Old world twister

Introduction: The slender body and hindwing markings of the Old World Twister (Tholymis tillarga) can be observed in huge numbers, although adults are active only at dusk and dawn. Males hover over floating plants and are capable of flying non-stop within a small range over water.

Distribution: Mahango Game Reserve, Kavango, Kwando and Zambezi Rivers. Also found at Epupa Falls, Rundu, Etosha National Park, Windhoek, Kaokoland and other north-central and central Namibian locations.

Colouration: Distinctive and unique brown and milky-white patches in the centre of the hindwings.

Breeding: Copulation is performed in flight, lasting around 15 seconds. Females lay their eggs by swooping downwards towards the water in different directions, hence the common name. An egg 'basket' enables the female to dump around 4 to 13 eggs in swimming plant material, where they stick to the plant surface.

Flight season: Between November and April.

Conservation: Not threatened.