Pale bluet

Introduction: The body of the Pale Bluet (Africallagma subtile) has been described as subtle, subtile comes from the Latin subtiles meaning 'fine in texture, delicately slender'. Well-vegetated temporary rain ponds associated with dense reeds and grass are their favoured habitats.

Distribution: More common in northern Namibia than recordings show, but the only sighting has been near Rundu.

Colouration: Pale blue and black thorax with broad brown stripes along the mid-dorsal carina and humeral suture. The head is blue and the abdomen pale blue, hence the common name.

Breeding: Females oviposit eggs into submerged plants.

Flight season: February, March and July.

Max size: 30mm.