broad Scarlet), Crocothemis sanguinolenta (Little Scarlet), Rhyothemis mariposa (Mariposa Flutterer), Tramea basilaris (Keyhole Glider), Trithemis arteriosa (Red-Veined Dropwing), Trithemis dorsalis (Highland Dropwing), Trithemis kirbyi (Orange-Winged Dropwing), Trithemis pluvialis (Russet Dropwing), and Trithemis stictica (Jaunty Dropwing).

Narrow-Winged Damselflies, Family Coenagrionidae

Small to minute, typical damselflies, found in most environments, but rarely far from water. Species recorded include Africallagma sinuatum (Peak Bluet), Agriocnemis victoria (Lesser Pincer-Tailed Wisp), Pseudagrion melanicterum (Black-and-Yellow Sprite), and Pseudagrion salisburyense (Slate Sprite).

White-Legged Damselflies, Family Platycnemididae

Generally small, dusty-blue (in male) damselflies, typically associated with larger streams and rivers. Elattoneura glauca (Common Threadtail) is widespread in sub-equatorial Africa.

Spreadwing Damselflies, Family Lestidae

Medium-sized, very slender-bodied damselflies, adults less strongly associated with water than most damselflies. Lestes virgatus (Smoky Spreadwing) is widespread, common in woodland and mushitu.

Jewel Damselflies, Family Chlorocyphidae

Stocky, fast-flying damselflies, usually associated with fast-flowing streams in forest and dense riparian thicket. Species recorded include Chlorocypha consueta (Ruby Jewel) and Platycypha caligata (Dancing Jewel).

Demoiselles, Family Calopterygidae

Large but delicately built damselflies, usually found in forest or other dense vegetation, often some distance from water. Species recorded include Umma electa (Metallic Sparklewing) and Phaon iridipennis (Glistening Demoiselle).