Rock dropwing

Introduction: Rock Dropwing (Trithemis kirbyi ardens) are also known as Orange-winged Dropwing because of the colouration of the four wings, the orange reaching up halfway to the node of each wing. They were named after William Forsell Kirby (1844-1912) the foremost Odonata specialist of the day. They inhabit all freshwater bodies including water tanks and swimming pools. Ardens is a Latin word for 'burning'.

Distribution: Widespread and common throughout the country less for the Kavango and Caprivi regions. Observed at Epupa Falls, Kaokoland, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Swakopmund, Windhoek, Fish River Canyon.

Colouration: Males are bright red as is the frons. The thorax is pinkish-violet on the sides.

Breeding: Rapid larval development enables eggs to emerge in under 50 days.

Flight season: Throughout the year.

Conservation: Not threatened.