Robust skimmer

Introduction: The largest species of Orthetrum in southern Africa is the Robust Skimmer (Orthetrum robustrum). They inhabit back swamps and oxbows of rivers. The abdomen is shorter than the hindwing though. As you might expect Robustrum is a Latin meaning for 'robust, strong or vigorous.

Distribution: Popa Falls downstream from the Kavango River, Kwando and Zambezi Rivers.

Colouration: Brownish thorax, pale blue abdomen.

Breeding: Copulation can last from a few seconds to more than an hour.

Flight season: December to April.

Max size: 58mm.

Conservation: Not threatened.